Aequus Announces Release of AspireREADER 4.0

Software benefits struggling readers at school and home, helps publishers deliver accessible content

Aequus Technologies Corp., in partnership with CAST, a non-profit educational research organization based in Wakefield, MA, today announced the release of AspireREADER™ 4.0, software that contains accessibility tools for improving learning outcomes of struggling students.

Available as stand-alone client software or as a customized version for educational publishers, the software provides students with a multi-sensory learning experience when reading DAISY digital talking books, browsing webpages, and creating and reading Rich Text documents.

“The release of AspireREADER™ also marks a new era for educational publishers. With the advent of AspireREADER™ and Aequus’ powerful

AspireREADER™ empowers students to match ‘built-in’ feature function to individual learning and communication styles. When accessing digital talking books, webpages, and word processing, students select the features that best meet their learning styles and create individualized profiles to match their personal needs in order to keep pace with peers. At the same time, students of all abilities may benefit from the user-friendly experience of AspireREADER™ and ultimately enjoy new innovative learning styles.

“Building on CAST’s eREADER technologies, the AspireREADER™ 4.0 offers new features and functions that will provide all learners—but especially those with special needs— with a flexible and supportive resource,” said David Gordon, CAST Director of Communications.

AspireREADER™ includes many features, such as:

• Read aloud via human-recorded or computer generated speech
• Reading speed control to ensure understanding
• Advanced navigation and search
• Keyboard controlled shortcut keys
• Electronic bookmarks and note taking
• “Where am I now?” feature
• Playable via CD, DVD, WWW, etc
• Sentence-by-sentence and word-by-word highlighting
• Keyboard-controlled shortcut keys

AspireREADER™ 4.0 for Microsoft® Windows® 98, 2000, ME, and XP is currently available and retails for $229. Upgrade versions from CAST eREADER 3.0 retail for $89 and volume discounts are available for multiple user licenses. For more information on volume pricing, a list of dealers, or to purchase directly online, please visit www.aequustechnologies.com.

Source: Aequus Technologies Corp.