Special Features:

• Single switch selects speed and tape side
• Plays two speeds: 15/16 and 1-7/8 IPS
• Compact and lightweight player fits inside Spinoza Bear
• Soft and cuddly, not cold and hard
• Equipped with A/C jack and headphone jack

Children with visual impairments have special ways to learn about the world around them. They must be taught to use all of their senses to compensate for what they cannot learn through sight. Reading, speaking, and language skills are the basic building blocks to share the world with them, and for them to share it with others. The National Library of Congress maintains a free "Books on Tape" lending library to provide educational and entertaining opportunities for people with visual impairments. Their library currently carries 23 million titles. In Canada, contact the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Literacy is a key part of every child's development. Children with visual impairments need extra help to achieve this goal. In 1998, we designed a version of a four-track cassette player able to play the Books on Tape from the National Library Service. Spinoza's Talking Book Bear is a powerful tool combining tactile stimulation with soothing words and music. It helps children with visual impairments get started on the path to literacy by creating an interest in books, reading, exploration of their environment, and verbal expression. Itís a wonderful way to encourage a child with visual impairments to explore the world through books, and ultimately leading to literacy and independence.

The cassette player in Spinoza's Talking Book Bear features a single switch design, which selects both the tape side and speed (Talking Books play at half the normal speed). It was designed for ease of use. For children with multiple disabilities, one can insert a tape and push play, then allow the child to control on, off and volume with the red heart dial on Spinoza's chest. This feature enables the child to control a part of their environment, helping to empower them and encourage independence. Spinoza's Talking Book Bear also plays any standard cassette you may already have.

Whether the bear is used to settle down at night and fall asleep, or to listen to Books on Tape, Spinoza is sure to become a trusted companion and true friend.

4510 Spinoza Talking Book Bear and Nine Audio Cassettes Includes Spinoza with 4 track cassette player option and his collection of nine audio cassettes.

4500 Spinoza Talking Book Bear with Theme Tape Includes Spinoza with a 4 track cassette player and I'm Your Friend and My name is Spinoza.