Online Dictionary Survey Results

The February ZoomNews survey polled our readers about online dictionaries that work best with ZoomText. First off, congratulations to Douglas Hernandez Panagua whose name was chosen in the raffle from all the participants - he won a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate!

The most popular online dictionary to use turned out to be Merriam Webster, with Dictionary.com coming in a very close second. You can view the complete results in a PDF Document, where they are presented in both graphical and text formats.

Thanks to everyone who participated - not only did you have a chance to win a prize, but this information is really helpful for those who don't know which dictionary to use or don't particularly like the one they're currently using. Read on for this month's contest and another chance to win!

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New Contest

In last month's contest, we not only asked you about online dictionaries, but to submit questions that you'd like to see as a poll in future issues of ZoomNews. Thanks to all those who sent in questions and you'll certainly see many of them in issues to come. As promised, if I use yours, you'll be sent a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate.

This question comes to us from Linda Ouellette: "How do I meet other visually impaired people like myself online? It would be nice to be able to share info with each other. I'm out of the loop since I no longer can volunteer at my local CNIB (it closed)."

Send your answers to Becca at by April 30th to be entered into this month's raffle for a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate! Thanks again to Linda for such an interesting topic.

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ZoomText 9.18 Now Available!

Last week you received an email from us letting you know that the newest version of ZoomText has arrived. Here's a recap of what's included . . .

For starters, we've given ZoomText a major tune-up that provides improved performance across the board. Next, we've added a cool new feature called Smooth Panning (patent pending) that allows you to comfortably navigate your applications without all that abrupt jumping around in the magnified view. Sion Milner from the United Kingdom writes, "I have been using your product for several years, but the best thing that you have ever done is to introduce smooth panning in 9.18. I am not exaggerating when I say that it has revolutionized my use of ZoomText. I now know where I am at all times!"

But there's more: ZoomText Scripting is now included in every license of ZoomText. Now you can automate tasks in ZoomText and most applications, allowing you to work faster than ever before. To learn more, go to www.aisquared.com/scripting

We've also added support for Windows Vista 64-bit edition, which is rapidly becoming the standard on new laptops and desktops.

Get ZoomText 9.18 Today

Already own ZoomText 9.1? If so, just go to www.aisquared.com/updates to download the free update!

Still using ZoomText 9.0 or earlier? No problem. Low cost upgrades start at just $75 for ZoomText Magnifier and $99 for ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. To place your order, call Ai Squared toll-free at (800) 859-0270.

ESP Customers

Notice to our Enhanced Support Plan (ESP) customers - this is a FREE update and is NOT one of your two paid upgrades included with your plan. You will not receive anything in the mail and will need to go to www.aisquared.com/updates to download this free update.

More Information and a Free Trial

Want more information on ZoomText and the new 9.18 release? Check out the ZoomText product page, 9.18 press release and product release notes. Better yet, take ZoomText 9.18 for a test drive and see for yourself. Download the free 60-day trial and check out everything that ZoomText has to offer on your computer.

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Using ZoomText – from Middle School to Grad School!

Rachel Wells is a 25 year old student in her first year of a Master's Degree program for Clinical-Counseling Psychology at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. To top it off, she's visually impaired and credits ZoomText with making her schooling career possible.

Rachel has a congenital condition called retinopathy of prematurity - a condition that occurs primarily, but not exclusively, in premature infants and refers to blood vessel damage in a developing eye. She is legally blind, with a completely detached retina in her left eye that leaves her with no vision in that eye and very little in her right eye, and she has no depth perception. Luckily for Rachel, when she was 13, she worked with a vocational rehab facility where she was introduced to ZoomText. She's been a loyal user ever since!

Ciick here to read the rest of Rachel's story.

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New "Easy Pay" Plan Unveiled

In this tight economy, everyone is counting pennies and weighing options before making a purchase. To do our part, we've launched a new "Easy Pay" Plan, allowing you to pay for purchases in monthly installments, making ZoomText more affordable for everyone.

"We wanted to offer a program to our customers and do our part to help out in any way we can," says Doug Hacker, VP of Business Development. "We don't want money to be the reason someone can't use their computer. Our sales staff is here to help come up with the right plan for you, which will dramatically decrease the immediate cost of any ZoomText products."

We value our customers and respect your needs, so if you or someone you know needs to access the many features of ZoomText, we will work with you to make sure you get what you need as quickly as possible.

Feedback has been great so far! Julie Adkins, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist from Charlotte, NC writes, "Hallelujah! I just saw on your website that ZoomText can be purchased for $55 a month. Finally, more of our clients may now be able to afford to purchase ZoomText. Thank you!!!!"

End users can purchase plans starting at $37/month for new copies of Magnifier and $55/month for new copies of Magnifier/Reader. These prices are for domestic single-user copies only and include shipping. Interested in purchasing an upgrade? We have Easy Pay plans available for you as well. Go to the Easy Pay page on our website for more specific pricing information or call our sales team at 800-859-0270 to discuss pricing for your specific situation or to place your order.

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In the News

New Verizon Wireless app assists visually impaired - "TALKS" will convert displayed text into speech for a variety of features including phone numbers on caller ID, text messages, e-mail, and notes.

Revolutionary genetic test now available for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - For the first time ever, an individual's inherent risk of developing AMD can be determined.

Blind triathletes gear up for big challenge - A groundbreaking group of 30 Canadians, aged 16 to 66, with varying stages of vision loss will take part in a triathlon this summer.

Unique Michelangelo exhibition in Iowa - Unique bronze casts of Michelangelo's models are on display and meant to be shared with the public in an interactive way, making it possible for those who are visually impaired to enjoy the artistry by touch.

A Broadway experience for the blind - The new "Audio Description" program helps the blind and visually impaired enjoy many Broadway shows.

Creative Vision: An Exhibition on Vision and Perception - An exhibition is being showcased with pieces of art created by individuals from the visually impaired community, including Kurt Weston, a ZoomText user that we've profiled before in ZoomNews!

Blind hikers look to conquer Kilimanjaro - Eight visually impaired hikers are taking part in the American Foundation for the Blind's expedition to the top of Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness to support services for the blind.  In another news story, eight blind hikers from Australia and South Africa began their quest to conquer Africa's highest peak in late March.

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Tradeshow Schedule

Spring has finally begun here in Vermont and it's our tradeshow schedule that keeps on growing! If you're attending any of these shows, be sure you stop by and see what's new with us.

Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Tech Fair
April 22nd
South Burlington, VT

SightCity
May 13th - May 15th
Frankfurt, Germany
Booth B3

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) National Convention
July 3rd - July 8th
Detroit, MI

Sight Village
July 14th - July 16th
Birmingham, UK

Assistive Technology Industry Association Chicago Conference
October 28th - October 31st
Schaumburg, IL
Booth #319

National Ergonomics Conference & Exposition (NECE)
November 18th - November 20th
Las Vegas, NV
Booth #240

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