What CECIAA does

CECIAA is a French private company founded in 1990 by visually impaired individuals, including current President Jean-Luc AUGAUDY, and operates as a self-described market leader in France for assistive technology serving blind and partially sighted people. Its product portfolio spans screen-reader and screen-magnification software (JAWS, ZoomText, Dolphin SuperNova/ScreenReader, Fusion), braille devices (Brailliant BI X, BrailleSense 6/6 Mini, BrailleNote, braille keyboards and embossers), video magnifiers and reading machines (Clover series, VoxiVision, MirrorPad, teleagrandisseurs), OCR-based wearables (OrCam Read, OrCam MyEye, Rocket Pen Reader), accessible smartphones and telephony (SmartVision3, SmartDonna), smart canes (WeWalk), AI-enabled braille notetakers with Gemini Live integration, audio recorders (Zoom H Essential series), talking daily-living aids, and reconditioned equipment. Six wholly-owned subsidiaries extend the business into dyslexia software (Lexidys), workplace ergonomics (Ergonéos, Défi*ergo), urban and building accessibility (ACceciaa), digital RGAA compliance (SoftAccess), and enterprise consulting (Ceciaa Pro).

The company generates revenue through hardware resale, professional software and site licensing (with annual subscription options for products like JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion), Qualiopi-certified training services for end users and professionals, certified after-sales service and repairs, and sales of refurbished and consignment equipment. Distribution is omnichannel: direct e-commerce at ceciaa.com, a network of optical retail partners (OPTIC 2000, KRYS, LISSAC RIVOLI, and independent opticians) that provide physical demonstration of high-touch products, and localized international websites in English, Arabic, and Spanish operated through a CECIAA Export / CECIAA International division.

Customer segments include individual visually impaired consumers (covering conditions such as AMD, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt, glaucoma, and total blindness), enterprises pursuing RGAA accessibility compliance and workplace inclusion, healthcare providers and rehabilitation centers, and educational institutions serving students with visual impairments. The company is Qualiopi-certified for training (initially certified July 2022, renewed July 2025 for three years), holds Le Coq Vert environmental certification, and operates under the French "Entreprise à Mission" mission-driven company regime. Marketing combines a content-heavy blog, YouTube channel, bi-weekly newsletter, and active participation in trade events such as SILMO Paris, Autonomic, and Direction Emploi.

Name

CECIAA

Legal name

CECIAA

Website

https://ceciaa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CECIAA is a French assistive-technology retailer and service provider, founded in 1990, that sells and supports screen readers, braille devices, video magnifiers, OCR wearables, accessible phones, and training services for blind and visually impaired individuals, enterprises, healthcare providers, and educational institutions across France and selected international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Vision Assistive Technology (Screen Readers, Braille, Magnification) (EDAKAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Computer Access & Alternative Input (Switch, Eye Gaze, Head/Mouse, Keyboards) (EDAKAIAD), Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluations & Needs Assessments (EDAKAIAA), AT Funding, Procurement & Compliance Support (IEP/504 Documentation) (EDAKAIAJ)

Keywords

• Assistive technology products
• Screen reader software
• Braille display devices
• Video magnifiers low vision
• Accessibility training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Maisons-alfort

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (Hardware): Sale of assistive technology products including video magnifiers, braille displays, screen readers, screen magnification software, accessible phones, smart canes, and daily living aids. Products range from entry-level to professional equipment with various price points.
2. Training Services: Training programs for visually impaired individuals and professionals, including digital skills training and specialized courses. Qualiopi certified training services.
3. After-Sales Service and Repairs: Certified technical expertise for specialized equipment, including repairs and maintenance services.
4. Reconditioned/Used Equipment: Sale of refurbished and demonstration equipment, as well as consignment services for second-hand devices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CECIAA distributes and supports a comprehensive catalog of assistive technology products and services for blind and visually impaired individuals, including screen reader/magnification software, Braille displays and notetakers, video magnifiers, smart glasses, smart canes, accessible phones, OCR reading machines, and talking daily living aids. The company also delivers Qualiopi-certified training, after-sales repair, reconditioned equipment sales, and enterprise accessibility consulting through its Ceciaa Pro, SoftAccess, ACceciaa, Défi*Ergo, and Lexidys subsidiaries.

Product overview

CECIAA is a French company founded in 1990 specializing in assistive technology and accessibility solutions for blind and visually impaired individuals. The product portfolio consists of multiple product categories and sub-brands: Core software products include JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, and Dolphin SuperNova/ScreenReader for screen magnification and screen reading. Hardware products include Braille devices (Brailliant BI X, BrailleSense 6/Mini, BrailleNote, Braille displays, Braille keyboards, Braille printers), video magnifiers (Clover series, teleagrandisseurs), reading machines (VoxiVision, DAISY readers), smart canes (WeWalk), smart glasses (eSight), accessible phones (SmartVision3), accessible audio recorders (Zoom H Essential), and talking daily living aids. Specialized software includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking for voice recognition, b.suite for Braille transcription, and various OCR solutions. The company also offers sub-brands: Ceciaa Pro for professional accessibility services, Lexidys for dyslexia solutions, ACceciaa for urban accessibility, SoftAccess for web accessibility consulting, and Ergonéos for ergonomic workplace solutions. CECIAA distributes products from major accessibility vendors including HumanWare, Eurobraille, Vispero, Dolphin Software, OrCam, Zoom, and eSight.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lexidys: Software and hardware for people with dyslexia, dysorthography, dysphasia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia
• Ergonéos
• ACceciaa
• Défi*ergo
• SoftAccess
• Ceciaa Pro
• CECIAA Export
• CECIAA International

Products and services

• JAWS Screen reader software for blind users providing speech synthesis and Braille output to enable computer access. Distributed by CECIAA to visually impaired individuals, with site licenses available for organizations.
• ZoomText Screen magnification software from Vispero that enlarges on-screen content and provides speech support for visually impaired users. Distributed by CECIAA in France.
• Fusion Combined screen magnification and screen reading solution merging JAWS and ZoomText capabilities from Vispero, for visually impaired users. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Dolphin SuperNova / Dolphin ScreenReader Accessibility software suite from Dolphin Computer Access providing screen magnification, screen reading, and Braille support for blind and visually impaired Windows users. Distributed by CECIAA with recent updates including 24.03 (August 2025) and SuperNova 25 (March 2026).
• Brailliant BI X (20/40 cells) Bluetooth refreshable Braille displays (20 or 40 cells) from HumanWare compatible with JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA screen readers, used for tactile reading output. Distributed by CECIAA.
• BrailleSense 6 / BrailleSense 6 Mini Braille notetakers from HumanWare running Android OS with PlayStore access, supporting word processing, email, DAISY playback, and media applications. The BrailleSense 6 Mini integrates Gemini Live AI for natural language assistance. Distributed by CECIAA.
• BrailleNote Evolve Braille notetaker combining Braille display with computer functionality, now available with Windows 11 Pro in 20 or 32 cell versions for students and professionals. Distributed by CECIAA.
• OrCam Read / OrCam MyEye AI-powered wearable camera devices from OrCam that read text aloud, recognize faces, and identify products using computer vision with audio feedback. Distributed by CECIAA in France.
• VoxiVision / VoxiVision 2 Portable reading machines with OCR and text-to-speech capabilities for scanning and reading documents aloud. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Clover Video Magnifiers (7S, 10, Clover 6, CloverBook XL Pro) Portable and desktop video magnifiers from HIMS with various screen sizes for reading assistance, including near/far viewing modes and tactile options. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking Voice recognition software from Nuance enabling dictation and voice control for computer operation. Distributed by CECIAA for visually impaired users.
• WeWalk Smart Cane Smart white cane combining traditional cane with technology for obstacle detection and navigation assistance for blind users. Distributed by CECIAA.
• eSight Smart Glasses (eSight 4) High-tech augmented reality glasses with camera-based vision enhancement for people with visual impairments. Clinically validated to improve visual acuity for conditions from 4/10 to 1/40. Distributed by CECIAA in partnership with eSight.
• Victor Reader Stream / Stream 3 DAISY book players and podcast listeners from HumanWare for accessing accessible audio books and publications. Compatible with Audible books via AudibleSync. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Zoom H Essential Series (H1, H2, H4) Accessible digital audio recorders from Zoom with voice feedback and multi-language support, designed for blind users. Distributed by CECIAA.
• SmartVision3 Accessible Smartphone Vocalized smartphone designed for blind users with voice control and accessible features. Distributed by CECIAA.
• b.suite Braille Transcription Software Braille transcription software for converting text, mathematics, and music between standard and Braille formats. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Rocket Pen Reader Portable OCR pen reader that scans printed text and reads it aloud instantly. Distributed by CECIAA.
• Reconditioned/Used Equipment Refurbished and demonstration assistive technology products at reduced prices, including Braille equipment, magnifiers, and phones. Also offers consignment services for second-hand devices. Sold by CECIAA.
• Qualiopi-Certified Training Services Qualiopi-certified training programs for visually impaired individuals and professionals, including digital skills training and specialized courses. Sold by CECIAA.
• After-Sales Service and Repairs Certified technical expertise for specialized equipment, including repairs, maintenance, and technical support for assistive technology products sold by CECIAA.
• Ceciaa Pro (Enterprise Accessibility Services) Enterprise division offering personalized solutions for businesses around disability issues, including workplace accessibility solutions, disability awareness training, and consulting for employees and clients. Each project benefits from a dedicated contact person. Sold by CECIAA.
• SoftAccess (Digital Accessibility Compliance) Division helping companies establish accessibility declarations after RGAA audits, implementing action plans and multi-year schemes compliant with their needs. Sold by CECIAA as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• ACceciaa (Urban Accessibility Services) Subsidiary specializing in accessibility of cities, roads, public buildings (ERP), websites, and communications for people with disabilities. Sold by CECIAA as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• Lexidys (Dyslexia Solutions) Software and hardware subsidiary offering solutions for people with dyslexia, dysorthographia, dysphasia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Sold by CECIAA as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• Ergonéos (Ergonomic Workplace Solutions) Subsidiary providing a complete range of ergonomic solutions aimed at improving working conditions for people working with computer equipment. Sold by CECIAA as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• Défi*Ergo (Disability Ergonomics) Team of ergonomists intervening in prevention, integration, and job retention for people with disabilities, supported by disability specialists. Sold by CECIAA as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Quantifiable outcome

• eSight 4 improves visual acuity for people with conditions resulting in visual acuity from 4/10 to 1/40
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability14 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• LexidyscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary company offering software and hardware focused on autonomy and assistance for people with dyslexia, dysorthographia, dysphasia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia regarding reading and writing challenges.
• ErgonéoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary providing a complete range of ergonomic solutions aimed at improving working conditions for people working with computer equipment.
• ACceciaacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary specializing in accessibility of cities and roads, public buildings (ERP), websites and communication for people with disabilities.
• Défi*ErgocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerErgonomics team intervening in prevention, integration, and job retention for people with disabilities, supported by disability specialists.
• SoftAccesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDivision helping companies establish accessibility declarations after RGAA audits, implementing action plans and multi-year schemes compliant with their needs.
• Ceciaa ProcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnterprise division offering personalized solutions to support and raise awareness among companies about disability issues for their employees and/or clients. Each project benefits from priority treatment with a dedicated contact person.
• OPTIC 2000 (optical retailer)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor optical retail chain with multiple locations in France (Molsheim, Mundolsheim, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Verdun) providing testing and demonstration of eSight smart glasses.
• KRYS (optical retailer)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOptical retail chain with locations including Roubaix, providing testing and sales support for eSight products.
• LISSAC RIVOLI (optical retailer)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOptical retailer in Paris (114 Rue de Rivoli, 75001) providing eSight testing services for Paris region.
• eSight (technology partner)majorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for high-tech augmented reality glasses for visually impaired people. eSight 4 is clinically validated and used by thousands of people with serious eye conditions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• HumanWare: Canadian manufacturer of Braille notetakers (BrailleNote), DAISY players (Victor Reader), and other assistive devices for the blind. Directly comparable because HumanWare is both a manufacturer and a direct-to-consumer seller of the very product lines (BrailleNote, Victor Reader Stream) that CECIAA distributes in France.
• eSight: Canadian maker of clinically validated eSight smart glasses for the visually impaired. Comparable as both a vendor of a flagship CECIAA product (eSight 4) and a direct-to-consumer competitor in the same premium low-vision eyewear category.
• OrCam: Israeli maker of AI wearable devices (OrCam MyEye, OrCam Read) for blind and low-vision users. Directly comparable because OrCam sells its devices directly to French consumers while also being distributed by CECIAA, creating channel overlap and pricing tension.
• Optelec (now Vispero): Dutch-origin low-vision magnifier brand now under Vispero. Comparable because Optelec serves the same low-vision video magnifier and reading-machine category as CECIAA's Teleagrandisseurs and VoxiVision lines across European markets.
• Dolphin Computer Access: UK-based developer of SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader, two of CECIAA's core screen-magnification/reading software offerings. Comparable because Dolphin is both the technology partner CECIAA resells and a direct seller into the same French and European enterprise accessibility market.
• Eurobraille: French manufacturer of Braille displays (Activator line) and notetakers. Directly comparable as a domestic French competitor in the Braille hardware segment that CECIAA serves, with overlapping channel reach into French schools and enterprises.
• Vispero (Freedom Scientific / Optelec / AI Squared): US-based owner of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion — the three flagship screen access software products in CECIAA's catalog. Comparable because Vispero is simultaneously the upstream vendor and a direct global competitor to CECIAA's software reselling business, particularly for French and European enterprise accounts.

Emerging players

• Low Vision International (LVI): Swedish manufacturer of video magnifiers and low-vision aids. Comparable as a European peer in the video magnifier category where CECIAA also sells competing brands (Clover, Teleagrandisseurs), serving similar schools, workplaces, and rehabilitation centers.
• ViewPlus: US manufacturer of Braille embossers and tactile graphics printers. Comparable as a vendor of complementary Braille hardware that competes for the same institutional procurement budgets (schools, universities) that CECIAA's Braille catalog also addresses.
• Access Israel: Israeli distributor and integrator of assistive technologies, including products for blind and visually impaired users. Comparable as a non-French specialty accessibility distributor with a similar business model of bundling multi-vendor AT products, training, and after-sales support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ceciaa_france
• Facebookfacebook.com/SOCIETE.CECIAA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ceciaa

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CECIAA