Athens Public Library to host demonstration of device to help blind students

August 3, 2010

ATHENS, Ohio - Officials from a Purdue Research Park-based firm will hold a 1-3 p.m. news conference Friday (August 6) at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., to demonstrate how blind people can use the Talking LabQuest, a device that collects and stores data related to science curricula like pH level and wind speed.

Cary Supalo and Mick Isaacson of Independence Science LLC will provide working models of the Talking LabQuest that will be used by blind people associated with the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Audience members also will be able to use the devices. Supalo is a Purdue University alumnus and founder of Independence Science. Isaacson also is with the university's Department of Educational Studies.

The Talking LabQuest uses a text-to-speech software component developed by Independence Science that makes data shown on the device's screen audible. It started as a project in the Independent Laboratory Access for the Blind at the Pennsylvania State University, where Supalo earned his doctorate in chemistry.

"For the first time, a portable data collection device will allow the blind to observe scientific phenomena in the classroom and in the field," Supalo said. "The device makes it possible for the blind to collect scientific data alongside their sighted peers. This allows them to participate in field trips, nature walks, amusement parks, and forest preserves as part of biology and physics classes."

Media can schedule interviews for after the hands-on demonstrations by contacting Supalo at 814-441-2589 or csupalo@independencescience.com.

Purdue Research Park contact:
Steve Martin, 765-588-3342, sgmartin@prf.org

Source:
Cary Supalo, 814-441-2589, csupalo@independencescience.com