I describe an idea for a simple and inexpensive tactile display and keyboard for Braille. The key simplification enabling this design is displaying Braille on six finger tips instead of as six tiny dots under one finger tip. The display is arranged in the same format as standard Braille embossers so users read and write in a reciprocal fashion. The display and keyboard might be useful for teaching Braille to blind children, as a communication system for deaf-blind people, and as a reading aid for blinded adults whose fingers are not sufficiently sensitive to read traditional Braille.
Entries Tagged Literacy
An inexpensive tactile Braille display and keyboard with reciprocity
January 22nd, 2007 — Blind, Enabling Technology, Ideas, Literacy
Switch accessible concept mapping
December 9th, 2006 — Enabling Technology, Ideas, Literacy
Concept mapping programs are important literacy tools used by many schools. They are currently inaccessible to people who are only able to use one or two switches for input.
You can get a trial copy of concept mapping software at http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Ideas/Free+trial.htm.