Phil Raistrick, the founder of the widely-successful access technology company En-Vision America, passed away on November 20. He was 78.
Raistrick birthed the idea for the I.D. Mate bar code system during games of poker with his visually impaired brothers, according to an article on the En-Vision America website. "While one knew the Braille, the other did not. That spark fed the flame that would become En-Vision America."
An article from the June, 1998 issue of the Braille Forum details features of the original version of the I.D. Mate. At that time, the system included a separate bar code scanner and control unit, did not include an extensive bar code database, and worked primarily with voice recordings. Still, many of today's uses were apparent to Raistrick including labeling food products, identifying medication, and tracking inventory.
The I.D. Mate has evolved over the years and now includes a robust database, modern text-to-speech voices, and Internet connectivity in a compact design. Later, the company introduced ScripTalk, a system for identifying and receiving information on prescription medications which is now widely available at thousands of pharmacies.
“With all his heart, Phil loved this company and what we stand for,” said David Raistrick, En-Vision America’s Vice President. “We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him to make a difference in the lives of others. It is because of him that we will carry on helping so many people around this world.”
You can read the full obituary online.
Source: Phil Raistrick, Visionary Founder of En-Vision America, Passes Away - En-Vision AmericaCategory: News
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
