Refreshable+Braille+Displays

__Ashleah Funkhouser __ __Hour 1 __ __Type of Technology: __ Refreshable Braille Displays; Electronic Device

__Other important information:__can show up to 80 characters from the screen, later models offer note-taking and file storage capabilities.

__What is it?__ Machines able to read the text on the screen of the computer it is connected to and translate it into Braille. It is able to change the Braille characters as the reader requests.

__What is it used for?__ To display text on the computer in a way that people with vision impairments can read. Braille is a system of writing or printing for use by the blind, in which combinations of tangible dots or points are used to represent letters, characters, etc., that are read by touch. The device is able to read the screen and display Braille lettering, then it is able to change the Braille as many times as needed for the user to read everything on the page.

__Which type of impairment?__ Vision Impairment Cost? Website to purchase?The price of Braille displays range from $3,500 to $15,000, depending on the number of characters displayed.

__Individual Product- Why do you think it's the best? __ I think the __VarioPro 64__ is the best individual product out of the three I described below. It is able to translate various languages on a large number of cells. It has the usual eight-dot braille and comes with convenient accessories. I researched the product's manufacture and, even though the manufacturer is in Germany, I feel that any work needing to be done on the product will be done quickly and easily. The __VarioPro 64__ is compatible with many popular operating systems, so it will work for a wide range of people. After reading about and researching the products below, I have decided that the __VarioPro 64__ is the most helpful when it comes to Refreshable Braille Displays.

__Pictures of examples: __



*__VarioPro 64__
 * Languages: English, German, Portuguese, Spanish
 * 64 cells
 * Eight-dot Braille
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Accessories (included): Carrying Case, Rechargeable Battery, USB Cables
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Manufacturer in Germany
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Self contained unit; case style: backpack

__<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">BrailleConnect 32 __
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">32 Cells
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Eight-dot Braille
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Accessories (included): AC Adaptor, Battery Charger, USB Cables
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows Mobile Operating System, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Manufacturer in U.S.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">allow users to take notes, write e-mail and navigate the web. May be connected to a cell phone, personal digital assistant, or computer via Bluetooth or USB
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">self contained unit; case style: backpack

__<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">ALVA 570 Satellite __
 * 70 cells
 * Accessories (included): AC Adaptor, Carrying Case, Connection Cables, Dust Cover, Parallel Cable, Serial Cable, USB Cables
 * Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows XP <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Home, Windows XP Pro
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Manufacturer in U.S.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Self contained unit; case style: backpack[

__<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Citations __ <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">"Living with Vision Loss." American Foundation for the Blind. Web. 04 June 2012. <http://www.afb.org/section.aspx?FolderID=2>.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">"Refreshable Braille Displays." American Foundation for the Blind. Web. 04 June 2012. <http://www.afb.org/ProdBrowseCatResults.asp?CatID=43>.