In summary, the evaluation of the KRM has demonstrated that this approach and this specific machine can permit immediate access to printed material by most blind individuals. The greatest limitation at this stage of development is related to the confidence level that many users have placed in the ability of the machine to read various kinds of reading material. This factor has limited the use of the machine as an aid to employment of blind people. It is believed that many of the problems identified in the evaluation process can be overcome with further research and development of the KRM. The evaluation of the KRM by blind and sighted individuals throughout the country has led to the unanimous conclusion that further investigations with improved models of the KRM are warranted. The software in the existing models should be improved to eliminate some of the problems identified above. Hardware changes should be made to eliminate other identified problems. The concern regarding the lack of use of the KRM by employed blind individuals residing close to existing machines probably cannot be alleviated until reading machines of this kind can be located within the actual employment situation. Blind individuals are not willing, nor should they be, to travel to where machines are located in order to read work related materials. Other alternatives, including sighted readers, can be utilized within a work setting. This conclusion suggests the necessity of reaching the point at which speech-output reading machines can be affordable by individuals. Postscript: Since the completion of this evaluation project and the submission of the final report to the supporting governmental agency and to the manufacturer, KCP announced plans for Model Three of the KRM, a desk-top unit. The design includes most of the recommendations suggested in this report such as a hand-scanning option, a small tactile display to assist in format recognition, automatic contrast control with manual override capability, and a spell-next-letter feature. In addition, KCP announced several innovative features. The new model will permit the improved speech synthesizer to speak at rates up to 250 words per minute. Model Three will also have the capability of attaching to a braille embosser to provide direct print to braille conversion. The unit can also be attached to a computer to provide immediate full vocabulary output for computers. A new program is being developed to be used with all KRM's to permit the reading machines to be used as high-powered, programmable, scientific calculators. The new models and programs are scheduled for distribution in early fall 1978. Comprehensive evaluation of these advances is planned.
Auditory speed processing in sighted and blind individuals
