BraillePi

In 2015 I ordered my first Raspberry Pi and soon I realised the capabilities for my students. I teach kids who are blind or partially sighted. I was already as developer/programmer involved in BrailleStudio. A program which makes it possible for young kids learn braille in an interactive way with use of PC (Windows) and a refreshable braille-display.

The so called BraillePi is a plug and play device with a speaker built in. Plug power and refreshable braille display in and soon the learner will hear what to do and. At startup the BraillePi purrs (like a cat).

Intentional this project is started with in mind to produce a device which makes it easy for young children to start with braille by touch. At school or at home where their parents can support them in the early stages of braille. Not learning braille but the pre-stage of braille. Discriminating dots in a fun way without all the complexities of learning what a dot means. And with some audio added that idea sounded great.

However it became quick clear that this device has lots of possibilities and not only for young children but also for adults who want to learn braille at home in their save environment. We use written off braille-displays.

The BraillePi is now available for many refreshable braille-displays and easy adjustable for any language. At this stage english and dutch versions are available.