C-PEN Readers: Easterseals Offers New Accessible Reading Tool

Easterseals Southern California has introduced a new tech tool to Adult Day Services (ADS) participants with disabilities, and it’s already making a major impact! The device, called a C-PEN Reader, makes reading and literacy more accessible for people with possible barriers to reading. In our video below, Easterseals participant Orina demonstrates how the C-PEN works and shares how it has changed her life for the better. 

But first, let’s learn more about C-PENS! 

What is a C-PEN? 

C-PEN Readers are assistive devices that empower people with-and-without disabilities to read, understand and learn. Users can scan single words or full paragraphs and listen to the text being automatically read out loud.

C-PEN Features: 

• Users can practice recent word pronunciations and definitions
• Slow or fast reading speeds
• Explanations or definitions of words, if needed
• Available in multiple languages, like English and Spanish
• Audio boost for slightly higher volume in noisy environments
• No wi-fi required, which makes it more user friendly on-the-go
• An easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI) makes it easy for users with learning or thinking differences to find what they need

The Impact of C-PENS at Easterseals Southern California 

Already, C-PENS are making a huge impact with participants at Easterseals Adult Day Services Program. Currently, Easterseals has 11 Adult Day Services sites that are utilizing the C-PEN with over 40 people using the device, and that number is growing. 

“When I first saw the C-PEN, I did immediately think that this could benefit people in our services,” said Reese Peterson, Director of the Technology Lending Library. “We recognize that some people in our services may have some barriers to reading, whatever it might be, and this could help them become more empowered, encouraged and independent.”