Freedom Scientific and Microsoft today launched PAC Mate, a device for the blind that is equivalent to Pocket PC devices for sighted users, supporting the same third-party applications. The launch coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the United States, the kickoff for year-round programs that call attention to the high rate of unemployment among Americans with disabilities and highlight their skills. One in five Americans has some kind of disability, and 50 percent of those are unemployed.

According to the companies, the device is built on the Windows CE platform and is tightly interwoven with Microsoft Pocket PC applications, including Pocket Word, Pocket Outlook and Pocket Internet Explorer. Freedom Scientific is taking orders for two models of the PAC Mate. The two PAC Mate models are the BNS with its eight-dot Braille keyboard, and the TNS for users familiar with QWERTY-style keyboards. Both units offer the same functionality using JAWS screen reading technology.

The companies claim that PAC Mate is the first PDA device for people who are blind that uses off-the-shelf technology. The user interface on the PAC Mate is a Braille keypad, function keys similar to those on a standard computer, and a cursor cross, a star-shaped key that allows users to move the cursor up, down, left and right. The companies said the infrared, serial and USB ports provide support for a wide range of functions and peripheral devices. Overall, the PAC Mate is about 10 inches wide and 6 inches high, and weighs less than 2 pounds.

The device lets usrs surf the Internet, send and receive email, and manage data. In addition, PAC Mate syncs up with other PDAs and PAC Mates and features CompactFlash support. Some of the options for PAC Mate include a 56K or Ethernet modem. An optional Global Positioning System is slated to be available early next year.

David Engebretson, who has been gradually losing his vision over the past 10 years, says devices like the PAC Mate are beginning to close the technology gap for people with disabilities, and expanding their career and lifestyle options. "The PAC Mate gives people who are blind exactly the same level of functionality and interoperability that sighted users have with their Pocket PC devices," he says. "As a newly blind person, I'm starting to discover all of the assistive technology that's available for people with disabilities, and I'm really excited about it."

Pricing for the BNS and the TNS PAC Mates are $2,595. A modem option is an additional $119. Freedom Scientific said users can offset the cost by trading in an older model Freedom Scientific notetaker. As a special introductory offer, people who purchases three PAC Mate's on the same Purchase Order receives a 10-percent discount. This discount is available for U.S. customers only through the end of next March.