A refreshable braille display is technology that displays braille cells, by round-tipped pins raised through holes in a flat surface. This allows the user to read the braille and it is refreshed with the next line. The braille display can connect to a computer, iPad, iPhone or tablet device.
Braille displays allow people who are blind or vision impaired access to tactile information from the internet, email, word processing or social media. A technology assessment should be used to determine the device that best suits your client’s needs. Click each image for a product demonstration.
Braille Display demonstration
Some common braille displays are
Focus:
| An ‘eye-tea’ review of the Focus | |
| Focus 14 and 40 provide braille input/output with braille display. The 14 has 14 cells of braille and the 40 displays 40 cells. Perkins braille keys for input of information. | |
| Transportable | Weighing 230 and 600g, lightweight and easy to use |
| Available | Quantum $1,425.00 AUD (14) and $3,075.00 AUD (40) |
| Practical | Navigate PC or smartphone via bluetooth, add to JAWS for speech |
| Engaging | Small, compact and allows easy access to modern technology |
Pac Mate:
| An ‘eye-tea’ review of the Pac Mate Omni | |
| The Pac Mate comes in Perkins braille input or QWERTY keyboard input and 20 or 40 refreshable braille display | |
| Transportable | All models weigh slightly less than 1kg. |
| Available | Quantum (20) $4,110.00, (40) $6,435.00 |
| Practical | Preloaded with JAWS can access all mobile computing needs such as emails, contacts, appointments, word processing. 20 hours battery |
| Engaging | Access internet, emails, social media and connect. Excellent for workplace also. |
Braille Note:
Braille note
| An ‘eye-tea’ review of the Braille Note | |
| Braille Note is available in 18 and 32 cell display and Perkins or QWERTY keyboard. Use with a computer screen reader. | |
| Transportable | Simple and easy to carry. |
| Available | Humanware Price: $4,670.75 AUD |
| Practical | Can access webmail, email and word processing. |
| Engaging | Wireless access to computer. |
Also available:
- VarioConnect Braille Displays available from: Optek Systems
- Braille Sense available from Pacific Vision Price $6, 295.00