Development of prototype equipment for innovative employment of blind and partially sighted persons

Sensory Aids Foundation of Palo Alto, California, has funded development of a number of microprocessor-based or computer-related sensory aids to enable blind and partially sighted persons to enter innovative areas of employment previously inaccessible to them. Three of these devices are discussed in this paper: the prototype TSPS (Traffic Service Position System) console for blind telephone operators; an Optacon Tracking Guide for CRT displays; and a Digital Indexing System for cassette audio recorders. In addition, three other microprocessor-based products recently acquired by Sensory Aids Foundation for placement with blind or partially sighted clients are briefly described: the Speech Annunciator for digital laboratory instruments; the Large Print Video Terminal; and the TIM-II (Talking Information Management System). A new grant received from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Projects With Industry Section, has allowed expansion of services to develop computer-related jobs for blind, deaf, and orthopedically disabled persons.