Technology Company Says Happy Birthday to Louis Braille

Worcester, United Kingdom, January 06, 2016 --(PR.com)-- A UK based technology company is highlighting the importance of Braille through technology on World Braille Day, which is celebrated on the anniversary of the birth of its creator.

Dolphin Computer Access develops software which enables blind and visually impaired computer users to access technology in the same way as fully sighted users. As part of this, it’s important that blind users can integrate Braille usage into their computer access.

Louis Braille was born on this day in 1809 and went blind aged 3 following an accident in his father's workshop. He invented braille, which comprises of 6 dots in different arrangements to represent symbols and letters of the alphabet, aged just 12.

With the advent of text to speech technology on computers, tablets and phones the need for Braille could be seen to be declining, but there are many scenarios where speech isn’t suitable; such as a very noisy or quiet environment, or where privacy is needed.

With Dolphin software, computer users who are blind are able to use a refreshable braille display to their laptop or desktop, which will convert the content on screen to readable braille dots on the display.

Dolphin also develops software for organisations to create braille output. The software converts the on screen content into braille dots which can then be “printed” using an embosser. Despite the legal and moral obligation to provide accessible content for braille users, many organisations neglect this.

Braille opens the door to literacy, intellectual freedom, equal opportunity, and personal security for children and adults alike; a fact recognised by Dolphin Computer Access in their product design and development.