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Enables Struggling Students to Read and Write Independently

Version 8 Offers Indispensable Audio and Word Usage Tools

Kurzweil Educational Systems, innovator of reading technology products for individuals with learning and visual disabilities, today announced that Kurzweil 3000(TM) for Windows Version 8 is now available. Kurzweil 3000 is the most comprehensive reading, writing and learning software for students with learning disabilities, available in a single integrated package. The latest version is packed with powerful new language and communication capabilities, including advanced audio and word usage tools that further enhance the learning experience both in and outside the classroom.

"One of the most significant new features of Kurzweil 3000 Version 8 is the ability to create audio files and transfer them to a portable MP3 player, allowing students to read for assignments or for pleasure - anytime, anywhere," remarked Robert Bracken, Resource Specialist, Glendora Unified School District, CA.

Kurzweil 3000 Version 8: Dynamic New And Enhanced Features Enrich The Overall Academic Experience

-- Audio File Creation: The ability to save text and image documents as either MP3 or WAV audio files while keeping text or sticky notes intact, enables students to extend learning beyond the desktop and access material even when mobile.

-- Vocabulary List Support: The new Vocabulary List feature allows teachers to easily create lists by extracting words from existing lists, curriculum-based text, or by typing words in. These lists can be easily accessed while students are reading or writing.

-- Picture Dictionary: The latest version of Kurzweil 3000 supports popular electronic picture dictionaries such as those from Mayer-Johnson, Inc. and Crick Software. These visual dictionaries leverage the clipart and image libraries installed on the computer to provide picture "definitions" of words to help improve literacy and language proficiency.

-- Word Usage Checks: New support for homophones and confusable words encourage students, who have difficulty decoding words, to self-check their writing for misuse of words such as, "to" versus "two" or "too," as well as other commonly confused words such as "edition" and "addition."

-- Powerful Word Prediction: Using the enhanced word prediction features, users can train Kurzweil 3000 in a variety of ways to learn new words and even associate them with other words automatically. Also, the new Phonetic Spelling option offers a basic list of common phonetic spelling errors and their correct spelling.

-- Advanced Scanning: Version 8 supports advanced scanning and image management features, including support of duplex and high-speed scanning, significantly enhancing the efficiency of scanning. Further timesavings can be realized when using the Kurzweil 3000 Automater to batch process TIFF or PDF files or images generated from high-speed scanners.

-- Document Security - Users can protect important documents, such as tests, with Kurzweil 3000's new security options. Version 8 includes file encryption capabilities, and supports third-party file encryption as well. In addition, users can disable the ability to copy or print document content.

"With the help of our customers, students and teachers alike, we are continuously improving our product offerings," said Michael Sokol, President and CEO at Kurzweil Educational Systems. "The best-in-class Kurzweil 3000 Version 8 helps bridge the learning gap for students with learning disabilities and enables teachers to meet new classroom performance standards as dictated by state-mandated standardized tests and the federal No Child Left Behind policy."

Today, over 12,500 students in schools across the nation are using Kurzweil 3000 for its award-winning reading comprehension, writing, study-skills and test-taking capabilities. In addition, states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada alike are approving Kurzweil 3000 for use on the standardized, high-stakes tests. For example, Kurzweil 3000 has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education as an accommodation for grade 6-10 students with reading, writing and learning disabilities taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Score (MCAS) tests.

Pricing and Availability

Kurzweil 3000 for Windows Version 8 Professional and LearnStation versions are now available. The popular Kurzweil 3000 5-unit Learning Lab Pack (comprising of 1 Professional and 4 LearnStations) is priced at $539 per seat. Further discounts are available for larger configurations. Both standalone and network editions are available. Kurzweil 3000 can be purchased directly from Kurzweil Educational Systems at 800-894-5374 or 781-276-0600, or from Kurzweil Educational Systems' worldwide network of resellers listed at (http://www.kurzweiledu.com/resellers.asp).

About Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is Kurzweil Educational's flagship product for struggling readers and writers. It is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and integrated solution for addressing language and literacy difficulties. The software uses a multisensory approach - presenting printed or electronic text on the computer screen with added visual and audible accessibility. The product incorporates a host of dynamic features including powerful decoding, study skills tools and test taking tools designed to adapt to each individual's learning style and encourage active learning.

About Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.

Kurzweil Educational Systems, founded in 1996, is the industry leader and innovator of reading, writing and learning solutions for people with learning disabilities, and people who are blind or visually impaired. Ray Kurzweil, a co-founder of the original company, invented computer-based reading machine technology 25 years ago to provide access to printed text for the blind. With a pioneering history in developing assistive technology, the company has received worldwide recognition for enabling people with disabilities to lead more independent lives through improved reading and writing abilities. Kurzweil Educational Systems and Kurzweil 3000 received seven industry excellence awards in 2003 from organizations including the Learning Disabilities Association of Massachusetts (LDAM), Media and Methods, eSchool News, District Administration, and Technology & Learning magazines. For more company or product information, visit http://www.kurzweiledu.com.

Kurzweil 3000 and Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. are registered trademarks of Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. Other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.