Visually impaired and learning disabled students will gain access to the printed page, thanks to a new partnership between Shinano Kenshi , makers of the PLEXTALK Pocket, and Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D).

Through this partnership, RFB&D will market and sell the PLEXTALK Pocket – a lightweight, pocket-sized music, voice, and book player/recorder that offers revolutionary mobility and ease of use. The PLEXTALK Pocket supports DAISY-formatted audio books, enabling students to access RFB&D’s extensive library of more than 56,000 academic textbook and literature titles.

“The PLEXTALK Pocket is the world’s first true crossover media recorder/player, packed with features that the general public can enjoy – and it also offers unsurpassed accessibility for those who are visually impaired or learning disabled,” said Rex Bergsma, CEO, Shinano Kenshi Corporation-North America. “This device is an ideal complement to the DAISY format, maximizing the full navigation, bookmarking and variable speed controls that enable RFB&D’s members to learn through listening.”

“Downloadable DAISY books have become exceptionally popular with our members, who are always eager to make their education path more efficient and productive,” said Mike Kurdziel, RFB&D’s chief program officer. “With the addition of the PLEXTALK® Pocket portable DAISY player, they’ll have a great new option to access the content they need for educational success.”

About Shinano Kenshi Co., Shinano Kenshi Corporation & the PLEXTALK Brand.

Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd. is responsible for the development and manufacturing of digital talking book players and other products sold under the brand name of PLEXTALK. Shinano and PLEXTALK assistive products are created to improve the quality of life, self-reliance and independence of their users. Shinano Kenshi Corporation is the North American subsidiary of Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. For more information, visit www.plextalk.com.

About Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D.

RFB&D serves more than 250,000 students from kindergarten through graduate school and beyond who cannot read standard print due to a visual impairment, blindness, learning disability such as dyslexia, or other physical disability. Students rely on RFB&D to access the printed page and achieve educational success. RFB&D's collection comprises 56,000 digitally recorded textbooks and literature titles, is available through efficient internet downloads or on CD, and provides proven, effective learning tools for students with print disabilities.RFB&D, a nonprofit, relies on the generous contributions of individuals, foundations and corporations to support its programs. For information on RFB&D, call (866) 732-3585 or visit www.rfbd.org