Resource Information
C-Pen Reader
In-library use only. The C-PEN® scanner provides assistive technology for reading that helps people with reading difficulties. The product uses patented camera technology and an in-system Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that together instantly captures and processes printed text.
ReaderPen is ready to scan whenever the device is in Text Reader mode. There is an auto trigger in the front of the device that activates scanning when pressed toward the paper. A light illuminates the text. The edge of the transparent window in the front is used for "start of text" and "end of text." ReaderPen supports left and right-hand use (changed in settings) as well as scanning left to right and right to left.
Daisy Discs & Readers
Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) books on CDs are regular discs but cannot be played in standard players. DAISY audiobooks sound like other CD audiobooks, except users can also search, place bookmarks, navigate line by line, and control the speaking speed without adding distortion. DAISY discs must be played on a DAISY reader, which can be borrowed from the library by CNIB-registered BPL members. DAISY discs can also be played on a computer or MP3 player with DAISY playback software.
DAISY readers may be borrowed by special arrangement. Please call us at 905.639.3611.
Optelec Magnifiers
Optelec's Clearview CCTV and Merlin Ultra HD machines are full-size desktop electronic magnifiers. To use, place your document underneath and use the controls to magnify and enhance the contrast to suit you.
Reachdeck Online Toolbar
ReachDeck helps website visitors who need online reading support and those who prefer to listen to information instead of reading it. ReachDeck has many features to assist people with dyslexia, literacy difficulties, visual impairment, and where English is a second language.
- Reads website content out loud, highlighting each word as it is spoken.
- Translates web pages into a wide range of international languages.
- Works with smartphone and tablet technology, as well as PC and Mac computers.
- Free to use and works with all major browsers.
- Very useful for people with print disabilities such as dyslexia or mild visual impairments and people with English as a second language.
To launch the ReachDeck toolbar on the library website, click/tap on the ReachDeck icon in the top right corner of the library’s web pages.
Sara CE Text Reader
SARA CE (Scanning and Reading Appliance, Camera Edition) is a self-contained scanning and reading appliance specifically designed to support people with low or no vision. It is simple to use and quickly converts printed text to spoken text. No computer experience is needed. Read your documents without the need for sighted assistance.
- Easy to learn, easy to use—no computer experience needed.
- Convert printed text to human-like speech in your choice of voices and languages.
- Built-in keypad with brightly-coloured tactile keys and an audible menu.
- Document camera providing instantaneous access to printed material.
- Powerful low-vision features tailor the appearance of text on the screen, including font style, size, character spacing, and colours.
- Fast, automatic page capture for efficient document acquisition.
- Save files in SARA CE or send them to a USB thumb drive.
- Built-in Braille support.
ZoomText
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and screen reading program tailored for low-vision users. The program can enlarge, enhance, and read everything on the computer screen aloud.