When David Brandt got a bill or flyer in the mail, he used to have to wait for someone to read it to him.

Now all he has to do is switch on his Patriot Voice AI Reader.

Since receiving the device several months ago, David has been able to listen to Bible readings from his church, menus from Meals on Wheels and library books, as his “contraption” takes a photo of the text and reads it aloud.

“It helps me so much,” he said. 

David, 59, has had low vision since the age of 10. He moved to Licking County several years ago and lives in an apartment at Chimes Terrace in Johnstown.

Although he can read braille, he struggles to read other kinds of printed items — including the instructions for the Hot Wheels models he loves to build. 

He began talking with Julia Schworm, his Service Coordinator at the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) about ways assistive technology might be able to give him more independence. She brought over a Tech Kit that had a variety of devices  — including a C-Pen Reader that could be swiped over text — but it wasn’t a good fit for David. 

Julia began working with LCBDD’s Assistive Tech Service Coordinator Amanda Brehm to find other options for David.

When they found out that one of his neighbors was using a Patriot Voice AI Reader, they decided to give it a try. 

LCBDD provided local funds to purchase the device and David waited eagerly for it to arrive. As he’s gotten more familiar with how it works, he hasn’t needed to ask Chimes Terrace staff members for help as much.

Julia also helped him apply for a free iBill currency reader through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

David said he’s looking forward to receiving it and having more independence when he is out shopping.

For more information about assistive technology, or to try out the devices in the Tech Kit, contact your Service Coordinator, or Amanda Brehm at amanda.brehm@lcountydd.org or click here to visit the assistive tech page of our website: lcountydd.org/techfirst/.