ZoomText  Testimonials  

• There’s a picture of me using ZoomText version 10.1 on my home computer. I use ZoomText on a daily basis at work and home. I am a third grade teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Phoenix, Arizona and without ZoomText I would be lost. I have been using ZoomText since the age of 14. I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at age 12, and there is no way I would have been able to keep up with all the new technology and social media without the use of ZoomText. I am able to read and respond to emails, read personal documents and news stories on the web, communicate with friends and family via Facebook, and navigate my way through any website. I love ZoomText and it saved my life. Warmest Regards, Ashley Ezell

• ZoomText has been invaluable to me as my sight has diminished in the past five years. As the owner of my own custom cabinet and countertop business for 12 years, I use ZoomText everyday to read email, create estimates and invoices, surf

the web, and even design cabinetry in a CAD program. Before using ZoomText, I was unable to use my computer adequately to run my business. I don’t know what I would do without it. David Life LCW Cabinets and Countertops

• I remember the first time I saw ZoomText. A regional dealer pulled his van up to my rural school and brought me inside where he had it hooked up on PC. I was in eighth grade and it was version 5.1 for DOS and Windows 3.1. It was awesome! For the first time I could see stuff on the screen. I was crazy about computers, but it was really hard to do much without seeing it well. Now, I could. The school bought ZoomText and away I went. Computers frustrated me so much I decided that someday I’d make them do what I wanted. I graduated from high school and went to college and majored in Computer Science. I had every version of ZoomText all the way. I would not have been able to succeed without it. I went on to obtain two master’s degrees. One is in IT Management and one is in Information Systems Security. I also am A+ Certified, Network+ Certified, and have Microsoft MCSA certification. I’m using ZoomText 10 at work and ZoomText USB at home. I love it. I brag on it all the time and I would trade for anything. It has literally helped achieve everything I’ve done and do. Thanks Ai Squared! Sara Skroh

• Here's my crazy picture. How has ZoomText helped me? I can actually use my computer again. It has opened the world up to me once more. I LOVE IT!!! Judi Lewis

• When I was first introduced to ZoomText several years ago through the CNIB I thought it looked like a great product but I didn't think it would be much use to me because, at the time, I didn't really need magnification or a screen reader. The folks there were good enough to explain to me that I should think about the future as well as the present. With deteriorating eyesight you would think I might have realized that on my own! It didn't take long for ZoomText to become a practical necessity! As my eyes got worse I needed high contrast settings to use a computer in any way but when I started to use features like zoom, mouse locator and reader I also found a lot of tension left my neck and shoulders. Without ZoomText I would not have been able to remain employed! Several years later I am still working and whenever I get in front of a PC I've got my ZoomText USB with me. Regards, Darryl Parsons

• I’ve been an Ai Squared customer for over 20 years when I started using ZoomText-DOS and ZoomText-Extra. By listening to its customers, Ai Squared has remained in the forefront of developing the most powerful group of assistive technology tools to serve the needs of an untold number of customers worldwide who have a visual impairment. Over the years, I have tried other products, and none of them offered the functionality found in ZoomText (either version), the ZoomText Large Print Keyboard, the ImageReader camera(s) and ZoomReader. And now with the release of ZoomText Mac, Ai Squared has tapped a whole new customer base that can now benefit from the company’s expertise. Without Ai Squared’s range of products, I wouldn’t be able to carry-out my responsibilities as the fleet manager for the malt beverage wholesaler where I have worked for over 25-years. Likewise, Ai Squared’s products have allowed me to manage the affairs of my family; and several organizations I am affiliated with. As information technology continues to evolve, I am sure Ai Squared will be there to meet every challenge. Tom Keasey Brewery Products Co.

• Without ZoomText magnification software I would not be able to use my computer AT ALL!!!!! Claude O. Roberts

• My New Life With the ZoomText Program Alvin Ray Cole Sr. Owner of T. S. C. All Around Tire Service As a kid I always loved big trucks so in 1977 when I was hired at Moore’s Goodyear I was excited to learn that I would be changing tires on 18 wheelers. At Moore’s Goodyear I learned the ins and outs of the tire and auto business. I often dreamed of owning my own tire business but in 2002 I was told, after an eye test, I had advanced glaucoma. I was declared legally blind and I thought my dreams were shattered. I was terminated from my job because of my condition. I searched for a job in the tire and auto business for two long years but no one would give me a chance. As a man it was heartbreaking not to be able to provide for my family. I was not use to sitting at home and watching my wife go to work. I didn’t feel sorry for myself but I was angry because I knew I could still change tires just as well as a man with 20/20 vision. I thought I would never work again and my faith in the American dream had begun to die. One day I was calling around looking for some help and Southern University in Shreveport told me to call Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. I called and made an appointment that same day. During my appointment I was told that I could become an Entrepreneur through a program called TRAC. I applied for the grant and went to the introductory Excel workshop where I had to explain my dream, of owning my own tire service. After the workshop TRAC reviewed my file and invited me to their Two-week Intensive workshop and this is when my life begins to change. The staff of the Excel program provided me with information about becoming the owner of my own business. They helped me write a business plan that would be accepted by the state. After I was trained on the computer by computers specialist, and all of the program, ZoomText was just what I need to make it through the class. I began to realize being legally blind did not mean life had to come to an end. The ZoomText program put my business dreams before me and it was left up to me to conquer it or let my dreams go down the drain. The ZoomText program gave me the tools I needed to get my life back on track. So if there is anyone out there who feels they have taken a backseat to their disability it’s time to get back in the driver’s seat. I would recommend the ZoomText program and it products to anyone

who has been affected by life’s disabilities of vision. The ZoomText program and its Training Resource and Assistive Technology is the place where self-employment and managing your own business begins.

• ZoomText has made it possible to use a computer with ease. I would be unable to do my job and communicate with others in this technological age without ZoomText. Thank you for this great product. Amy Doherty

• As a 52 year old who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when I was 14, I have slowly watched my eyesight deteriorate over the years. From riding my bike as a child, to loving to read books, reading the newspaper, shopping, etc., these everyday activities slowly became more difficult. As an Income Maintenance Caseworker for the PA Dept of Public Welfare for the past 33 years, my job duties entail reading a lot of paperwork and doing computer work. As the years went by, these tasks became harder and harder. I got a CCTV to read hard copies, but working on the computer became almost impossible. Then, through the local blind/visual services, I was introduced to ZoomText and it changed my life!! For at least 10 years I have used the ZoomText program in both my work and home computers. It has afforded me the ability to continue employment, surf the Internet, shop, read, etc. It is THE most wonderful product I have ever used and I am grateful to Ai Squared for developing such a wonderful tool to allow those of us with visual impairments to continue being self-reliant, independent, contributors to the workforce and society. Thank you! Sincerely, Deborah L White

• Thanks for the chance to be a part of your contest. Taking the time to type this has also given me a great chance to think back on some good memories. My first experience with ZoomText started in 1995 when a friend gave me an old 386 that he was no longer using because he had just upgraded his main PC. The school I was attending at the time mainly had Macs so this was a whole new world to me. That computer introduced me to ZT for DOS, WordPerfect 6.0, and a bunch more that over the years I have forgotten the names of. I used that machine for 3 years until it bit the dust. When I graduated from High School I was given an iMac to help continue my education. All though I was greatly appreciative of the gesture I had just started sharing an apartment with my GF who had Windows 98 and ZT6 and once again was becoming spoiled to how much more I could do with ZT and windows. Though the mac served me well over time I found myself using her machine more as I found the Mac was serving my needs less and less. When it died in 2001 I knew for me that my time with Mac was done and after doing some saving I found my self the proud owner of a Windows XP machine and my own copy of ZoomText 7.1. Fast forward 12 years later I am just as happy and excited with what ZoomText does for me. From a teenager in school to a guy in his middle 30's ZT continues to be there. As I am getting close to needing to get a new PC it truly gives me peace of mind to know they will have me covered. Benjamin Ayers

• Well this is truly ironic since you're giving away a $100 Amazon gift card, but here's my story on ZoomText has changed my life. I worked for Amazon as a seasonal employee a couple years ago using Magic and it was a horrible experience and I was not kept on as a permanent employee. I reapplied for seasonal this year and went to ZoomText and if this works great. There is a very good tech chance that I'll be kept on this time because I'm able to do my work with ZoomText when I was not able to do it with Magic. In short

ZoomText has allowed me to be employed doing what I want to do and that alone has changed my quality-of-life for the better. Thanks, Gene

• ZoomText allows me to do my job again. In March of 2013, I was affected by Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy - which caused a loss in central vision. Without knowing anything about assistive technology, I found the Arizona Center for the Visually Impaired & Blind. After a full assessment by their technology team and the AMAZING support of the company I work for, ME Elecmetal; I had a brand new set up in my office and I tried to jump back into what was once normal. ZoomText reads all of my emails to me, which helps me so much staying up to speed. Most days I am using 20x-36x - Everything is crystal clear using ZoomText. I almost forget I have a vision disability. ZoomText translates all of my company purchasing programs, making purchase orders very clear to me, which is essential. I have been able to resume to work like normal and not miss one day of work because of my vision. I am attending ZoomText University next year and can only imagine what awesome ZoomText features I am missing out on! So as a female in the mining industry WITH a disability, ZoomText allows me to be on top of my game working with an exceptional company. Thanks, ZoomText! Oh - not to mention I use ZoomText to write my blog... Blind Girls Can Rock Heels (blindgirlsheels.blogspot.com) Best Regards, Jessica Loomer

• Ok so I got the newsletter and I want to write something about the company's support system to its users. I do not mean technical support either. I mean with the information and connections to other users that I enjoy the most. Does that qualify? Below is a sample of what I am talking about. I believe you will get tons of entries on ZoomText itself. It is a given to anyone with a vision problem how valuable ZoomText is in operating a computer. It is also a given how valuable the use of a computer is to anyone personally and professionally. As a student or employee, Zoom Text makes it possible. However, one of the over looked values of this company, is the blog and newsletters sent out to its users. It is always filled with some information that I have overlooked elsewhere or just did not know to look for it. For instance, Maurie always provides some product review or information on using a product that enlightens me about a feature I did not know existed or how to use it. I recently read about the app Dream reader which I intend to download to my iPad. I had not come across this app in searching for apps and if I did, I did not quite understand what the app did or how to use it. She has provided tips on how to make the most out of my iDevices. In addition to providing me with information on devices and apps that are very helpful, it is through the blog that I have met many interesting and inspiring people. I had the opportunity to speak with Janet as a result of her humorous story she posted. Excuse me, many of her humorous stories. Through the blog bulletin boards, I met a wonderful guy in Canada that I keep in touch with and whom has become a very valuable friend even if we have not met face to face. We have been friends now for like three or four years. And, there is you Becca that I have been writing to for a few years now. You have made me laugh and kept me company not to mention provided me with many delicious recipes. I feel like Ai Squared is one big family where we are all united through one common trait. Low vision. It becomes an exchange of sharing solutions for problems that come up in every day life such as how to get around the kitchen as well as navigate an iPhone. It is emotional support demonstrated through Janet's very first chapter in her book.

The support was overwhelming when the comments to her blog kept appearing and still appears now and then. I defy you to name another company that sells adaptive technology for the low vision to also provide an environment where users of the products can share information about how that product works for them and how they use it. Ai Squared takes it even one step further. They provide an outlet for users of their products to share other ideas and products they have also discovered that enhance their daily life and make them more independent. So while ZoomText is a wonder in itself enabling low vision user to perform tasks on the computer, I cannot imagine not reading the newsletters and blog posts and emails from other users not being a part of my life. Well, I hope it is not too sappy sounding. But I truly believe what I have written. I cannot even list all the things I have learned about from the newsletters and blog. This morning I went into iBlink Radio to see if there was anything new. I had not been on that app in a few months. I listened to or read using voice over the new features for iOS 7 for the iPad and iPhone. I learned some helpful hints on how to make things easier. While reading about this, it occurred to me that I have iBlink Radio on my iPad thanks to Maurie writing about it for one of the blogs. I am also going to put Dream Reader on my iPad, which is also thanks to Maurie. And if it should ever be relevant to me, I know that Disney has a device for navigating the theme park for blind or low vision people. And, this is also thanks to Maurie. It is thanks to Maurie that I learned about the study for stem cell for repairing retina issues or whatever. Give that girl a raise!!!!!! She has put herself out there and I am sure exposed herself in ways that could have been uncomfortable just to relay to users issues she has encountered. And hats off to her for inspiring others to be as independent as possible. When I read about her trip home for Thanksgiving, I felt like a jerk. I would have either begged for a direct ride there or not gone. But she seemed bound and determined to do it and do it on her own. There are so many examples that I could give that shows you how important the service side is to any company. The products are

outstanding or we would not be using them. However, I failed to mention how the company is always soliciting feedback through the newsletter and the contest on how they can make it even better. They listen to their users and do the best they can to provide the new improved version of their main product...ZoomText. They care to keep up with the release of all new Windows operating systems and now are doing it with the Mac's. I do not mean to suggest they would not care but it is also in part that they have listened to their users and what they want. Ok you did not ask for a book for the contest right? Haha. It is just hard to put into words what I admire about the company. I think this is in part the reason why I send in links and apps for the newsletter. It is the best source for sharing information and I want to contribute. Kathy Kalaluhi

• Check out my video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGLnix8FSXw A tv station and a hospital put it together. How I use ZoomText. John Joyce

• ZoomText has allowed me to use the computer with ease. Before I got ZoomText I was not able to use the computer on my own. Thanks to your company I surf the computer all the time. I have been a ZoomText user since 2005! Thanks for a great program. Take care, Kenny

• I am officially retired but keep working as a consultant; I have no desire to retire. I would not be able to consult without the help of ZoomText. I am blind in one eye which results in my good eye involuntarily opening its iris much more than it should thus making many scenes blindingly bright, especially the computer screen. ZoomText enables me to alter my screen to comfortable colors and intensities and to read text to me and thus continue my consulting. Fantastic and many thanks. Noel Hinners

• I have used your product for a number of years. I use ZoomText both reader and the magnification, for work and also for home use. At work as a telemarketer the enlarged print helped me identify customers and helped me with a number of other readable sources. At home it helps me with general computer such as emails, web searching and any other correspondence. I use ZoomText 10 with power of 5 for viewing and also use the reader to help with longer emails and some reading of web documents. Unfortunately I am not working anymore since I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Having to go through Chemotherapy every 2 to 3 weeks a month does not allow much in the way of working. An employer can’t have someone there only three weeks out of a month. So I would guess that I am medically retired from the working force. I have limited vision in my left eye and very little vision in the right. Without the use of ZoomText I wouldn’t be able to use even this computer. I wouldn’t be able to see the regular print. Sincerely, Marty Pottebaum

• When I first started using Zoom Text it was 7.1.1, which allowed me the freedom to look for a job on my own, it meant being able to look for work at my own pace... Then in 2004 – 2010, I used ZoomText 9.1.0 for my job with Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind at the Express Supply Store at SPAWARS San Diego, it allowed me to be able to learn how to run a small office supply store. Now I use Zoom Text 9.1.9 every day for my job as on site apartment manager, without ZoomText I would not be able to have a job or be able to keep it and do all of the day to day communication with my Management company I need to do each and everyday... John Overman J & D Management Company

• While walking through a computer class at the New York City Lighthouse for the blind, the technician drew my attention to a computer screen. As the young student typed, I watched large letters appear across his monitor. Confidently the technician said, “You can learn this program called ZoomText and you will also be able to use a computer.” Not so confidently I replied, “I don’t even know how to turn a computer on, and what’s more, I am afraid I would blow the thing up just trying!” That was my first introduction and skeptical look at ZoomText, the software program that would soon change my life. Since I was young, I always had a desire to write, however, prior to attending ZoomText computer classes, no one except my daughter could read my illegible handwriting. Anything I wrote had inconsistently spaced letters, forcing the reader to play a sort of “make the word” guessing game. This entailed figuring out if the letters before or after the spaced letters would claim the detached, isolated and lonesome characters. Sherlock Holmes would have loved the challenge of deducing where to place the letters in order to create a complete word. In addition, I failed the seemingly huge task of dotting each I, and crossing each t. So, with dangling dots and dashes scattered all over

the page, one might think they were looking at Morse code between my lines of text, rather than a document written by a frustrated visually impaired adult. As if all this was not messy enough, after beginning to write a straight sentence across the page, my lines gradually appeared as though I were drunk, when my written words began sliding downhill. This caused one line to overlap the line below, and words were written atop other words creating a blurred double vision effect. That could be a nice touch in abstract art, but it is a definite drawback in a written document. No wonder my documents were illegible. Yes, this may sound humorous, but when friends receive my letters, and joked they couldn’t read my “chicken scratch,” I was more than a bit embarrassed. Though they did not mean it to be offensive, I imagined they thought I did not care how my letters looked, and I felt they probably thought I could care less that I had a horrible sloppy handwriting. Yet, that was the farthest thing from the truth, because it really took so much time and effort for me to correspond with friends.

Now, when I buy a card, I proudly add a neatly TYPED letter composed with my ZoomText program and Keyboard. The time and effort to express my feelings are a fraction of what they were, and the added perk is my letters are legible, and I can be proud of my professional documents. For decades, I worked in travel, escorting tour groups of American tourists to foreign countries. The phonebook I carried, with my illegible hand written large print numbers of restaurants, tour guides, and transportation agencies was extremely difficult to read. Worst of all, since it looked as though a kindergarten child had scribbled all the names and numbers, it was SO embarrassing to open my book in front of clients and colleagues. Then, when I had to actually use the phonebook, even “I” could not decipher the unevenly spaced, slanted, unfinished characters I tried to write. Now, with ZoomText, I can neatly type one 90 point legible phone number per page, and rather than looking like a child’s practice notebook, it looks like a neat, professional phone book of a visually impaired individual.

Basically, there are so many ways I need to thank ZoomText, but first of all, I would be ungrateful if I did not thank their OUTSTANDING support team. Many times they helped traverse the troubled seas of my computer ignorance. Gary has never once sounded the least bit irritated with my lack of computer skills, and has patiently guided me through each difficult crisis without sounding frustrated or condescending.

Second, being able to use a computer with ZoomText has given me the confidence and ability to open a travel business of my own. Writing my own correspondence, daily tour schedules, and entering tour data has been easier than ever.

As far as reading, ZoomText has greatly enhanced my life. For some thirty years I have been a volunteer Bible teacher, and with ZoomText I can prepare my lessons, research information, and email my students without asking help from others. Last but not least, recently, ZoomText has also fulfilled my inner passion to write. With the ZoomText keyboard and software, I have been able to chronicle my memoirs and share with others via the Internet, the many humorous events, mishaps, and comical happenings of my life. Hopefully, again with the help of ZoomText, I will compile these articles into an entertaining yet motivational book. All in all, ZoomText has opened for me, a world that had been formerly shut tight. It has unlocked ways and means of doing things, which once seemed impossible but now brings joy and fulfillment to my daily existence. Anyone I have spoken to at ZoomText, from sales to support, has all been kind, courteous, patient, and so encouraging in my life. My compliments to the entire ZoomText organization. Heartfelt thanks to each one of you for creating a means for many to read, write, and have a better quality of life. Janet Parmerter-DiNola