Two Leading Companies Merge to Form Freedom Scientific
 

On April 11, Henter-Joyce, the leading U.S. software company specializing in products for blind people, has merged with Blazie Engineering, the leading U.S. manufacturer of Braille hardware devices, to form Freedom Scientific Inc., to offer a broad line of assistive technology products for people with sensory
impairments and learning disabilities.

Henter-Joyce, founded in 1987 by Ted Henter, who learned to program computers after losing his sight in a car accident, is known for having developed the world's best selling screen reader software, called JAWS ("Job Access with Speech") for Windows. By allowing blind people to achieve the same or higher productivity in computer-based jobs as sighted people, JAWS has increased employment opportunities for people who are blind while helping employers and universities meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Henter-Joyce employs 71 people, of whom 31 are blind or visually impaired - the majority working in software engineering, computer programming, sales or technical support. Ted Henter will stay on with Freedom Scientific as vice president of advanced development for software products.

Blazie Engineering, founded in 1986 by Deane Blazie, an electrical engineer with an advanced degree in computer science, manufactures a broad line of hardware products for blind people, including note takers, Braille printers and Braille displays. Blazie developed the Braille 'n Speak, the world's first note taker - a personal digital assistant (PDA) with Braille input and voice or data output that allows blind users to take notes, keep their address book and update their personal calendars without reliance on pencil and paper.

Contacts:
Henter-Joyce - Sharon Spencer (727) 803-8000
Blazie Engineering - Bryan Blazie (410) 893-9333
Freedom Scientific - Steve Leese (760) 602-5232