THE OPTACON

From: brian payne <b.payne234@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: braille@xxxxxxxxx
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:22:04 -0000
dEAR Friends,

I began using the Optacon in 1973 and became a teacher of this device in 1978 
after visiting the US schools and establishments involved with teaching both 
children and adults.  I then began teaching in my spare time and used the 
Optacon in my work, mainly to read specifications and reports involved with my 
job.  I used the machine until TSI ceased development and sales.

I founded a national charity in England to supply machines to blind adults and 
children and managed to teach a significant number of people to read with the 
device.  I was disappointed when development stopped because, in spite of OCR 
devices, there is still a significant need for the Optacon to read documents, 
diagrams and locate signature blocks.

I still have a couple of machines but do not currently use them because the 
batteries are flat.  I believe the cost of using these machines has increased 
significantly now and this makes it difficult to continue to keep the product 
in working condition.  I am, however, very interested to learn that you are 
reviving the interest in the Optacon and would support this effort in any way I 
could.  Unfortunately, the charity Electronic Aids for the Blind (EAB) no 
longer exists so I am no longer in a position to raise funds.  I do, however, 
possess considerable skills in using and teaching the use of the Optacon and 
would be pleased to her from you about your plans and what is happening at 
present, and where.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Payne

29 Oleander Close
Orpington
Kent
BR6 7TQ
England.

Tel:  01689 862332

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Catherine Thomas
braille@xxxxxxxxx                     /

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
to view the list archives, go to:

www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l 

To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to:

optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the 
quotes) in the message subject.  

Tell your friends about the list.  They can subscribe by sending a message to:

optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) 
in the message subject.
THE OPTACON

Other related posts:
