Japan Today is reporting that the Japanese government is launching an initiative with the private sector to develop new technologies for the visually and hearing impaired:
Specifically, the project is aimed at developing a device that can read out letters printed on paper and one that will instantly transform voice into text on a mobile phone screen. Among products assisting people with visual disabilities that are already commercially available is software that reads out letters on websites. But there is no product that can read aloud letters from newspapers or magazines, according to the ministry.
Hopefully any technology developments overseas will manage to find their way over to the ‘ol US of A.
Flashbacks: System for Wearable Audio Navigation (SWAN), Harmony™ HiResolution® Bionic Ear System, Human Bionic Eye Trials Underway, Down Under