News and issues on the disabled 15 Nov 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. Meath Chronicle Ireland - Vision Ireland urges General Election candidates to prevent poster hazards
2. Egypt Today - Egypt to launch 2 diplomas on visual impairment in partnership with Western Michigan University
3. EWN - AI as an education tool can improve access for blind students
4. Los Alamos Daily Post USA - State Library Exhibit Honors Disability Awareness
5. British Judo Association - Success for Adaptive Judo in London
6. Greater Kashmir - Cricket match brings joy to visually impaired players in Baramulla
7. JAPAN Forward - Tokyo, Out to Make Art and Culture Accessible for All
8. Urban Milwaukee USA - Advisory committee partnership advances non-driver transportation services
9. Egyptian Gazette - LG Egypt supports “Ro’yaa Center for Visual Impairment” in Qena Governorate with its latest electrical appliances
10. Good Good Good - Braille readers cost upwards of $3,000. This teen invented a more accessible model for just $35
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1. Meath Chronicle Ireland - Vision Ireland urges General Election candidates to prevent poster hazards13 Nov 2024
Vision Ireland, the new name for NCBI, is calling on all general election candidates, and future election candidates, to consider people who are blind or vision impaired when hanging up their posters.
As part of Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Path’s campaign, a survey found that 77 per cent of respondents who are blind or vision impaired have been injured by footpath obstacles. This issue affects every community in Ireland around every election. Some of these hazardous posters have been spotted around the country already.
When these posters are placed below the regulation height of 2.3 metres, they create serious safety issues, and dramatically increase the risk of injury to people who are blind or vision impaired. The sharp corners and edges of posters can cause cuts or lacerations to the face, with protruding cable ties also presenting an issue.
Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs with Vision Ireland, said: “It is unacceptable that some election candidates are continuing to create these hazards for people who are blind or vision impaired. The law is very clear that these posters must be placed a minimum of 2.3 metres (7.5 ft) from the ground. Yet, year on year, we see that this is ignored by candidates and they continue to put people at risk. By adhering to the law and placing election posters above the specified height, candidates can convey a genuine sense of responsibility and understanding to people who are blind or vision impaired. This is a matter of public safety and should be taken seriously.”
As the general election approaches and candidates continue to canvass across every street in Ireland, it is imperative that candidates consider people who are blind or vision impaired. Election posters hung below the regulation height create obstacles for them and others with additional accessibility needs, limiting their mobility and putting them in danger. Posters which are hung below 2.3 metres can be removed and disposed of by local authorities. If people spot posters which pose a safety risk by not adhering to regulations, they should notify their county council.
Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths campaign highlights the importance of removing these obstacles and how this allows for more accessible public spaces. To find out more about creating accessible spaces, see Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths webpage.
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2. Egypt Today - Egypt to launch 2 diplomas on visual impairment in partnership with Western Michigan University14 Nov 2024
CAIRO – 13 November 2024: Ataa Fund, affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and Baseera Foundation signed Wednesday a cooperation protocol to launch two diplomas on visual impairment that will be delivered by Nile University in partnership with Western Michigan University.
The diplomas aim for qualifying individuals to empower the visually impaired on the educational and social level, enabling them to better integrate in society. One is the "Visual Impairment Specialist" diploma, and the other is the "Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist" diploma.
The programmes will be delivered in either the English or the Arabic language. As for the field training part, it will take place in Baseera Foundation, other foundations and schools accommodating visually impaired students.
Scholarships will be offered by "Ataa" specialized in funding the disabled, and graduates will be qualified to apply for certification from the American Accreditation Association (AAA). For more queries: contact the Nile University's Continuing Education School on 01015000820 or via email nu...@nu.edu.eg.
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3. EWN - AI as an education tool can improve access for blind students13 Nov 2024
JOHANNESBURG – Students with disabilities experience educational barriers that many other students do not.
Continuous research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve accessibility and ensure that students with disabilities have access to learning opportunities.
The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is hosting its Annual Disability Rights in Africa Conference on 13 and 14 November.
The theme of the conference is "Disability Rights, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Africa".
The discussion highlighted the transformative impact of AI on education for visually impaired students, contrasting historical exclusion with modern inclusivity.
Dr Shepherd Gumbo from Ezekiel Guti University, Zimbabwe and Dr Nyunyutai Mudzingwa from the Reformed Church University, Zimbabwe presented their paper: A strategy to include persons with visual impairments in the use of artificial intelligence in Zimbabwe’s higher education institutions.
"In the past, past research has it that people with visual impairment would not even be expected to go to school. We were not supposed to go to school. We were not supposed to be employed. We were just born to be cared for till the grave. Now that AI has come in, it will improve the situation," said Mudzingwa.
She highlighted the transformative impact of AI on education for visually impaired students, contrasting historical exclusion with modern inclusivity.
"Over 2.2 billion people worldwide, including many with visual impairments, benefit from AI-enhanced learning and social interaction tools like Lookout and various applications to improve independence and autonomy."
Mudzingwa pointed out that in Zimbabwe, despite AI's potential, current policies and infrastructure are inadequate, lacking AI-trained staff and appropriate software.
"Recommendations include a national policy for AI in education, early introduction of AI in schools, blended learning, and programming by visually impaired individuals to ensure effective integration and inclusivity."
Gumbo recommends that the use of AI in universities should be a national policy issue and universities should incorporate AI policies into their charters to enhance learning and teaching for visually impaired students.
"So what we've discovered is that in Zimbabwe, from our qualitative study, is that there are no policies currently on the use of AI on people with visual impairment. And that is a challenge, and we also noted that the infrastructure is inaccessible," said Gumbo.
He suggested that AI should be introduced early in education to familiarise students with its use recommending blended learning and training for staff on AI tools for visually impaired students.
"The challenge is that in Zimbabwe, we do not have such infrastructure in terms of even the software and the lecturers, the academic member of staff, and even the other members of staff. They are AI impaired because they cannot use AI to assist the learners for the students, and the policies are also silent on how students with impairment can be enrolled."
Gumbo further pointed out that programming packages for AI should be developed by visually impaired individuals to ensure they meet their needs effectively.
"Should we use AI in learning, we are sure that those people with visual impairment can navigate things on their own, can do things on their own, and once they do things on their own, the issue of dependence on people without visual impairment is also reduced, and they can also participate in civil rights movements."
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4. Los Alamos Daily Post USA - State Library Exhibit Honors Disability Awareness13 Nov 2024
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Library (NMSL) invites the public to explore a unique exhibit honoring the history of disability awareness, open through Nov. 15, 2024.
The exhibit, organized in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, features historical items that highlight the ongoing importance of employment inclusion and the contributions of individuals with disabilities in New Mexico and beyond.
State Librarian Eli Guinnee expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “We are thrilled to partner with the Governor’s Commission on Disability to raise awareness of the significant contributions made by New Mexicans with disabilities and to introduce more people to our free Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.”
The exhibit features a diverse collection of artifacts, including pins, posters, postcards, postage stamps, DVDs, books, and magazines. Among the highlights is a colorful decorative platter from 1980 commemorating “A Century of Deaf Awareness,” adorned with sign language symbols. Visitors will also see a doll of a blind girl, complete with a white cane, posed alongside a plush seeing-eye dog.
The display aims to highlight the important work the state is doing to improve the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities. The Governor’s Commission on Disability leads efforts to promote community living, employment access, assistive technology, accessible education, and a broad range of housing and transportation services.
Additionally, the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, administered by NMSL, provides extensive resources, including access to more than 100,000 digital audio books and magazines through the Braille and Audio Reading Download service and mobile apps. Braille books are also available by mail, reaching nearly 3,000 New Mexicans who are blind or visually impaired or have physical or reading disabilities.
The exhibit is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday at the New Mexico State Library, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey in Santa Fe, via the public entrance on the top floor.
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5. British Judo Association - Success for Adaptive Judo in London13 Nov 2024
The last week has been incredibly busy and not just because of the World Championships Veterans and Kata in Las Vegas. The Asian Open in Hong Kong, the Rome European Open and the Gyor European Cadet Cup were also all being watched avidly by judo fans all over the world, through the JudoTV platform. IJF and continental levels were not the only levels in play though.
In London, a new event on the British calendar was in play: the London Adaptive and VI Open, an inclusive event encouraging visually impaired and adaptive judoka to compete and develop. In order to prepare for this new challenge, London Area officials delivered a coach education seminar the day before, during which officials, coaches, referees and other interested parties were able to gain some insight into the challenges faced by adaptive athletes.
Su Webster, a judo coach from Freshwater Judo Club on the Isle of Wight, travelled a long way to attend the seminar and then stayed in London to support the London Adaptive Open, having one of her students registered to compete. Su said, “This new coach education event has given coaches an insight into how we can improve our coaching skills for adaptive players. This kind of work makes clubs more inclusive and also enables people to make connections with other coaches who work with adaptive players.
The course offered so many ideas on how to approach the grading process and access a competition pathway with adaptive judoka, within environments that we can manage accordingly.”
Kerry Tansey is the British Judo Association’s Adaptive Lead and she delivered the seminar, “I’ve always had a passion for adaptive judo, a truly inclusive arm of our sport. This course and all the other activities around the country provide opportunities for people who can often be marginalised in sport, but we are proving there’s a place for everyone in judo.”
One special feature of the seminar was the presence of a dozen young adaptive judoka who took part in the coaching education programme fully, helping the coaches understand what they need, how they feel and what challenges they face.
Kerry continued, “Having the children here illustrated the concepts and behaviours in person. Some of the children have only done judo for a few weeks but they’re catered for in their new clubs and courses like this mean they are likely to stay on the sport long term, working with coaches who really have the skills and knowledge needed to ensure inclusion is a high priority.”
Many of the children who helped deliver this seminar were encouraged to join in with the competition the following day and did so with an open mind.
“They were the centre of this course. They love to take part and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from ‘getting things right.’ They engaged fully for the whole 2 and half hours. We encourage the coaches to engage with them and in that way everyone can learn. Technical and social education are all part of our sport.”
British Judo’s London Area Chair, Peter Blewett said, “We are very proud that London is at the forefront of embracing diversity in innovative ways for the benefit of all our judoka. It reflects the diversity we have in London and our local organising committee have really shown that their commitment is unparalleled. That’s why this works.”
Following the education course, new contacts have come forward to offer facilities to be used for further events for the adaptive cohort. It’s a great bonus that was unforeseen but it bodes well for the future of adaptive judo in Great Britain.
The day after the course, the London Adaptive Open went ahead without a hitch and more than 70 adaptive judoka took part, not just from London clubs, some travelled from as far away as Scotland and so next year the event will welcome international teams, bolstered by the success of the first edition.
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6. Greater Kashmir - Cricket match brings joy to visually impaired players in BaramullaBaramulla, Nov 13: Government Degree College Baramulla hosted a friendly cricket match between 20 cricketers with visual disabilities.
A statement said that the event was jointly organised by the college’s Inclusion Committee on Disability and the Physical Education Department.
The cricketers were divided into two teams – SB Titans and Rising Stars – under the captaincy of Showkat Ahmad Lone and Mohammad Abid Nayak respectively. After winning the toss, Captain Showkat Ahmad Lone elected to bowl first. The Rising Stars team scored 104 runs in 10 overs, with Captain Abid Nayak contributing 46 runs and Ghulam Mohiuddin taking 6 wickets.
In the chase, the SB Titans team completed the target in 9 overs and 4 balls, beating the Rising Stars by 5 wickets. Ghulam Mohiudeen Sheikh was declared the Man of the Match.
The chief guest, the Principal of Government Degree College Baramulla, expressed the college’s commitment to the development and inclusion of students with disabilities. “GDC Baramulla is sensitive towards the rights and needs of students with disabilities. We have an Inclusion Committee that works to ensure accessibility and equal opportunities for all,” the Principal said.
The event was facilitated by the Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline and the Blind Welfare Trust, with participants hailing from across the Kashmir division. The Baramulla district administration, on the instructions of Additional Deputy Commissioner Zahoor Ahmad Raina, provided accommodation and meals for the players at the Rohama Home in Rafiabad.
“Our college is committed to organizing such events and removing barriers that hinder access to services like education for persons with disabilities,” said Asiya Zahoor, the Incharge of the college’s Inclusion Committee. “Today’s event has created more awareness and sensitization regarding the challenges faced by persons with visual disabilities.”
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7. JAPAN Forward - Tokyo, Out to Make Art and Culture Accessible for All14 Nov 2024
On November 5, Tokyo outlined its commitment to making art and cultural experiences more accessible to all. This initiative comes in preparation for two significant upcoming events in 2025: the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics.
The press event was hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture (TMFHC). Representatives highlighted their efforts to make the metropolis a diverse cultural hub accessible to all residents and visitors.
Broadening Cultural Experiences
"Our goal is to make Tokyo a city where all can enjoy art and culture," shared Kaori Sahara, Director of Cultural Program Planning and Coordination. She opened the briefing with a discussion on the joint initiative by TMG, TMFHC, and the Arts Council Tokyo. This collaborative project draws on practices worldwide to ensure that the city's cultural scene is as embracive as possible. In particular, it focuses on supporting people with disabilities.
Sahara emphasized the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which inspired the metropolitan government's ongoing commitment to "promote a symbiotic society through art." Their effort is guided by the Sign Language Act of 2022, which mandates support for inclusive cultural experiences across public facilities.
Sahara noted, "We are enhancing support for cultural experiences in public facilities, launching a new grant project, and providing resources for private-sector organizations." The initiative also focuses on training interpreters and sign language experts, making it easier for individuals with visual and hearing impairments to engage with art.
Accessibility Strategy
Yuriko Komai, section manager of the Tokyo Arts Council's accessibility team, expanded on the initiative's three-pronged strategy. "We're focusing on three key stages: information support, viewing support, and participation support," she said. According to Komai, these stages ensure that everyone, regardless of background or experience, can fully engage with the arts.
The council began with information support in 2023, ensuring that people unfamiliar with Tokyo's cultural offerings can easily access relevant information. In 2024, their focus has shifted to viewing support, which enables audiences to fully experience and appreciate art. From 2025, the team will prioritize participation support, encouraging active involvement in the arts, including as artists or event organizers.
Komai highlighted several initiatives already in place. Among them are "tactile maps, auditory guides, and QD Laser's RETISSA ON HAND, a device for visual support." Komai explained, "Our goal is to create a welcoming cultural environment where everyone can enjoy art."
She also noted that cultural facilities now provide accessible materials, including videos with sign language, subtitles, and audio guides. Simplified Japanese translations are also available for better understanding. Additionally, each facility has appointed a social inclusion officer to oversee these efforts and help address visitors' unique needs.
Fostering Diversity Through Art
Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery, represented by Kaoru Ouchi, has embraced its mission to promote diversity through art. "Our gallery directly connects with the street, making art more accessible," she said. Opened in 2020, the gallery embodies inclusivity through exhibitions, exchanges, and outreach programs.
Ouchi highlighted the gallery's commitment to Art Brut, a genre focused on self-taught artists, as a means to showcase diverse creativity. "This year marks the fifth Art Brut exhibition, featuring both established and new artists," she explained. In addition to Art Brut, the gallery has showcased creativity in everyday spaces, like origami and crafts, as part of its ongoing commitment to accessible art.
"We're aiming to make art accessible to all," she added. Plans are in the works for workshops, residency programs, and inclusive programs like tactile art installations and remote-controlled robots for those who cannot visit in person.
Support for Women and Emerging Artists
Yuko Ishiwata of the Activity Support Division presented the initiative "Support for Artistic and Cultural Appreciation for Women." The program began two years ago to support women in the arts through full funding for selected projects. It prioritizes performances over lectures. "This year, 40% of applicants requested multilingual support," Ishiwata reported.
Funding requests have averaged ¥1.07 million JPY (approximately $7,000 USD) per project, with many applicants focused on theater, musicals, and Japanese traditional performing arts. Ishiwata acknowledged challenges, saying, "The revised Disabilities Discrimination Act has heightened awareness of accessibility needs, prompting us to better support people with visual or hearing impairments." However, there are obstacles, including the shortage of skilled professionals such as sign language interpreters, that need to be addressed.
Innovative Accessibility in Theater
To make theater accessible to everyone, the Haiyuza Theatre Company has introduced an innovative program, as Komai explained. For a recently concluded adaptation of King Lear, the company implemented a live description system that enabled visually impaired audiences to follow the performance. "This system requires specialized facilities, like an audio operation room," Komai elaborated, highlighting the technical challenges involved.
Funding for accessible performances remains an issue. Komai noted, "The audio guide service alone costs ¥300,000 ($1,950), but only a few people are able to use it." She called on external partners to provide additional support.
Training and Development
Tokyo's cultural strategy also includes robust training programs for professionals in the arts field. Representatives explained that the program seeks to train more sign language interpreters and other specialists for the arts and culture sectors. "The training consists of eight intensive sessions, with four hours of content each and additional homework," they shared.
With six sessions completed, participants are now actively applying their skills in cultural facilities across the metropolis. This specialized training program helps address the shortage of qualified professionals. Moreover, it ensures that Tokyo's cultural institutions are prepared to support diverse audiences in the future.
Outreach and Awareness Challenges
Nevertheless, officials acknowledged that the actual usage of accessibility programs remains low. They attribute this in part to a lack of public awareness. During the Q&A session, one representative noted, "Many people are still unaware of the available resources or unsure whether they'll be accepted by the facilities." To address this, Tokyo plans to enhance communication and increase partnerships with private sector groups to broaden accessibility efforts.
Tokyo remains committed to fostering a truly inclusive cultural environment. With ¥6 million ($39,000) allocated for support programs in 2024 and plans to maintain this funding in the future, the city is on a mission to create an arts scene that welcomes everyone. One panelist emphasized, "Helping people engage with art directly fosters further exploration and understanding."
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8. Urban Milwaukee USA - Advisory committee partnership advances non-driver transportation services12 Nov 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosted its transportation partners Tuesday for the fall Wisconsin Non-Driver Advisory Committee (WiNDAC) meeting. The biannual meeting is an opportunity for WisDOT to collaborate with stakeholders and discuss transportation needs for the state’s non-driver population.
“Mobility and equity in transportation are critical priorities at WisDOT. We must ensure every transportation project and program takes into account what’s best for all our users, no matter how they travel,” said Lea Collins-Worachek, administrator of WisDOT’s Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives. “WiNDAC is a chance for us to learn from our partners about the safety and access needs of non-drivers as we plan for the future of our transportation system.”
WiNDAC works to identify barriers for non-drivers and develops recommendations to improve mobility in all modes of transportation. Members include advocacy groups, stakeholder transportation associations, mobility service providers, academia, state and local government, legislators and the Federal Highway Administration.
The fall meeting focused on encouraging members to envision a holistic approach to transportation to better accommodate for the needs of non-drivers.
“WisDOT’s commitment to inclusion of diverse representation in WiNDAC ensures that we find meaningful, robust and sustainable solutions to enhance equity and access for all non-drivers,” said Denise Jess, WiNDAC co-chair and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired.
Non-drivers make up nearly a third of Wisconsin’s population, including aging adults, students, children, low-income individuals, people with disabilities and those who prefer not to drive. Many face barriers to get to work, school, appointments and other daily needs. WiNDAC allows stakeholders to share their experiences to inform decision-making and transportation planning.
“WisDOT is showing the rest of the nation how to strategically think about improving mobility for the large and growing population of non-drivers whose access to the workforce, healthcare, schools and businesses may be limited. Centering transportation planning around solving challenges non-drivers face every day is critical to keep Wisconsin communities growing and thriving,” said Tami Jackson, WiNDAC co-chair and public policy analyst for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Since WiNDAC first began meeting in 2020, WisDOT has implemented a variety of new strategies to improve services for non-drivers, including launching a GIS map to provide statistics for municipal transportation planners, conducting research into how non-drivers use various modes of transportation and promoting a non-driver centric approach to government work.
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9. Egyptian Gazette - LG Egypt supports “Ro’yaa Center for Visual Impairment” in Qena Governorate with its latest electrical appliances13 Nov 2024
Continuing its partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation, LG Egypt has donated a number of its latest electrical appliances to Ro’yaa Center for the Visual Impairment in Qena Governorate. The In-Kind donation aims to enhance the services provided by the center, as part of the LG’s commitment to support underserved communities and improve the quality of life for all individuals across Egypt’s governorates.
The Ro’yaa Center offers services to visually impaired individuals aged four and above in Upper Egypt across various fields, including education, training, integration, accessibility, and community rehabilitation. The center also supports those who interact with visually impaired individuals, including parents, institutions, associations, special education teachers, inclusive school teachers, and college students specializing in special education and visual impairment.
This includes preparing specialized trainers in visual impairment, such as Braille and computer instructors, as well as training in designing and producing educational and recreational games and tools for the visually impaired, and providing essential support for parents in dealing with their visually impaired children by teaching them Braille and other necessary skills.
In his statement, Mohamed El Gedawy, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at LG Egypt, commented on the donation: “LG Egypt takes great pride in its partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation, which aims to create positive change in society. And we are proud to support this cause through both material and moral contributions, aiming to provide equal opportunities for all members of the Egyptian community.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Magdy Maharam, Head of Life Development Sector at Misr El Kheir Foundation, said: “Misr El Kheir has been providing financial and material support to the Ro’yaa Center for the Visually Impaired in Upper Egypt since 2011, as part of our vision to build capacities, ensure human dignity, and enhance opportunities for the integration and accessibility of people with disabilities. We would like to thank LG Egypt for their continued collaboration and their generous donation to the center.”
This donation continues the successful cooperation between LG Egypt and Misr El Kheir Foundation and aligns with LG’s global slogan, “Life’s Good,” embodying the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The memorandum of understanding between LG Egypt and Misr El Kheir ensures that the company participates in various community initiatives and provides direct assistance to institutions and associations supported by Misr El Kheir, aiming to enhance the services they offer to the most vulnerable groups in society.
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10. Good Good Good - Braille readers cost upwards of $3,000. This teen invented a more accessible model for just $3513 Nov 2024
This year, 14-year-old Yash Mehta flew to Old Delhi, India to visit his grandfather, who helps run a school for the blind.
During his visit, Mehta questioned why none of the students had access to modern electronic braille readers. He was told that most braille readers cost upwards of $3,000 (with some priced as high as $15,000).
As he reeled from the high price, a lightbulb went off in Mehta’s brain: He wanted to make an electronic braille reader that anyone could afford.
His original goal? Make a model that costs less than $50.
In the end, he invented a small model that cost $20 and a larger model priced at $35.
In his project submission video for Society for Science — which hosts an annual STEM competition called the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — Mehta showed off his invention and explained the importance of expanding access to braille readers.
“This is crucial, because there are currently 36 million visually impaired individuals around the world, and this number is projected to increase by 55% over the next 30 years,” Mehta explained.
“Additionally, 89% of blind individuals live in low and medium income countries, where access to braille is very limited.”
Citing a study by the National Federation of the Blind, Mehta also pointed out that 1.3 million people in the United States alone are severely visually impaired — and 31.2% of those people live below the poverty line.
A shortage of qualified teachers and a growing reliance on text-to-speech technology has greatly reduced the population of individuals who can read braille, but the cost of braille readers is an added barrier that discourages education and adoption.
In fact, only 10% of blind Americans can read braille.
“Reducing the cost of braille displays is critical to making education more accessible for everyone,” Mehta said.
In his video, Mehta explained that braille “cells” consist of six dots arranged in two columns and three rows, and every combination of dots corresponds with letters, numbers, math symbols, and even musical notes.
Mehta went on to say that it’s not simply a matter of users opting out of electronic devices to curtail costs because books written in braille can be “six times” more expensive than a typical book, due to the specialized manufacturing process involved.
Conversely, electronic braille readers have the benefit of reusability — but that initial price point is still a non-starter for most users.
“Braille displays are expensive because they rely on piezoelectric crystals, which require complex hardware, driving up costs and leading to mechanical failures,” Mehta said, showing how he used readily available parts like motor drives and brush motors to optimize the cost of his model.
Another problem Mehta wanted to address was the lack of accessibility in typical braille readers when it came to individuals with decreased sensitivity in their hands and fingertips.
With this in mind, he fine-tuned his models with a potentiometer — a small instrument that could allow users to increase the speed, vibration, and pressure of their device.
After finalizing his invention, Mehta put it to the test against 29 other finalists at the Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC in Washington, D.C. in late October — and emerged with a first-place technology award.
Encouraged by his win, Mehta hopes to patent his invention and make it even better.
His current model can translate computer text into braille letters, but he wants to add optical character recognition which would allow his invention to also translate printed text and handwritten notes.
“I would probably go back to the Blind Relief Association and get more feedback with my new prototype,” Mehta told Science News Explores in early November, saying that his biggest asset has been community support.
“I think that’s the most important part — getting first-hand feedback.”
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia