A dark grey portable scanning reader with an angled overhead arm on a tower-shaped base, positioned above an open newspaper.

Odyssey Text to Speech Reader

by HumanWare

$1,950.00, see price history

Price is what the vendor listed when last checked. Confirm it with the vendor before buying.

Setup with instructions The Odyssey works on its own, but a few things are worth walking through: choosing language, voice, and speed, pairing Bluetooth headphones, and learning how to position pages for a good scan. A family member can handle this with the manual or a tutorial in about half an hour, so guided setup fits. A professional isn't needed, though a vision rehabilitation specialist can help someone decide if it suits their reading needs.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 1, 2026

The Odyssey is a portable scanner and reader that turns printed text into spoken words. You place a page, label, or package under the scanner arm, and it reads the text aloud. It handles small items like food labels as well as pages up to 12" x 16", such as newspapers, books, and magazines. It reads in English, Spanish, and French, can translate between them, and stores up to 1,000 scans for later. Large tactile buttons sit on top, and a simple mode turns off every button except volume and play/pause. Listen through the built-in speaker, an external speaker, or Bluetooth headphones. It's a complete, stand-alone reader, though it only works with printed text that is flat and clear enough to scan.

Getting it

Try before you buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Find your state's lending program →

Where to get it

LS&S Visit
$1,950.00
Independent Living Aids Visit
$1,950.00

These are the vendors WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

How to fund this

These are common places to ask about paying for equipment like this. Each one decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so start by asking them.

All funding programs, state by state →

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Setup with instructions
Price
$1,950.00
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Medicaid waiver
  • Out of pocket
  • Vocational rehab

What setup looks like

  • Out of the box
    1. Charge the battery before first use. A 4-hour charge gives about 6 hours of use.
    2. Place a page or label under the scanner arm and press the play button to hear it read aloud.
  • With a guide
    1. Choose the reading language, voice, and speed from the controls on top of the unit.
    2. If you want private listening, pair Bluetooth headphones, or connect an external speaker.
    3. Practice placing pages so the whole text is in view, and decide between auto and manual scanning. Plan on 20-30 minutes to get comfortable. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.

View official support docs → (opens in a new tab)

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from LS&S — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked November 4, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 1, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

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