Kurzweil Educational Systems Customer Profile Mario Ball Student, Landmark College and Kurzweil 3000 User The Situation Mario Ball is an assistive technology veteran, having used a dizzying array of technologies during the past seven years. In the process, he has mastered Kurzweil 3000, developed some innovative uses for it and other technologies, and set his sights on an ambitious goal to found and operate an advertising company specializing in Web-based applications. An exceptionally bright college student with a diagnosis of dyslexia, Mario has struggled with decoding and reading fluency issues throughout his academic career. He began with a human reader, progressed through books on tape, and finally was introduced to Kurzweil 3000 when he enrolled at Landmark College, the nation's premier college for high potential students with dyslexia and attention deficit disorders. The Solution Kurzweil 3000 provides Mario with the flexibility and independence that he both treasures and demands as a learner. As he explains, "First, I started with a tutor and the tutor would read to me. I only had a certain amount of time. I had to make my schedule around her. Then, I got books on tape. Books on tape did not work as well for me because sometimes I'd start to daydream and then come backand then I'd encounter the problem that I'm in class and I need a book and it's not recorded on tape. I'm already a month into class and I finally get the book. But with Kurzweil 3000 itŐs instant access; whatever I want to read, I can scan in. That's what really helps me. I don't have to rely on anyone else. It is me and Kurzweil 3000 and that is it." Having first experienced Kurzweil 3000 Version 3.0, Mario greatly appreciates the product enhancements now available to him. In particular, he notes that splitting the screen enables him to read text while also keeping a list of study questions before him. He appreciates the ability to control the page numbering in any given document. The bookmark capability means he can always return immediately to his last study assignment and resume without searching. He uses margin notes extensively, also inserting voice clips. He exports his notes to Inspiration or Microsoft Word to create outlines for academic papers and he has developed his own study technique to differentiate the various disciplines within academia. An auditory learner, Mario has discovered that employing a different Kurzweil 3000 voice for each of his subjects is a powerful aid to comprehension and focus. In his main subjects of English, History and Psychology, Mario consistently uses an assigned voice for each topic to ground himself in the various disciplines. He explains that when he is reading and begins to daydream, the sound of a particular voice immediately pulls him back to the subject and he is able to focus more effectively and contextualize his reading. The Results With his sights set on a degree in digital media, and with a well-developed capacity to use assistive technology to support his learning style, Mario is determined to accomplish his goals and to achieve his dreams. He points to practical achievements for example, increasing his reading speed from 175 wpm to 270 wpm in one year as evidence of both his determination and his growing capabilities. One thing is certain wherever he finds success, he will do so with Kurzweil 3000, and its many voices, accompanying him. Though he laughingly admits that, "when I can, I get as far away as I can from those voices," he also knows that they are one key to his ongoing success. Success \ n 1. a : a degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome c : Mario Ball Quotes "With Kurzweil 3000, it's instant access; whatever I want to read, I can scan it in. That's what really helps me. I don't have to rely on anyone else. It is me and Kurzweil 3000 and that is it." "When I can, I get as far away as I can from those [Kurzweil 3000] voices," but he knows that they are one key to his ongoing success. About Landmark College Landmark College (www.landmark.edu) is a world leader in higher education, occupying an exclusive niche as the nation's premier college for high potential students with learning disabilities and AD/HD. Founded in 1983 and welcoming its first students in 1985, the College has served thousands of students with learning differences,nurturing their gifts and providing them with the language and other skills necessary to academic, career, and life success. Growing from an initial enrollment of 77 students, Landmark College now serves over 350 students and expects to enroll 450 students within the next five years.