Services for Blind and Low-Vision Individuals

Customized Large Print

CSB distributes thousands of seforim and books annually to visually impaired clients, ranging from slightly enlarged to an enormous two-words-per-page production. Seforim include Siddurim, Tehillim, Chumashim, Rishonim, Acharonim, and many more. Several standard formats of enlarged Gemaros as well as custom-adapted volumes are offered as well. These seforim literally restore the gift of Torah study to hundreds of clients every year including many Roshei Yeshiva, Gedolim, and Mechanchim from around the world.

Large print requests typically entail complex typesetting of seforim; CSB has developed software to streamline and expedite this process. Unique adaptations include special symbols/fonts for post-stroke victims to find the place as well as alternating linear text from white on black to black on white for children with Cortical Vision. We specialize in producing dual-text volumes, such as a Chumash/Rashi or Gemara/Rashi with the corresponding texts on the same page, in any font size. We also work with Teachers and Rebbeim to provide specialized school materials and worksheets for visually impaired children.

Electronic magnified print

  • The Hillman Torah View System – The standard CCTV method of projecting magnified text onto a screen is not ideal for texts with accompanying commentaries such as Chumash, Navi, or Gemara. CSB created a hi-tech digital seforim library with voice recognition and a highly configurable viewing software, featuring dozens of user-friendly navigation tools to achieve the ideal text presentation and interactivity for each client’s unique needs.
  • Seligsohn Multisensory Chumash – A multisensory learning tool featuring an Audio-Visual Player to enhance and reinforce the user’s Hebrew/English reading fluency. Using the classic Metsudah Chumash/Rashi, each segmented phrase is visually highlighted along with its English translation, while simultaneously being read aloud. The flexible software allows users to modify and customize the visual and audio aspects including text size, color, reading speed and flow, and the voice command system.

Braille Services

  • Embossed Braille – CSB CARE is the primary producer of embossed Hebrew Braille volumes in the US, most of which are customized to the individual needs of each reader who often have specific Braille-reading requirements. CSB CARE maintains a vast library of digital texts available for Hebrew Braille production for every level of study. Our trailblazing software produces Braille volumes of Chumash/Rashi or Gemara/Rashi with the main text on top of the page and the Rashi beneath. In addition to Siddurim, Machzorim, Chumashim, and seforim we offer weekly Jewish magazines in Braille so the blind community can also be “in the know.”
  • Embossed Braille and Print – CSB CARE has developed software to produce a breakthrough version of Hebrew Braille, featuring corresponding visible print beneath the Braille text. This enables parents and teachers to follow along and assist their children/students. This innovation has allowed blind children across the globe to be mainstreamed.
  • Electronic Braille: The Wasserman Torah Touch System – Using an electronic Braille device with hundreds of changing electronic pins to display a scrolling Hebrew text, this incredible system offers an extensive library of Torah sources and texts, a user-friendly interface for any level of learning, and even the ability to transcribe chiddushei Torah. Blind users can navigate to any desired text instantly or search for words/phrases. It has made the world of Torah accessible for so many who previously had little access.

Assistive Technologies for Neuro-Degenerative Diseases

ALS Clients

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, often inhibits the ability to speak or move. Nonetheless, patients can lead meaningful and productive lives through assistive technology that facilitates communication and computer access. CSB provides comprehensive education, set up, training, and ongoing support for clients with communication devices, enabling them to maximize the utility of these life-saving machines. As their condition progresses, CSB customizes the software to accommodate limited eye movements and chronic dry eye. These services provide our clients with the ability to daven, learn, communicate, control their environment, email, text, browse the internet, make telephone calls, and even speak publicly.

  • Specialized Hi-Tech Equipment – Many clients require custom hardware/software solutions controlled by voice recognition, head movements, or an eye tracking device. CSB offers virtually unparalleled expertise in the setup, training and customization of all major eye tracking devices and software including Tobii Dynavox I-Series™, Smartbox GridPad™, and Eyegaze Edge™.
  • Communication Boards – CSB’s broad range of custom-designed communication boards can facilitate communication for even severely challenged users. Even though software supplied by device manufacturers does not include support in Hebrew and Yiddish, CSB has developed its own communication software for these languages.
  • Seforim and more – CSB distributes an entire library of Siddurim, Tehillim, Gemara, Chumash etc. in specially designed boards for eye tracking devices.

Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Muscular Dystrophy Clients

These debilitating diseases can result in a wide variety of physical limitations. CSB enhances clients’ functionality and quality of life by evaluating each client to devise custom-adapted solutions. This can range from a simple system reconfiguration of a client’s PC to the development of innovative, complex hardware/software solutions to enable computer access. Examples include specialty keyboards or mice such as external switches or joysticks, voice recognition software, sip and puff devices, motion switches, and in the most severe cases, eye tracking devices.

CSB develops highly specific tools for unique situations. One client was unable to speak or see; his range of movement was limited to a functional rotation of the head. CSB outfitted him with a head rotation device which enabled him to effectively communicate.