4 comments

  • paavo koyapaavo koya, 5 years ago

    Genuine question: Do very many people read braille now with the prevalence of e-readers and so many computer implemented solutions for sightless reading?

    1 point
    • Jonathan ShariatJonathan Shariat, 5 years ago

      Great question.

      From some quick Googling:

      Fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million legally blind people in the United States read Braille, and just 10 percent of blind children are learning it, according to a report to be released Thursday by the National Federation of the Blind. http://www.mlive.com/news/us-world/index.ssf/2009/03/fewer_than_10_percent_of_blind.html

      I'm not sure if the design is THE solution, but its just a creative one that does a good job at blending the two. But your point brings up another question too: is the fact less and less blind people read Braille, is that a good thing or bad thing? Solutions like these might help increase that usage and improve their lives. I also wonder why there isn't digital braille alternatives. I know they are being worked on (https://www.technologyreview.com/s/413274/touch-screens-with-pop-up-buttons/) but I havn't seen anything yet in the market.

      1 point
      • paavo koyapaavo koya, 5 years ago

        Thanks for the informative follow-up. I think your question can only be answered by surveying the blind and asking them if they feel appropriately-abled to communicate / understand.

        The entire point of language and writing is transfer of ideas. If the blind are more able to gain knowledge/navigate the world through means non-braille then more power to them. I certainly think this avenue will become a burgeoning research area in decades to come.

        1 point
  • Tyler RenfroTyler Renfro, 5 years ago

    This is amazing!

    1 point