[blindkid] Refreshable Braille

[Richard Holloway]

My daughter strongly prefers the larger displays, around 32 or 40 characters. That's about as big as they get, except for some insanely expensive 80 character units which have two rows of braille and cost in the $8,000 to $10,000 range (and as far as I know, they are direct-connect only). My brain has trouble processing that sort of price for a computer display!

You can hardwire (typically USB) to a computer and not need to maintain a battery charge, plus many current units will charge over USB for wireless use, like with an iPod, but you must have bluetooth available to connect to an iDevice, and you can go wireless with a computer that way too as needed. If you look at any older, used units, keep in mind that you probably need bluetooth. Also know that braille cells get dirty an stick when they are old, or can fail completely-- factor that in if you think of a used unit.

We had displays in the 18 to 20 character range then moved to the larger size ones. She had to go back once to a smaller machine while her unit was repaired once and was very frustrated. Still, some of her friends (and others I have met) do indeed prefer the smaller displays, sometimes liking to have a smaller area to move across and back to read, and the lower cost of the smaller units can obviously be a factor as well.

Remember that these things do break and need repairs. The service maintenance agreements are expensive, but if the unit fails and you don't have an SMA, you may have a giant repair bill once the initial warranty runs out.


On Jan 15, 2014, at 5:36 PM, Arielle Silverman wrote:

> I agree with trying to get permission  to check out the Apex, which
> minimizes the number of devices needed. The Apex pairs well with
> I-devices. Otherwise, I have a RefreshaBraille from APH for $1800.
> It's only 18 cells but meets my needs fine.
> Arielle
> 
> On 1/15/14, Marianne Denning <marianne at denningweb.com> wrote:
>> I should point out that if you use a braille display with a Mac or
>> IDevice the key combinations are controlled by the Apple product.
>> When using it with a Windows computer the manufacturer of the braille
>> display sets up the key combinations.  If your student can try
>> different products it would be very helpful.  The products have
>> different setups and feels so it can vary a lot.  I will compare it to
>> buying a car.  I might love a Ford Mustang and think there is nothing
>> better.  I let you drive my car and you don't like it for some reason.
>> You wouldn't buy the Mustang just because I told you it was a great
>> car.  There is no one braille display fits all. The NFB convention is
>> a great place to check out what is offered.
>> 
>> On 1/15/14, IftheShew Fits <barnesraiser at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> My son is 11 and got his Focus 40 last spring to pair with an iPad. Both
>>> units were paid for by the Lions Club in our area. I filled out a super
>>> easy grant application (basically, how much money we wanted and for
>>> exactly
>>> what) and then I went to a meeting and presented some info about my son,
>>> what his needs are, and how much this would enhance our lives. They were
>>> thrilled to help us. Blindness and low vision is their main purpose. Our
>>> school only allowed us to check out an Apex during the school year and I
>>> couldn't see reading only paper Braille.
>>> 
>>> Best! :) Carolynn
>>> 
>>> On Wednesday, January 15, 2014, Darcirae Hooks wrote:
>>> 
>>>> My son is 10 and learning the IPad at school. We bought one for him to
>>>> use
>>>> at home. Was wondering what Refreshable display I all recommend and
>>>> approx
>>>> cost. He is fluent in Braille and uses an Apex at school but don't have
>>>> anything for him to use for non school stuff or summer reading.
>>>> 
>>>> Please advise!!!!!
>>>> 
>>>> Darci
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
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>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
>> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
>> (513) 607-6053
>> 
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> 
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