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Technology has the power to make unlimited amounts of information available at your fingertips. Braille as a reading medium has that same power; however, people who are blind and visually impaired are not able to easily access that information through technology without the proper tools.
Braille for Everyone is an initiative established by National Braille Press and its Center for Braille Innovation (CBI) with the goal of developing electronic, refreshable braille devices for all braille readers - including blind and visually impaired children, students, and adults. These new devices will be less costly and have more features than the devices currently available and are intended to link blind users to vital technology that allows them to thrive in school, compete for professional jobs, and to be active members of their communities.
Working with National Braille Press, Team CBI has researched currently marketed refreshable braille tools, actuator technology, and electrical components. They plan to develop the following devices:
- Braille PDA - an affordable, hand held, refreshable braille device with a wide range of features that connect to the Internet, email, and other mainstream digital media, while also providing features specifically for blind and visually impaired people.
- Full page of refreshable braille allows users to read a digital file or display tactile graphics (three-dimensional images that convey information including pictures, charts, and diagrams).
- Inexpensive, durable refreshable braille device for children teaches braille skills using games and digital books. It will introduce technology at a young age so that using electronic tools is an established skill as they grow.
National Braille Press founded the Center for Braille Innovation (CBI) in October 2008. With technology adapting so fast in many industries, CBI was created as the research arm and think tank of National Braille Press to help us adapt and transition into the electronic braille world.
Read the CBI White Paper.
Check back for more information about Braille for Everyone and the Center for Braille Innovation.
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