Braille: A new way of reading with dots!
There are 42 million people in the world who are blind. Approximately 90% live in developing countries and constitute one of the world's most invisible and poorest minorities. For all blind people, Braille remains the foundation of written communication and is a true literacy medium that cannot be replaced by computer speech or listening.
About braille writing
A person who is blind needs technology to write braille. The most commonly used device for writing braille was invented in 1834 by Louis Braille and remains largely unchanged to this day, a true testament to his genius.
Louis Braille's tool is available in various sizes and is called the Slate and Stylus. It is breathtaking for its simplicity and longevity. However, it has some basic design flaws that simply would not be tolerated in a modern writing tool. For example, a young blind child has to first learn the braille code, and then in order to write braille they have to learn to write it backwards.
The second most widely used braille writing tool in the world is called the Perkins Brailler and was developed at the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts. In 1950 it was state of the art and resembles a mechanical typewriter of that era. It is still the most commonly used tool for teaching braille in all countries of the world, rich and poor. It is curious that such an old device is still considered the norm for blind children; a far cry from our expectations for sighted children.
The Perkins Braille Writer has given magnificent service to many millions of blind children and adults around the world. However, it is technology from another era which has failed to keep pace with other communication tools.
A new concept in braille writing
As sighted people we often take for granted the fragile view of the world that is provided to us through vision. And our expectations for communicating with others are increasingly framed by technology and the ever expanding options we have to express our ideas and access information.
Jot-a-Dot is an exciting new concept in braille writing that uses modern design principles and fabrication methods to achieve a robust, small braille writing tool suitable for all blind people.
Existing braille writing tools are still providing valuable service. However Jot a Dot now offers alternatives and options for the simple act of writing a note.
Jot a Dot has been designed to withstand many different environments and it is hoped that it will also be useful in developing countries where braille writing options are often non-existent.
Contact
The Jot a Dot braille writer has been developed in Australia by specialist manufacturer Quantum Technology. For further information visit www.jotadot.com
Source
Quantum Technology press release
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