Visual Impairments
Braille
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This category includes hard-copy braillers which emboss/print braille, soft-copy braille displays and monitors and the services and software components providing the multiple translate-to-braille functions.
Braille embossers (hard-copy output devices) vary in performance and price, based upon casual personal use to production models.
Braille displays (soft-copy monitors)allow the user to read in braille the information seen on the screen: the device creates dynamically refreshable braille characters corresponding to the screen information. The number of cells available at any on time varies from 1 to 40.
Braille software conversion programs or services translate to the different grades of braille.
Another tactile reading device being used by the blind to capture output from the computer display or the printed page is the OptaconII which presents information to the user via a vibrating tactile display.
3M Braille Labeler
This Braille Labeler embosses Braille on 3/8" or 1/2"vinyl and magnetic tape. The upper rim of the dial is Brailled; the lower rim displays the standard alphabet. Available characters: complete alphabet, the number sign, commonly used contractions, word contractions and puncturation marks. The Labeler can also be used as a standard alphabet labeler with the standard alphabet dial. It comes with one spool of vinyl tape.
American Foundation for the Blind
15 West 16th St.
New York, NY 10011
(212)620-2000
ABLE-2 Product Family
The ABLE-2 Product Family supports computer users with special needs in a systematic program in four parts: needs assessment, workstation family, focused training, life cycle support. Needs assessment focuses on vision-impaired/blind, hearing-impaired/deaf and neuromuscular impairment or papa-quadriplegic. Computer users with visual impairments are provided with optical character readers, voice systheesizersk, screen readers, tactile output displays and Braille devices. The workstation family may be configured with voice input, mouse, foot pedal, joystick and headpointer.
Automated Business systems & Services Inc.
6715 Kenilworth Ave.
Riverdale, MD 20737-9960
(301)454=8200
APH PocketBraille
The APG PocketBraille is a portable, battery operated, voice output computer designed for braille users. As a standalone unit, it enables the user to write, read, edit and store about 200 pages of Grade 2 braille. When connected to other devices, it sends and receives data in ASCII or program code, allowing for interaction with PCs, printers, Braille embossers, modems, etc.
American Printing House for the Blind
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, KY 40206-0085
(502)895-2405
ATC/RESUS 214
ATC/RESUS 214, specifically designed for medium to heavy Braille production, features 210 lines per minute, six or eight dot Braille and graphic capabilities. The ATC/Tesus 214 interfaces with most computers, microprocessors or paperless Braille equipment.
American Thermoform Corporation
2311 Travers Avenue
City of Commerce, CA 90040
(213)723-9021
Auto Braille
Auto Braille is a memory-resident version of Turbo Braille. It automaticallly intercepts any output from a word processor or other software and sends it to the printer. It will then format it for Braille printing, translate it into Grade 2 Braille and send it to an embosser. Auto Braillle occupies 50K of memory (or 2K with expanded memory).
Kansys Inc.
1016 Ohio St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
(913)843-0351
Braille & Print Device
This Braille and print device uses Perkins Brailler and QE80 printer.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253
Braille 'n Speak
Braille 'n Speak, a compact, portable talking device with a seven-key Braille keyboard, may be used as a talking computer terminal, a Braille to print transcriber and a word processor. It is supported by the IBM Screen Reader; other features include a talking clock, calendar, calculator, stopwatch and a note organizer. It stores 20 file folders of information and has a 200,000 character memory. This battery-operated device also has a communication port for computer or printer connections. It allows information that is entered to print on a printer and will convert Grade 2 Braille entered into printable text. Braille 'n Speak has a built-in speech synthesizer; a battery charger and headset are included. Also available is a disk drive accessory, a small disk storage device that lets the user save files from Braille 'n Speak to standard 3.5 disks.
Blazie Engineering
109 E. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(410)893-9333
Braille Blazer printer
Braille Blazer is a small, light, quiet personal Braille printer with speech output for configuring the printer and as voice to any computer; it is supported by the IBM Screen Reader.
Blazie Engineering
109 E. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(410)893-9333
Braille Books for Children
Braille Books for Children is a collection of 95 titles averaging $8/book; a catalog is available.
Seedlings Braille Books for Children
P.O. Box 2395
Livonia, MI 48151-0395
(313)427-8552
Braille documents
This production shop creates Braille and large-print documents.
Metrolina Sight Services
704 Louise Avenue
Charlotte, MC
(704) 372-3870
Braille Interface Terminal (BIT)
The Braille Interface Terminal (BIT) package contains a high-quality, 20-cell Braille display which serves as a window to the computer screen. A built-in Braille keyboard allows the user to enter data and commands from either the Braille or Pc keyboard. a joystick makes nameuveriing the review window simple and efficient. Software written for the BIT provides a set of commands for access to off-the=shelf software. This BIT software is also available for the VersaBraille II+
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
Braille Labeled Diskettes
Special diskettes come with the label written in Braille. Each disc in the box has an identical label in Braille, and each box contains a user kit to allow embossing the contents on a pressure-sensitive label. The blind user can determine the technical description of a box of media or disc and apply a description in Braille to each diskette using the specially designed user kit. Available in both 5.25" and 3.5 diskette size.
Brown Disc
1110 Chapel Hills Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(800)654-4871 (719)593-1015
Braille printers
IBM manufactures three printers which support Braille through modifications ordered through your local IBM branch office. The three printers are models 4225, 4248 and 6362 (for mainframe computers, not PS/2s).
IBM Telemarketing Operations
3035 Center Green - Plaza 2
Boulder, CO 80301
(800)426-3388
Braille Services
The vendor provides brailing enlargement, and large print services and does braille graphics of cities, parks, and buildings.
MSMT Braille Center
3917 Mayette Ae.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707)579-1115
Braille teleCaption System
The Braille TeleCaption System, used with a Telebrailler or other Braille telephone device, provides news, weather, sparts and educational television programming to deaf-blind individuals nationwide on ABC, CBS and NBC. The system translates data into Grad 1 Braille. Deaf-blind persons who have a Telebrailler or other braille telephone device may use them to read the Braille characters. The telebrailler receives the information like a telephone call and prints it out on its 20-character Braille display.
Science Applications International Corporation
135 Old Solomons Island Rd.
Annapolis, MD 21401
(301)266-0993
Braille Transcription and Duplication
Customized printed information in Braille format, including hardware and software technical manuals.
National Braille Association Inc.
1290 University Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
(716)473-0090
Braille-Talk
Braille-Talk allows standard text from a word processor to be translated into accurate full-contracted Braille for embossing. It supports Grade2, Grade1 and computer Braille. No knowledge of formal Braille transcription is needed. With a speeck synthesizer attached to a computer, all screen nessages may be read aloud.
GW Micro
310 Racquet Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(219)483-3625
Braillemaster
Braillemaster, a modified version of Howtek's Pixelmaster color ink jet printer, retains the functionality of Pixelmaster - a color printer capable of merging color graphics and images with crisp text on any standard paper at five to ten cents per page. Developed with the National Federation of the Blind, Braillemaster can print alphanumeric characters along with Braille; it leaves a slightly raised dot or line and can print maps, charts, graphs and images directly from a computer.
Howtek Inc.
21 Park Ave.
Hudson, NH 03051
(603)882-5200
Braillo 400S Interpoint
The Braillo 400S Interpoint prints at the rate of 1200 pages per hour. The model 90, at 90 CPS, is less expensive.
American Thermoform Corporation
2311 Travers Avenue
City of Commerce, CA 90040
(213)723-9021
Brailon Thermoform Duplicator, Maxi-form
This copy machine for producing tactile images copies any Brailled or embossed original by a vacuun forming pricess. This model is for reproduction of teaching aids, geographic and mobility maps Maps measuring 13-7/8 by 18-5/8" may be formed. Thermoform machines plug into any AC outlet. The original is placed in the unit, a sheet of Brailon (paperlike plastic)is placed over the original and secured, and the heating unit is pulled into position for the vacuum pump to produce copy.
American Thermoform Corporation
2311 Travers Avenue
City of Commerce, CA 90040
(213) 723-9021
C Programming
Braille edition of C Programming by Kernighan and Ritchie.
National Braille Press
88 St. Stephen St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617)266-6160
Customized Braille
Customized printed information in Braille format, including hardware and software technical manuals.
Braille Inc.
205 Worcester Court - C3
Falmouth, MA 02540
(617)540-0800
Customized Braille
Direct braille services, including text and technical material transcriptions. A depository of textx, music scores and general-materials are available.
Associated Services for the Blind
919 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215)627-0600
Duran Dots
Duran Dots is a daisy-wheel printer capable of producing both print and Braille characters. By changing the rubber platen and removing the ribbon, a letter-quality printer is converted into a Braille embosser which uses standard form-feed paper.
ARTS Computer Products Inc.
121 Beach St. - Suite 400
Boston, MA 02111-2501
(800)343-0095
Duxbury Braille Translator/MSDOS-PCDOS
The Duxbury Translator is a text-to-Braille translation program allowing a sighted person with no knowledge of Braille to type and edit text and format it into Braille. It is capable of Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille output in American and British. Spanish, French and Nemeth Math Codes are supported via supplement products. The system is compatible with hard- and soft-copy Braille ouput devices and large-print output divices. The translator may be used with most word processing programs.
Duxbury systems Inc.
435 King Street
P.O. Box 1504
Littleton, MA 01460
(508) 486-9766
Dynaread
A reading and study aid for print=handicapped persons, Dynaread displays material on a Braille display, a speech synthesizer, a large print screen, etc. Users can make marginal notes, move backward and forward, search and read reference material along with text. It converts files from word processors and includes spelling checker and proof-reader; documentation is self-contained.
Computers To Help People Inc.
1221 W. Johnson St.
Madison, WI 53715
(608)257-5917
Electronic Typing Fingers
Electronic Fingers is an adapter for the IBM braille typewriter to allow computer output of braille. A parallel printer interface is required.
Personal Micro Computers
275 Santa Ana Ct.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408)737-8444
Eureka A4
Eureka is a 3-pound Braille input stand-alone computer with 64K of RAM; it uses a 3.5" disk drive, runs on rechargeable batteries and features a word processor, database, notepad and scientific calculator. This unit has VT-100 terminal emulation capabilities and acts as a talking thermometer and volt meter. The Eureka A4 can be interfaced with and IBM PC such that it can take the place of a traditional speech synthesizer.
Enabling Technologies Co.
3102 S. E. Jay St.
Stuart, FL 34997
(407)283-4817
Hot Dots
Hot Dots is a program for the IBM PC that allows the user to translate standard print text files to Grade 2 Braille and to output the Braille files to a variety of Braille printers. Hot Dots also translates Grade 2 Braille files to standard print text files. Hot Dots includes a global search and replace feature (useful for changing text and for adjusting Braille translation) and a formatting feature (useful for switching between braille and print page layouts). There is also a speech interface compatible with most popular speech synthesizers. Hot Dots requires 128K of memory and at least on disk drive.
Raised Dot Computing
408 South Baldwin St.
Madison, WI 53703
(608)257-9595
Loc-Dots
Loc-Dots are clear, adhesive-backed raised dots which affix to the keyboard to identify certain keys, e.g., the "home row" position, the shift or return keys to help those who can't see the keyboard.
ARTS Computer Products Inc.
121 Beach St. - Suite 400
Boston, MA 02111-2501
(800)343-0095
Marathon Brailler
The Marathon Brailler prints at 200 characters per second in character sets for the USA, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark. It features an intellignet numeric keypad, a 32-character visual display and is portable. Characterisitics include: adjustable page lengths and widths, serial or parallel interface, 6 and 8-dot Braille, built-in computer and Grade 1, a 32-character visual display and a 32K text buffer.
Enabling Technologies Co.
3102 S.E. Jay St.
Stuart, FL 34997
(407)283-4817
Mountbatten Brailler
This multi-function device for visually impaired persons can be used as a computer driven embosser with most PCs and as a computer terminal. The RS232 computer interface includes selectable baud rate, handshaking and selection of braille computer code.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253
MPRINT
MPRINT connects to a Perkings Brailler and sends the same characters being embossed on the Perkins to a standard printer for printing as standard characters. Each line appears as an individual line on the ink jet printer. Pr-set default positions are provided for margins, capitalization and spacing. MPRINT automatically expads Grade 2 Braille into full ASCII text for printing. MPRINT has additional features such as more flexible formatting and the ability to delete the last characters sent.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
Navigator
Navigator is a new family of Braille computer access systems for blind students and professionals. It features a Braille display of 20, 40, or 80 cells of 6 and 8 dots each. With view 2, Navigator instantly translates text on the PC screen into Grade 2 Braille. The system attaches to the bottom of a PC keyboard or laptop with a latching mechanism. A control panel provides navigation keys for movement of the cursor and display window. It accommodates users who need to access MS_DOS and those who want access to a Braille-based integrated software system.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
NFBTRANS
NFBTRANSis a text to Braille translation computer tool developed at the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore. The program for vision-imapaired people produces Grade 2 Braille form text entered using a word processing program. An embosser of a paperless brailling device and word processing software are required.
Roudley Associates
P.O. Box 608
Owings Mills, MD 21117
(800)333-7049 (301)363-0834
Notex
Notex is a 24 cell refreshable braille display and portable note taker. PC-Link software allows Notex to be connected to a PC's serial port to display the contents in braille. A Notex 40-cell display is available.
Adhoc Reading Systems
28 Brunswick Woods Dr.
E. Brunswick, NJ 08816
(800)783-3210 (201)254-7300
OHTSUKI Printer BT-5000
To close the gap between ink print and Braille media preparation, the Ohtsuki Printer produces Braille only, print only or Braille and Print on Parallel lines. A sighted person can produce Braille, edit and correct it with little or no knowledge of Braille. The printer may also be used to produce graphics. The machine handles different paper thickness, length and width. Continuous paper or single sheets may be loaded. The printer uses and Ink roller for print, rather than a ribbon cartridge. A RS-232C serial interface or parallel interface is required.
American Thermoform Corporation
2311 Travers Avenue
City of Commerce, CA 90040
(213)723-9021
Optacon II
OptaconII, a more compact version of TeleSensory's original product, is a small, portable reading device which converts printed information into a tactile image to be read by finger by a blind person. Optacon II may be connected to a PC, providing the reader access to vast amounts of electronic information. This feature also permits computer-assisted training using special software.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
PC BRAILLE
Translation software fo the IBM PC, XT and AT, PC Braille generates documents in Grade1, Grade2 or the newly-adopted Computer Braille (Grade O). PC Braille automatically translates text files into Braille. It runs on PC DOS and MS DOS computers supporting standard IBM software and works with all commercial braille embossers through a communications or centronix port.
ARTS Computer Products Inc.
121 Beach st. - Suite 400
Boston, MA 02111-2501
(800)343-0095
Ransley Braille Interface
The Ransley Braille Interface makes the production of Grade 2 Braille simple. It is a box that connects between any standard computer or computerized souce and any standard Braille embosser. The printing of material in Grade2 Braille now is an easy as generating regular print copy. Formatiing options include page width and length, optional page numbering, tabs and margins.
Human Ware Inc.
6140 Horseshoe Bar Rd. - Suite P
Loomis, CA 95650
(800)722-3393 (916)652-7253
RDS Braille Learning Center System
The TDS Braille System is an interactive speech system providing verbal and tactile response to data entry and information exchange. It uses a conventional keyboard and a special Braille alternate input device. A special device allows for programmable keys to be macro defined.
Royal Data Systems
Rt. 14 Box 230
Highway 64 West
Morganton, NC 28655
(800)843-9750 (704)433-5909
Reference Cards in Braille
Reference cards, in braille, for various popular personal computer applications, including dBase, WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Word, DOS User's Guide, ProComm, QWERTY and WordStar.
National Braille Press
88 St. Stephen St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617)266-6160
Romeo Braille Printer 20
The Romeo Brailler 20 prints Grade 1 or "computer" Braille (from a computer text file) at up to 20 characters per second. The user either sends the device a computer Braille text file via a Centronics parallel interface of an RS-232C serial interface of types Braille text on an external braille keyboard (extra). The Romeo prints in 6 or 8-dot braille with 42 cells to the line, has an audible paper-out detector, weighs only 31 lbs. and uses tractor feed paper. Character sets supported: US, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark. This product upgrades to Model 40.
Enabling Technologies Co.
3102 S.E. Jay St.
Stuart, FL 34997
(407)283-4817
Romeo Braille Printer 40
The Romeo Brailler 40 prints Grade1 or computer" Braille (from a text file) at up to 40 characters per second. The user either sends the divice a computer braille text file via a Centronics parallel interface or an RS-232C serial interface or types Braille on an external braille keyboard (estra). The Romeo printsin 6 or 8-dot braille with 42 cells to the line. An audible paper-out detector is provided. Character sets supported: US, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.
Enabling Technologies Co.
3102 S.E. Jay St.
Stuart, FL 34997
(407)283-4817
Speak Sys
SpeakSys is a program for the IBM PC which allows Braille 'n Speak by Blazie to be the keyoard and the voice for the personal computer. The product connects to the serial port and allows the user to enter text into the computer using grade two Braille or Computer Braille.
Blazie Engineering
109 E. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(410)893-9333
Telebraille
This real-time portable communication aid for deaf-blind users facilitaties face-to-face or phone communication between two deaf-blind people.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
Turbo Braille
Turbo Braille (version 1.0) is a braille translator and formatter that produces formatted Grade 2 Braille form any WordPerfect, WordStar or ASCII text file. It runs on any MS-DOS computer and supports a variety of Braille embosseres. It handles all basic formatiing tasks such as centering and paragraphs. Boldface and italic print, and print and braille page numbers automatically.
Kanxyx Inc.
1016 Ohio St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
(913)843-0351
BersaBraille II+
VersaBraille II+ is a portable computing, word processor and I/O device with a 20-character refreshable Braille display. The user enters text on the Braille keyboard and reads this text on the Braille display that can be electronically raised to form Braille Characters (a refreshable Braille display). computer braille text can also be transmitted between the device and a PC in the form of ASCII text files. The system comes with the following: calculator program, communications control program and FastKey program for remapping function keys. Additional companion software is also available.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
VersaPoint Graphics
VersaPoint Graphics creates Braille graphics with a PC and Versapoint. When used with popular PC drawing and graphing programs like PC Paintbrush, Dr. Halo, Graphing Assistant, Drawing Assistant or Lotus 1-2-3, VersaPoint captures selected portions of resulting screen images. The result is embossed bar charts, map, graphs and schematics. Mobility instructors can emboss Braille maps, teaches can Braille charts and figures and engineers can Braille results of computer-aided design.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
VersaPoint-40
VersaPoint is a 40-character-per-second Braille embosser with a movable platen for placing a Braille dot anywhere on the page. VersaPoint uses solenoids to generate its Braille characters. Each solenoid only needs to Braille four cells per line to reduce strain on the embossing heads. Paper type and width are user selectable up to 13 inches. VersaPoint uses tractor fed paper, has a 30,000 character buffer and uses standard parallel and serial ports. Alll configuration control parameters are set through the control panel or sent from the computer rather than with switches. VersaPoint supports sideways embossing, permitting printing of a full screen of information while retaining the exact screen format.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
View 2
View 2 is a PC feature that enables ASCII text on the computer screen to be instantly translated to Grade 2 braille on the braille display. Braille readers can view off-the-shelf PC-based software in Grade 2 braille without changing the computer screen or file. A braille reader can read all text files and disk manuals in Grade 2 braille without changing the files. View 2 is available with Telesensory's Navigator series of 20, 40 or 80 character 6 or 8 dot braille display systems.
TeleSensory
455 North Bernardo Ave.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain View, CA 94039-7455
(800)227-8418 (415)960-0920
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