We are often lead to believe that technology is the only solution to today’s problems, but these two examples show us that sometimes the simplest of things can create innovative and far-reaching solutions. This would promote integration and inclusion, something that should be instilled early on in life. Given that they are almost identical to Lego blocks, both children with and without sight can play together. Toys like the Braille Bricks would make learning Braille fun and exciting for children. Braille is typically learned by typing on a Perkins Braille writer – a machine similar to an old-fashioned typewriter but with less keys. As a result, more children and adults could have immediate access to Braille materials.Ĭurrently, few toys and fun games exist for young Braille learners. I think this would greatly increase the access and affordability of these devices.
It is expected that the new Braille printer being developed by Banerjee and his team will cost much less – around $300. A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the expensive nature of Braille embossers. After all, it would be unacceptable if our sighted counterparts didn’t know how to read or write.īoth the Braigo printer and Braille Bricks have an enormous potential of increasing the literacy rate among blind individuals. While some might say that Braille is becoming obsoletewith all of today’s technology innovations, I – and other advocates – are in complete disagreement. This is a significant contrast to 50 years ago, when over 50 percent of children learned the system. It is estimated that only about 12 percent of children who are blind in the United States know Braille. There’s no better time for the development of these and other innovations, which will hopefully increase the Braille literacy rate among people who are blind in the United States and elsewhere. Besides learning the alphabet, blind children can use the blocks as toys to build things.
Now, designers from Lew’Lara\TBWA in Brazil have developed Braille Bricks,blocks similar to Legos with Braille letters and numbers.
While the printer is not actually made from Legos, Banerjee was inspired by the popular toy to create the concept. In 2014, 13 year old Shubham Banerjee created the Braigo, a light-weight and affordable Braille printer. Lately, developers are turning to legos to come up with new ways of making and teaching Braille. Commentary: Making Braille Affordable and Fun with Legos
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