When you're learning a new language, it takes a lot of time and effort to achieve fluency. The same can be said of learning Braille, which is a touch-based writing and printing system for the blind or visually impaired developed in the 1820s that uses a series of raised dots to represent numbers and letters. Once learned, Braille can dramatically change the life of a visually impaired person by empowering him or her to read a book, write a report, use an ATM, make a shopping list and a thousand other acts that help the visually challenged to fully participate in the world around them. Braille is most commonly taught in a school setting or by a trained tutor, but there is a new tool called the BrailleCoach offered by Rehabmart, that will help those learning Braille reinforce and enhance their knowledge between formal lessons.

The easy to use BrailleCoach device uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that activates a corresponding sound to match one of three special Braille learning modes when a Braille embossed tag touches a sensor on the front of the pad. The sound coming from the unit will either be associated with letters, dots or words. The first mode, Letters and Dots, announces both the alphabet letter and the dot pattern associated with it. The second mode, Letters Only, plays only the letter name which challenges the user to remember the dot pattern without a reminder. The third mode, Letter and Words, introduces users to more advanced Braille functions using full words printed on the lower portion of the tag. Special fully customizable blank tags are included when it is necessary to record sound associated with special or unique words. 

One of the best features of the BrailleCoach is that it is ready to use right out of the box and can be used almost anywhere. Batteries, earphones and volume controls allow users to brush up on Braille in the car, waiting rooms and even on crowded public transportation. The BrailleCoach Standard Package includes the unit, 26 alphabet Braille embossed tags, programming tags, 4 AA batteries (installed) and an earphone jack (headphones not included). Optional purchases include a set of blank tags for customization and a carrying bag with pages to store tags.

Before helpful learning aids like the BrailleCoach were created, the blind or visually impaired would often have to wait until their next Braille class to practice and perfect their new reading and writing skills. Now, students can empower themselves in between lesson time with the help of BrailleCoach and strengthen and improve their Braille proficiency. Since learning Braille can profoundly improve the quality of life for the sight impaired, its no surprise that so many have chosen tools like the popular BrailleCoach to shorten the road to independence and to actively engage in society and the world at large.

To view other such devices, please go to the Assistive Technology Communicators page.

Rachel Huber,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO