A braille display, also known as a refreshable braille display or braille terminal, is a device for displaying braille characters. It’s a form of assistive technology, which allows a blind or visually impaired person to read text that is displayed on a computer screen. You can think of a desktop, a website or a word processor.
How does it work? This display creates braille characters on a flat surface by moving small pins in and out of the device. The user can move their fingers across the display to read the characters. It can also be connected to a keyboard or laptop. While the user is reading, the content is constantly being refreshed. The user can also enter commands and text through the display, depending on the type of display.
Screen readers are also commonly used for this, but they announce the text in speech. They are often used in combination with a braille display and a common keyboard to get an optimal experience and the most information. Find out what a screen reader does while using the web by reading our blog.
Users who are deafblind completely depend on a braille display and keyboard for their understanding and use of the computer.
