Bedford, MA - May 12, 2004

Kurzweil Educational Systems Honors Students for Academic Achievement

Company Joins National Center for Learning Disabilities to Present Software Awards to Anne Ford Scholarship Winners

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc., innovator of reading, writing and learning technology for individuals with visual and learning disabilities, today presents Erica Irwin of Kent, New York with a Kurzweil 3000 software award. Kurzweil 3000 is premier reading, writing and learning software for struggling students. The award is given in conjunction with the National Center for Learning Disabilities’ (NCLD) 2003-2004 Anne Ford Scholarship. Ms. Irwin will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from NCLD and a Kurzweil 3000 Professional software package valued at approximately $2,000 from Kurzweil Educational Systems. The award and scholarship will be presented this evening at NCLD’s 27th Annual Benefit Dinner being held at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. The two scholarship runners-up, Nicholas Swope of Salem, OR, and Aliza Sokolow of Encino, CA, will also receive a Kurzweil 3000 software award.

Ms. Irwin was chosen from a pool of nearly 1,000 Anne Ford Scholarship entrants from around the U.S. During her high school career, she maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.67 despite her dyslexia. In addition, she met or exceeded the many scholarship criteria established by the NCLD including: a commitment to completing a college degree program, an understanding of the effects of learning disabilities and the importance of self-advocacy, as well as a belief in contributing to society in a way that increases the potential of all people with learning disabilities. Additional details on the Anne Ford Scholarship are available on the NCLD website at www.ncld.org/awards.

“Erica is a most deserving winner of this scholarship and software award,” said Sheldon Horowitz, Director of Professional Services, at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “Not only does she meet our rigorous academic requirements, but she also embodies the all-around excellence that we seek in a winner. In addition to her very impressive academic achievements, Erica also found time in high school for cheerleading, coaching, and the Carlton Fire Department’s Explorer’s program.”

Now in its third year, NCLD’s Anne Ford Scholarship helps deserving high school seniors with diagnosed learning disabilities to attend college. The scholarship is named for Anne Ford, current chairman emeritus of the National Center for Learning Disabilities who served as chairman of the NCLD Board of Directors for 12 years. A well-known advocate for the learning disabilities community, Ms. Ford’s contributions also include collaborating with national service organizations on issues such as literacy, high school dropout, cultural diversity and early childhood development.

“There is nothing that excites our company more than to see a young person who faces learning difficulties excel,” said Michael Sokol, President and CEO, Kurzweil Educational Systems. “With this software award we hope that today’s winner and runners-up will not only continue their academic success but that they also will inspire others to leverage all resources available, including assistive technology, to achieve their dreams.”

About Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil Educational Systems’ flagship product, Kurzweil 3000, is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and integrated solution for addressing language and literacy difficulties. The software uses a multi-sensory 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, writing and test-taking tools all designed to adapt to each individual’s learning style and to encourage active learning.

About NCLD

The mission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is to increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their potential. NCLD accomplishes its mission by increasing public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, conducting educational programs and services that promote research-based knowledge, and providing national leadership in shaping public policy. Visit www.ld.org for more information.

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 have received several industry excellence awards over the past year from organizations including the Learning Disabilities Association of Massachusetts (LDAM), Media and Methods, eSchool News, District Administration, Technology & Learning and ComputEd Gazette publications. For more company or product information, visit www.kurzweiledu.com.

Contact

Collaborative Insight, Inc.

Hepzi Fonseca
617-357-7713
fonseca@collaborative.com

Collaborative Insight, Inc.

Julie Doucette
617-357-7789
doucette@collaborative.com