Reader for blind to be demonstrated

AUGUSTA — The Xerox/Kurzqeil. Reader will be demonstrated at a special meeting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, at the Coastline Inn on outer Western Avenue. The KPR is a portable, optical scanner that allows users to hear typewritten or printed materials read to them in a choice of digitized voices, with a choice of inflections and speed.

In addition to making printed materials accessible to the blind and visually impaired, the KPR has been helpful to students with learning disabilities.

Kim Wallace, director of the state program to underwrite adaptive devices for the disabled, will speak about the Alpha One, Maine’s Adaptive Equipment Loan Fund. The Loan Fund’s objective is to make loans available to persons with disabilities at affordable rates and terms to acquire equipment designed to improve employment opportunities and quality of life. The demonstrations and Alpha One presentation are free and open to the public.