En-vision America has introduced a lightweight, portable talking bar code scanner: the I.D. Mate Omni. The scanner allows a person who is visually impaired to identify products by scanning a package’s bar code and hearing an audible readout. A database of more than a million North American bar codes (or “UPCs”) supports the scanner.

It is also possible for the user to add voice-recorded information for items not found in the database. The bar code scanner is more compact than previously available scanners. It can be easily carried on a cord around the users neck.

For more information about the I.D. Mate Omni, and other products of interest to the visually impaired, go online to www.envisionamerica.com.