# Seeing is believing -- device helps the blind read By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-06-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seeing-is-believing-device-helps-the-blind-read References: [cnn](http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/06/27/blind.reader.ap/index.html) whole new world opened up for Tommy Craig as he tested a new [handheld device for the blind](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier) that converts print to audio. Craig was able to "read" everything from menus to cooking directions by positioning the reader over print and taking a picture. In seconds, the device's [synthetic voice read the printed message](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevenreader-by-elevenlabs) to him. "The reader provides access to materials that a lot of times you just didn't read," said Craig, 51, of Austin, Texas, who was one of about 500 blind people who tested the device over the past few months. "It certainly makes you [more independent](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-my-eyes-and-tesco)." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Blind Accessibility Technology:** Developing handheld devices that convert print to audio for blind individuals, enabling them to access printed materials independently. - **Synthetic Voice Technology:** Advancing the use of synthetic voices to improve accessibility for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to 'read' printed text through audio conversion. - **Print Recognition Technology:** Innovating handheld devices with print recognition capabilities to assist blind individuals in converting printed material into audible content. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Assistive Technology:** The development and distribution of handheld devices for blind individuals to improve accessibility and independence in accessing printed materials. - **Artificial Intelligence:** Applying synthetic voice technology and print recognition capabilities in handheld devices to enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals. - **Education and Learning:** Implementing blind accessibility technology in educational settings to enable visually impaired students to access and engage with printed materials more effectively. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessibility-Promoting Voter Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcgonagle-reader.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md) - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [On-Demand Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot.md) - [Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot-printer.md) - [Accessible Home Device Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessble-home-device.md) - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Robotic Visual Impairment Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-guidance-device.md)