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A representative from Enhanced Vision
gives a visually impaired patient a hands-on
lesson on how to use their enhanced video
magnifier “The Amigo” while at Lighthouse
International’s 2009 LITE expo.
Photo © Dorothea Anne Lombardo

NEW YORK—Lighthouse International hosted an exhibition here last month at which Google and 20 other vendors showcased the latest assistive and “everyday accessible” technology for people with vision problems. The Lighthouse International Technology Expo 2009 (LITE), co-sponsored by C-Tech and Optelec Tieman Group, drew more than 300 attendees, according to Lighthouse International officials.

The vendors offered demonstrations and answered questions about the latest in assistive technology, from high-tech magnifiers and specialized computer software to everyday items like cell phones and digital voice recorders—even New York City Metro Card vending machines. Other exhibitors include Freedom Scientific, Ai Squared, Audiopoint, Brailler Depot and New York Times Large Print Edition.

Google engineers presented an informative discussion on accessible search tools, Google docs and accessible email for people who are visually impaired. JitterBug, a cell phone suppliers, hosted a seminar to discuss the brand new Jit terBug J, which displays large numbers and backlit keypad for easy dialing.

According to Lighthouse International, 61 million Americans are at high risk of serious vision loss. —Andrew Karp

More than 300 attendees at Lighthouse International’s
second annual LITE expo visited an estimated 20
different vendors. Here some attendees are intrigued
by the products offered by Franklin Electronic
Dictionaries. Photo © Dorothea Anne Lombardo. Dave Wright, technical support specialist for Handy
Tech, demonstrated the company’s latest adaptive
technology for computer users at LITE.

Paul Bell, a low vision patient, tries out the Optelec
Mini magnifier at the Lighthouse International
Technology Expo (LITE) in New York last month, while
Chuck Cohen of CTech observes.
William McCann, president of Dancing Dots, plays a
tune to show how his company’s innovative software
can help blind musicians.


More than 300 attendees at Lighthouse International’s second annual LITE expo visited an estimated 20 different vendors. Here some attendees are intrigued by the products offered by Franklin Electronic Dictionaries. Photo © Dorothea Anne Lombardo.	Dave Wright, technical support specialist for Handy Tech, demonstrated the company’s latest adaptive technology for computer users at LITE.

Paul Bell, a low vision patient, tries out the Optelec Mini magnifier at the Lighthouse International Technology Expo (LITE) in New York last month, while Chuck Cohen of CTech observes.	William McCann, president of Dancing Dots, plays a tune to show how his company’s innovative software can help blind musicians.