# Ted Henter

> American computer programmer and motorcycle racer

**Wikidata**: [Q5195319](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5195319)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Henter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ted-henter

## Summary
Ted Henter was an American computer programmer and motorcycle racer who founded GW Micro, developing pioneering screen reader software that revolutionized computer accessibility for blind users. Overcoming blindness from a motorcycle accident, he combined his passions for technology and competitive sports to significantly impact both fields.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1950, Panama Canal Zone
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** University of Florida
- **Known for:** Co-founding GW Micro and developing screen reader software
- **Occupations:** Computer programmer, motorcycle racer, engineer, water skier, computer scientist
- **Medical Condition:** Blindness (resulting from a motorcycle accident)

## Contributions
Ted Henter co-founded GW Micro in the 1980s, focusing on creating assistive technology for blind computer users. His most significant contribution was the development of screen reader software, which translates text on a computer screen into synthesized speech or Braille output. This software empowered blind individuals to independently use mainstream computers for work, education, and communication. Henter's work directly addressed the critical need for accessible interfaces, breaking down barriers in an increasingly digital world. His innovations laid foundational technology for the assistive computing industry, enabling countless blind users to participate fully in personal and professional computing environments.

## FAQs
### Q: How did Ted Henter become blind?
A: Ted Henter lost his sight due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. This life-changing event occurred before he began his pioneering work in assistive technology.

### Q: What was Ted Henter's main achievement in technology?
A: His primary technological achievement was co-founding GW Micro and developing screen reader software, which became essential tools enabling blind individuals to use computers independently.

### Q: Did Ted Henter continue racing after becoming blind?
A: Yes, despite blindness, Ted Henter continued his passion for motorcycle racing, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and determination.

### Q: What impact did Henter's software have?
A: His screen reader software fundamentally improved accessibility, allowing blind users to navigate computers, perform jobs, access information, and integrate into digital society independently.

## Why They Matter
Ted Henter's work fundamentally transformed the landscape of technology accessibility for blind individuals. By developing robust screen reader software, he created a bridge between blind users and the rapidly evolving digital world, enabling independence, employment, and education opportunities previously unimaginable. His story of turning personal adversity into technological leadership inspired both the assistive technology industry and individuals with disabilities. Without his pioneering efforts in screen readers, the integration of blind users into mainstream computing would have been significantly delayed, hindering societal inclusion and economic participation for millions.

## Notable For
- Co-founding GW Micro and pioneering screen reader software for blind computer users
- Successfully competing as a motorcycle racer despite being legally blind
- Educated at the University of Florida
- Combining careers in competitive sports (motorcycle racing, water skiing) with computer science and engineering
- His work being recognized and documented in multiple Wikipedia languages (Arabic, English, Spanish, Malagasy, Kinyarwanda)

## Body
### Personal Life
- Born in 1950 in the Panama Canal Zone.
- Became legally blind following a severe motorcycle accident.
- Held dual passions for competitive sports (motorcycle racing, water skiing) and technology.

### Career Paths
- **Profession:** Computer programmer, engineer, computer scientist.
- **Entrepreneurship:** Co-founded GW Micro, specializing in assistive technology.
- **Athlete:** Continued competitive motorcycle racing after becoming blind, demonstrating exceptional resilience.
- **Diverse Interests:** Also engaged in water skiing professionally.

### Technological Impact
- Focus at GW Micro was on creating screen reader software.
- Developed technology converting on-screen text into synthesized speech or Braille output.
- His software addressed the critical need for blind individuals to interact with personal computers independently.
- His work directly enabled blind users to perform computer-based tasks crucial for work, education, and daily life.
- His contributions are documented as foundational in assistive computing.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology/interviews-technology-pioneers/ted-henter/part-1-5-5497)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20060517122809/http://www.paddle-odyssey.com/bios/thenter.htm)