[Njtechdiv] Microsoft and Apple helped build new braille display standard

[Janie Degenshein]

Thanks Mario for this entry
I saw it and you were trick on the trigger
Good for you
Encouraging news friends


-----Original Message----- 
From: Mario Brusco via Njtechdiv
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 10:46 AM
To: njtechdiv at nfbnet.org
Cc: Mario Brusco
Subject: [Njtechdiv] Microsoft and Apple helped build new braille display 
standard

Microsoft and Apple helped build new braille display standard
https://www.engadget.com/2018/05/31/microsoft-apple-usb-if-accessibility-braille-display-standard/

5.31.18

Accessibility is an increasingly important issue when it comes to tech;
while new technology can certainly make it easier for people with
accessibility issues to interact with the world, it can also end up
shutting people out. Today, the non-profit USB Implementers Forum
(USB-IF) announced a new standard for braille displays. It was developed
in cooperation with Microsoft, Apple and other tech industry leaders.

The USB Human Interface Device (HID) standard will make it easier for
blind or low vision users to use braille displays across operating
systems and hardware. It will also remove the need for specialized or
custom drivers and simplify development.

"We see the opportunity that advancements in technology can create for
people with disabilities and have a responsibility as an industry to
develop new ways of empowering everyone to achieve more," said the
Microsoft's Windows accessibility program manager lead, Jeff Petty.
"Developing a HID standard for braille displays is one example of how we
can work together, across the industry, to advance technology in a way
that benefits society and ultimately improve the unemployment rate for
people with disabilities."

It's really nice to see traditional rivals like Apple and Microsoft
working together on something as important as accessibility. Hopefully
this partnership is fruitful and the two companies (along with other
tech industry leaders) continue to work to make computers and technology
more accessible for those with different kinds of impairments.

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