Last updated: November 24, 2023

Things to Consider

• The number of cells.
• Single line vs. multiple line display.
• The feel of the braille cells.
• Whether cursor routing buttons are available.
• How it connects to a computer/tablet/phone.
• Screen reader compatibility.
• How the device is powered.
• Storage.
• Supported file formats.
• Braille translation functionality.
• Ease of use.
• Stability of Firmware/Software running on device.
• Durability.
• Portability.
• Product support.
• Price.

This document is available for download: 

Refreshable Braille Displays and Notetakers Recommendations.docx

Refreshable Braille Displays and Notetakers Recommendations.docx

Important Notes

• ("*" asterisks) denotes the device as a notetaker
• Empty table entries indicated by a "-" (dash) means that no information was provided on the company's website, or the company did not respond to email inquires.
• Prices are reflective of what was listed in September 2023 on the company's website. Any companies wishing to have their information updated, please email braille@nnels.ca with the details.
• Prices may be higher or lower than what is listed here when purchasing from a distributer.

Braille Display Options

Freedom Scientific (A brand of Vispero)

Orbit Research

Innovision Tech / Canadian Assistive Technology as distributer

Bristol Braille Technology / Canadian Assistive Technology as distributer

HIMS INC

American Printing House for the Blind / Humanware as the distributer

Humanware

Optelec (A brand of Vispero)

VisioBraille

Help Tech

Papenmeier

Recommendations for Purchase (for Public Libraries)

All modern braille devices can connect to a mainstream computer, phone, or tablet. The screen-reading software on that mainstream device will translate text into braille for the user, and the keyboard on the braille display serves as a secondary method for typing and navigating. Additionally, many braille displays can perform simple file management and word processing without being connected to anything, allowing such a device to become a standalone e-book reader. Books can be translated into braille using free software, loaded onto an SD card, and viewed on the Braille display. While the “note takers” in the above table are capable of more complex functions on their own, only the most expensive devices are running a modern operating system and even those may not receive security updates in the same way as a mainstream device. If the objective is simply to read books, a braille display with simple note-taking functionality should suffice. At present, Apple’s mobile hardware has better braille support than that of Android, so an iPad or iPod touch would make a good optional portable companion for a braille display. Windows and Mac OS both provide great braille support. NVDA is a free and open-source screen-reader for Windows that will be familiar to many and can be part of a low-cost solution to braille access.

Braille Display Short List

• The Humanware Brailliant displays are known for their great design and ease of use. Multiple sizes are available, and newer models include basic note-taking functions. These displays are well-rounded, are distributed in Canada, and have an excellent support team.
• The Focus displays are lightweight and durable. They lack note-taking features but can connect with up to five computers or mobile devices over Bluetooth.
• The Orbit Reader 20 Plus and 40 are low-cost devices designed for easy book reading. It can act as an external display for a computer or mobile device and can read books and other documents from an SD card.
• Most displays have flat cells except for companies like Help Tech which offers concave cells designed to make the reading experience more ergonomic. In addition, Help Tech displays have Active Touch Controls which will automatically scroll to the next line when it senses the reader’s fingers reach the end of the current line.
• There is great interest for devices that can display multiple lines of braille and even tactile images opening up access to more spatial information. The Canute 360, Canute Console, Orbit slates, and Graphiti Plus are some of the latest displays that have these capabilities available for purchase.