Kurzweil Educational Systems Presents Software Awards at National Federation of the Blind 2004 National Convention

Company Holds Semi-Annual Kurzweil 1000 User Group Meeting and Offers Promotional Pricing to Conference Attendees

Kurzweil Educational Systems®, Inc., innovator of reading technology solutions for individuals with visual and learning disabilities, today announced its annual software awards presentation at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Thirty (30) software awards will be presented in conjunction with the NFB’s annual scholarship awards at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Marquis Ballroom, on July 4 at 7:00 pm. The Kurzweil Educational Systems software awards will be presented by Ray Kurzweil, inventor of the original Kurzweil Reading Machine and Chairman Emeritus of Kurzweil Educational Systems. The NFB Convention is being held Tuesday, June 29, through Monday, July 5, in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

The software awards will be presented at a ceremony to thirty (30) individuals who have been chosen by the NFB in recognition of their scholastic excellence, financial need and community service. In addition to the recognition recipients receive from the NFB, and a cash award from Ray Kurzweil’s Kurzweil Foundation, Kurzweil Educational Systems will supply all award winners with a copy of Kurzweil 1000 – the leading voice in reading technology for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. To date, through the Kurzweil Educational Systems’ Kurzweil 1000 software award program, more than 300 Kurzweil 1000 product scholarships, valued at over $300,000, have been donated to worthy recipients across the country, including the winners of this year’s NFB scholarship awards.

“Kurzweil 1000 has evolved from a very useful scan and read tool for people who are blind to a sophisticated information access, communication and productivity solution for students, professionals and at-home users alike,” said Ray Kurzweil. “I am very pleased to present these software awards to the NFB winners, and welcome them into the Kurzweil 1000 community.”

In addition to the software award presentations, Kurzweil Educational Systems will be holding its third semi-annual Kurzweil 1000 User Group Meeting on Thursday, July 1, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the Chablis Room of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The User Group Meeting brings together users of the product alongside Kurzweil Educational Systems executives committed to meeting the needs of their customers, and fosters an honest exchange of information. Users will receive the latest Kurzweil 1000 product information as well as a demonstration of the next release of Kurzweil 1000, Version 9, which is scheduled to be available later this summer. Users can also participate in a drawing for a free product upgrade.

Conference attendees will also be able to take advantage of two special Kurzweil 1000 promotions. Kurzweil 1000 will be available for $895, a $100 discount off the suggested retail price. Software can be purchased at this discounted rate until October 29, 2004. In addition, registered Kurzweil 1000 users can also participate in the new Refer a Friend Program. Users who refer a new customer who buys a Kurzweil 1000 license will receive a $50 American Express gift certificate.

Kurzweil Educational Systems will be exhibiting at the NFB show from Wednesday, June 30 through Monday, July 5. Attendees are encouraged to stop by Booth #96 for a demonstration of Kurzweil 1000 Version 9, to obtain a free trial CD of the current software, and to enter into a drawing for a free copy of Kurzweil 1000.

About Kurzweil 1000

Kurzweil 1000 helps people with visual impairments access virtually any printed or electronic publication by making text audible. The product provides tools for searching, indexing, outlining, annotating, embossing, and creating documents or audio files. Kurzweil 1000 enables online access to books, magazines, encyclopedias and educational tools that promote more active reading by students as well as personal, home office and professional productivity. Kurzweil 1000 also shares information through e-mail, faxing, photocopying or outputting documents and audio files to portable devices. Kurzweil Educational Systems designed the product so that it is easy to use for beginners, yet powerful and flexible enough for advanced users.

About Kurzweil Educational Systems

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc., 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 products have recently won a "Media and Methods Awards Portfolio" 2004 Award from Media and Methods magazine, a 2004 Bessie Award from ComputED Gazette magazine, and a 2004 Codie Award from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). For more company or product information, or to order online, visit www.kurzweiledu.com.

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