Refreshable braille
Braille is a tactile script that enables person with blindness to read written text using their fingers. Traditionally braille is embossed on thick paper.
Braille opened the doors of education for persons with blindness in 19th century. However, braille books are bulky and occupies approximately 42 times more space than normal print book. Braille paper is also expensive, and trained personnel are needed to repair the special braille printers.
A common solution to is in the form of a technology called refreshable (or digital) braille. Refreshable Braille Devices convert digital text to braille in real time and displays it few characters at a time.
A refreshable braille display can be connected to a smart phone or computer and used in conjunction with a screen reader. Some braille displays work as stand alone devices, and digital books can be stored on a memory card and can be read without the need for a connected computer or phone.
This video explains how refreshable braille devices can be used for reading digital texts, including textbooks and other course materials:
Due to worldwide efforts, the starting cost of braille displays has be brought down from USD 4,000 to approximately USD 500. One of the example of such a device is the Orbit Reader 20.
The following video provides an orientation to this device:
