Ted Henter: Mr. Henter, a member of the Freedom Scientific board of directors, is an engineer by training, and he first learned computer programming after losing his sight as a result of an automobile accident. In 1987, nine years after having lost his sight, he founded Henter-Joyce and began developing software designed to convert computer text to speech so that visually-impaired people could use a computer. His initial “screen reader” led to the development of JAWS® for Windows®, what is now the world’s most popular and best-selling screen reading software. Mr. Henter’s goal in the development of JAWS was to enable people who are blind or who have low vision to be able to achieve the same or higher productivity in computer-based jobs as sighted people. Henter-Joyce also developed MAGic screen magnification software and other assistive technology software that the visually-challenged have used to significantly improve their lives.

Dean Blazie: Mr. Blazie is an electrical engineer with an advanced degree in computer science. In 1986 he formed Blazie Engineering and developed the Braille ‘n Speak, the world’s first notetaker with braille key input and speech or data output. Notetakers soon became the devise of choice among blind students and professionals who use them to take class or meeting notes, manage their contacts and calendars, and other day-to-day organizing. Mr. Blazie was also instrumental in the development of other hardware products for the blind, including braille embossers and refreshable braille displays.

Jim Fruchterman: In 1989, Mr. Fruchterman founded Arkenstone, a company specializing in optical character recognition (OCR). His OCR technology led to the development of software-based reading systems for use by the blind. When documents are scanned, these systems use the PC’s sound card to read the text aloud. This technology meant that books, newspapers, contracts, and even mail were accessible to the visually impaired. Arkenstone’s signature software product is OpenBook™, the worlds’ leading scanning and reading software. Mr. Fruchterman’s company also developed WYNN™, a scanning and reading program that helps people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, to read independently.

Today, Freedom Scientific is led by Dr. Lee Hamilton, President and CEO of the Company and a member of the board of directors. Dr. Hamilton joined Freedom Scientific in 2002. Prior to that, he was the President and CEO of AirNet Communications Corporation. Dr. Hamilton also held management positions of increasing responsibility at Motorola, Inc., including general manager of the System Transmission Products Business. Dr. Hamilton holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and was a professor of electrical engineering at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Hamilton leads a team of senior managers who have more than 74 combined years of hands-on experience in the development of technology-based solutions designed to meet the specific needs of the visually impaired and learning disabled. This management team remains focused on continually developing new technologies and further enhancing Freedom Scientific’s complete line of assistive products and services.