'Xerox Copier Assistant' Wins National Information Technology Award.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2003

Software Assists People Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired

Xerox Corporation's (NYSE: XRX) new technology that makes it easier for blind and visually impaired people to use a copier has won the Information Technology Association of America's 2003 "IT Works Ability Award."

The software technology, called the Xerox Copier Assistant, helps blind and visually impaired workers use a personal computer and selected Xerox digital multifunction systems to make copies without assistance from others.

The company received the IT Works Ability Award here today in the category of Development of Universally Accessible IT Products and Services. The ITAA IT Works Ability Awards is a national awards program recognizing IT firms that have developed effective products and strategies to promote the employment and advancement of people with disabilities.

"With the ever-increasing role of technology in the workplace, it is more important now than ever to develop IT equipment with accessibility in mind," said Harris Miller, president of ITAA. "Xerox's continued commitment to providing accessibility to office equipment with new technologies such as the Xerox Copier Assistant is reflective of the great progress that is being made to advance the productivity and employment of workers with disabilities."

The Xerox Copier Assistant features an enlarged on-screen user interface, embedded text-to-speech software, and keyboard navigation buttons including tab, arrow and function keys. The software, which runs on a PC, can operate a wide array of Xerox CopyCentre(TM), WorkCentre(R) or WorkCentre(R) Pro systems, as well as the Document Centre 500 Series of digital multifunction systems. The text-to-speech software talks a person through the copying steps, including how to use advanced features such as stapling, collating and two-sided copying.

Xerox developed the Xerox Copier Assistant with input from members of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. Launched April 1, the Xerox Copier Assistant provides accessibility and ease of use in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998. Section 508 requires that electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained or used by the federal government is accessible to people with disabilities.

"For more than 15 years, Xerox has been incorporating features that make our products easy and accessible to use," said Jack Azar, vice president, Xerox Environment, Health & Safety. "The Xerox Copier Assistant continues that history, providing an alternative to the touch-screen controls found on most digital office systems, which are a barrier for blind and visually impaired workers."

The Information Technology Association of America provides global public policy, business networking and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of more than 400 corporate members throughout the United States, and a global network of 49 countries' IT associations. For more information, visit www.itaa.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on Xerox, visit www.xerox.com/news. XEROX(R), The Document Company(R), CopyCentre(R), WorkCentre(R) and the digital X(R) are trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION.