Hello All:

My boss asked me an interesting question last night that I don't feel I
have a good answer for, so I'm putting it out there to get your
opinions.

For those of you who want or need to be able to scan documents into a
computer so you can read and do other things with them, there are two
specialty software packages, Kurzweil 1000 and Open Book.  Also, many
scanners today come with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software
that allows one to scan documents directly into Microsoft Word.  This
latter option in terms of price is much cheaper.

The question is this.  Assuming that someone has a computer equipped
with the necessary screen reader or screen magnifier, why do you need a
specialty package like Kurzweil 1000 or Open Book instead of just a
scanner and OCR software that scans directly into word?  In answering
this, think of the advantages that you believe exist with packages like
Kurzweil 1000 or Open Book.  Also, think in terms of someone needing to
purchase these products, how would you justify the cost of one of these
programs if the person has the necessary screen reader or screen
magnifier and a scanner.

I will be looking forward to hearing your responses.  If you'd like to
call me and talk with me about this, that would be fine.  Otherwise,
e-mail responses are acceptable.


Ray Campbell, Help Desk Technician
Adaptive Technology Center
Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
1850 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL  60608
312-997-3651 (Voice/Relay) or
888-825-0080 (voice/Relay)
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AIM Screen Name: tclhelp


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