A project to develop and evaluate a bar code reader system as a self-directed information and instructional aid for handicapped nonreaders is described. The bar code technology involves passing a light sensitive pen or laser over a printed code with bars which correspond to coded numbers. A system would consist of a portable device which could "read" printed bar code and a processing unit which would transcribe the code and auditorially present the information via a speech synthesizer. Twelve objectives in developing such a system are listed and discussed, including a nationwide survey to evaluate the need for this approach on the part of handicapped nonreaders and to test the system in such applications as restaurant menus for visually impaired people and emergency training for moderately and severely handicapped persons. (CL)