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Home > Reference > Circulars > Braille Displays and Notetakers
2014
This reference circular discusses devices used to access and represent information in braille, and provides a list of available models. It also lists the sources to purchase these items and a selection of references and resources on the subject.
Prices given are subject to change without notice and do not include shipping and handling or other charges that may be incurred. Please contact the vendors directly to verify product specifications and current prices. Items listed are not part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program and their listing does not imply endorsement.
Braille displays represent the text on a computer or mobile device screen in braille. Many braille displays also have a braille or a QWERTY keyboard so that the user can input information into the computer or device from the same unit. A simple braille display does not have any functionality on its own and must be connected to a computer or mobile device through USB or Bluetooth to receive or transmit data via a screen reader. Please contact the manufacturers directly to inquire about specific screen-reader compatibility.
Braille notetakers are stand-alone units that allow a user to input standard braille characters using a braille keyboard or a connected QWERTY computer keyboard. They can function as a mini computer or a PDA, as they have standard computer applications. Some of these devices also include built-in synthetic speech, and most can function as a braille display for computer and mobile devices, as they work with popular screen readers. Some also can translate text into contracted braille.
There is not a clear-cut difference between braille displays and notetakers. Some braille displays do have limited note-taking and other added functionality and most notetakers can function as braille displays for computers and mobile devices. Additional functionality is noted when present.
Braille Plus 18
The Braille Plus 18 is a notetaker that has an 18-cell refreshable braille display, a braille keyboard, and a navigation stick. It can also connect to the Internet and wireless 3G networks without the use of another device. The Braille Plus 18 has built-in Google Search and is compatible with Android apps. (Note: not all apps are accessible.)
American Printing House: $3,599
RefreshaBraille
The RefreshaBraille is an 18-cell refreshable braille display that works with most popular screen readers. It can be connected to laptops, mobile phones, and other devices. It also has a braille keyboard, joystick, scroll buttons, and a USB port.
American Printing House: $1,695
Pronto!
The Pronto! braille organizer comes in two models: the Pronto! 18 and the Pronto! 40. The Pronto! 40 has a 40-cell braille display as well as an interchangeable braille or QWERTY keyboard. The Pronto! 18 has an 18-cell braille display and comes with a braille keyboard only. Both models can connect to Wi-Fi; come with word processing, calculator, and calendar applications; and can connect to other devices via Bluetooth or USB.
BAUM USA: $4,995 (18-cell), $7,495 (40-cell)
Bay Area Digital: $4,995 (18-cell), $7,495 (40-cell)
SuperVario2
SuperVario2 is a braille display that comes in five models: 24-, 32-, 40-, 64-, and 80-cell. The 64- and 80-cell braille displays are primarily desktop models, while the others may be used as portable models with a laptop. All five models of the SuperVario2 are wireless and can connect to computers through Bluetooth or USB. Each model has three function keys on the left and right of the braille display to aid in navigating through pages. These displays do not have an input keyboard.
BAUM USA: $2,050 (24-cell), $2,795 (32-cell), $3,295 (40-cell), $5,900 (64-cell), $7,900 (80-cell)
VarioConnect
The VarioConnect is a braille display with a braille keyboard. It comes in three models: 24-, 32-, and 40-cell. These models can connect to computers and mobile devices through Bluetooth or USB.
BAUM USA: Contact for pricing
VarioPro
The VarioPro is a braille display that can be configured with Tactile Acoustic Side Orientation (TASO) modules, which have sliders that move vertically or horizontally and verbalize the location of information on the screen as well as other data. There are modules for audio, speech and magnification control, status, and telephony. These modules are only compatible with the COBRA screen-reading software. The VarioPro comes with either a 64- or 80-cell braille display. TASO modules are sold separately.
BAUM USA: $9,995 (64-cell), $11,995 (80-cell), $1,695 (TASO Navigation Module)
VarioUltra
The VarioUltra is a braille device with 20 or 40 cells, an 8-key braille keyboard, various function buttons, and a navi-stick button. It can be used as a braille display and can connect to computers, mobile devices or smartphones. It can also be used as a notetaker as it comes with productivity applications built in. VarioUltra can connect with up to 5 different devices simultaneously through 1 USB connection and 4 Bluetooth connections, but does not have stand-alone Wi-Fi connectivity.
BAUM USA: $2,395 (20-cell), $3,395 (40-cell)
Esys Series
The Esys Series come in five models: 12-, 24-, 40-, 64-, and 80-cell. Each model comes with a braille keyboard, cursor routing, and two navigation joysticks that can be used to control Windows menus. Each model also comes with five applications: notepad, to create text or digital braille files; agenda, to set up meetings and other reminders; alarm clock; calculator; and tools to help check the operation and settings on the device. All models are compatible with most popular screen readers.
Bapin Group: $2,149 (12-cell), $3,149 (24-cell), $5,999 (40-cell), $8,999 (64-cell), $9,999 (80-cell)
Enablemart: $1,999 (12-cell), $3,421 (24-cell), $7,178 (40-cell)
Contact Eurobraille for other retailers
EsysLight
The EsysLight is a braille display that comes with 40 braille cells, two navigation joysticks, and cursor routing. Since it is mainly used for accessing and reading digital documents or text, it does not come with an input keyboard. It is compatible with most popular screen readers.
Bapin Group: $4,999
Enablemart: $6,085
Contact Eurobraille for other retailers
EsyTime
The EsyTime is a braille device with a 32-cell braille display and braille keyboard. It is compatible with most popular screen readers, but can also be used alone, as it comes with an integrated Windows 7 operating system. In addition, the included EsySuite software package has writing, filing, and calculation software. It has three USB ports and one mini USB port.
Bapin Group: $7,249
Contact Eurobraille for other retailers
Focus Braille Displays
The Focus Braille Display comes in 14-, 40-, or 80-cell models. Each has a braille keyboard and can be used with JAWS for braille output of digital text. These devices can also be used with Apple iOS devices. The Focus 14 is specifically designed for portability. All three come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Freedom Scientific: $1,295 (14-cell), $2,795 (40-cell), $7,795 (80-cell)
Perkins Products: $1,295 (14-cell), $2,795 (40-cell)
PAC Mate Omni
The PAC Mate Omni is a portable information device where one can store and edit files, as well as read and write them. It is built on JAWS software and is available with a detachable braille display. It comes with either a computer-style QWERTY keyboard or braille keyboard. The PAC Mate Omni also uses the Windows 6.1 mobile operating system, which can run third-party apps. It comes with the Microsoft Office Suite, can read PDF files, and can access e-mail and the Internet.
Freedom Scientific: $995 (PAC Mate without braille display), $2,390 (with 20-cell braille display), $3,690 (with 40-cell braille display)
Perkins Products: $995 (PAC Mate without braille display), $2,390 (with 20-cell braille display), $3,690 (with 40-cell braille display)
Active Braille
Active Braille is a notetaker with a 40-cell braille display. It has Active Tactile Control (ATC) technology, which allows users to automatically scroll through braille without having to press any buttons. Unlike automatic displays that scroll through the braille at a continuous rate, Active Braille scrolls to the next line only when it senses that the reader has reached the end of the line with his or her fingers. Active Braille has applications such as an editor, calculator, clock, and others, and thus can be used as a notetaker.
Triumph Technologies: $6,490
Basic Braille
The Basic Braille comes in 40-, 64-, and 80-cell versions. It is a simple design, with only three keys on each side of the braille display. Basic Braille works with most standard screen readers. It can be connected to any computer using a USB connection and is powered solely by the computer. Basic Braille can also be configured with Bluetooth and wirelessly connected to a device.
Triumph Technologies: $2,999 (40-cell), $5,695 (64-cell), $7,799 (80-cell)
Braille Star
The Braille Star is a braille device that can be connected to a computer via USB or Bluetooth and used as a braille display, or used on its own as a note-taking device. It comes with either 40 or 80 braille cells, cursor-routing keys, and eight function keys, which can be used as a braille keyboard. The 80-cell version also has a 16-key numeric block on the right-hand side of the display.
Triumph Technologies: $5,490 (40-cell), $9,990 (80-cell)
Braillino
Braillino is a notetaker with a 20-cell braille display and cursor-routing keys. Braillino can connect to mobile devices and computers through Bluetooth (Windows or Mac) or USB (Windows only). It comes with 4 MB of memory, so files can be stored and edited on-the-go.
Triumph Technologies: $3,595
Easy Braille
Easy Braille is a 40-cell braille display that also has a braille keyboard and cursor-routing keys. There are two models: one that connects to devices through USB only and one that connects through Bluetooth or USB. Both models use four AAA batteries (included) and are compatible with most major screen readers.
Triumph Technologies: $3,995 (with USB connectivity), $4,490 (with USB and Bluetooth connectivity)
Modular Evolution
The Modular Evolution braille display comes with 64 or 88 cells, cursor-routing keys, and Active Tactile Control, which allows users to automatically scroll through braille without having to press any buttons. Unlike automatic displays that scroll through the braille at a continuous rate, Modular Evolution scrolls to the next line only when it senses that the reader has reached the end of the line with his or her fingers. Users can opt for a full braille or QWERTY-style keyboard, which includes all function keys, as well as a modular number pad.
Triumph Technologies: $9,990 (64-cell), $12,990 (88-cell)
BraillePen Slim
The BraillePen Slim is a braille input device with a braille keyboard and three function keys (these also become dots 7 and 8 in 8-dot braille). The BraillePen Slim does not have a braille display. It has a joystick for navigation and can use Bluetooth to connect with PCs, Mac OS, and iOS devices, as well as Android and Symbian. It is compatible with most popular screen readers.
Aroga Technologies: $395
Perkins Products: $299
BraillePen 12 and BraillePen 12 Touch
The BraillePen 12 and Touch are 12-cell braille displays that have a braille keyboard with three function keys. BraillePen 12 and Touch also come with BraillePen Write software, which allows users to create and edit documents. Both can use Bluetooth to connect with PCs, Mac OS, and iOS devices, as well as Android and Symbian. Unlike the regular BraillePen 12, the BraillePen 12 Touch comes with cursor routing. Both are compatible with most major screen readers.
Aroga Technologies: $1,095 (each)
Perkins Products: $1,095 (BraillePen 12 only)
Braille Edge 40
The Braille Edge 40 is a combination notetaker and braille display with 40 braille cells. It has a braille keyboard, as well as two four-way navigation keys and eight function keys. It is compatible with most major screen readers, and comes with seven applications installed: notepad (for word processing), scheduler, alarm, clock, calculator, stopwatch, and countdown timer.
HIMS: $2,995
Perkins Products: $2,995
Braille Sense OnHand
Braille Sense OnHand is a braille notetaker with an 18-cell display that can be used on its own or with other devices using screen-reading software. The Braille Sense OnHand comes with many built-in software features, such as a file manager, word processor, DAISY player, e-mail, and online chat functions. (NOTE: this product is no longer being manufactured by HIMS and has been replaced by the Braille Sense U2 Mini. However, it is still available for purchase from the sources below.)
HIMS: $3,995
Perkins Products: $3995
Braille Sense U2
The Braille Sense U2 is a series of notetakers with braille displays that can connect wirelessly to Wi-Fi and 3G data. There are three models: the Braille Sense U2 (which comes with 32 braille cells and a braille keyboard), the Braille Sense U2 QWERTY (which comes with 32 braille cells and a QWERTY computer-style keyboard), and the Braille Sense U2 MINI (which has 18 braille cells and a braille keyboard). All three come with built-in GPS, electronic compass, and many other software features.
HIMS: $3,995 (MINI), $5,595 (braille/QWERTY keyboard)
Perkins Products: $5,595 (braille/QWERTY keyboard)
BrailleNote Apex
The BrailleNote Apex is a braille notetaker that comes in two models: the BT, which has a braille keyboard, and the QT, which has a QWERTY keyboard. Both models come with either 18 or 32 braille cells. The BrailleNote Apex allows you to save information by synchronizing it with your PC and also allows you to control a screen reader using the Braille Terminal Mode. The BrailleNote comes with word processing, book reading, and web browsing software.
HumanWare: $3,895 (BT/QT 18), $5,495 (BT/QT 32)
Perkins Products: $3,895 (BT/QT 18), $5,495 (BT/QT 32)
Brailliant BI
The Brailliant BI braille displays are made for reading braille files and braille output from screen readers. There are three models: the BI 32, which has 32 cells and a braille keyboard; the BI 40, which is the same as the BI 32 except that it has 40 braille cells instead of 32; and the B 80 , which has 80 cells, thumb keys, and command keys, but no braille keyboard.
HumanWare: $2,595 (BI 32), $2,995 (BI 40), contact HumanWare for pricing of the B 80
VoiceNote Apex
The VoiceNote Apex is a notetaker that comes in two models: the BT, which has a braille keyboard, and the QT, which has a QWERTY keyboard. The VoiceNote Apex does not have a braille display. Both models are formatted for voice output and key-controlled input using the Braille Terminal Mode. Each model also contains three USB ports.
HumanWare: $1,995
Perkins Products: $1,995
ALVA BC640/BC680
The ALVA series are braille displays and notetakers that vary in certain features. The ALVA BC640 has a 40-cell braille display and the BC680 has an 80-cell display. Both are compatible with most major screen readers, have cursor-routing keys, and are available with either a USB or wireless connection. The BC680 can also be connected to two devices at once.
Irie-AT: $2,995 (BC640), $2,695 (USB BC640), $7,995 (BC680)
VisionCue: contact for pricing
ALVA 640 Comfort
The ALVA 640 Comfort is similar to the ALVA BC640. It has a 40-cell braille display with cursor-routing keys, a braille keyboard for input, and note-taking functionality. The ALVA 640 Comfort is compatible with most major screen readers and comes with the NVDA screen reader for computers running on the Windows operating system.
Irie-AT: $2,995
VisionCue: contact for pricing
EasyLink 12
EasyLink is a small, portable braille display that is ideal for accessing information on a smart phone. It comes with 12 braille cells and a braille keyboard. EasyLink 12 can also be used as a stand-alone device for entering information. It has an integrated rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours. It is compatible with most screen-reading software, including MobileSpeak, Talks, Mobile Accessibility, Voice Over, SuperNova, and Window-Eyes.
Irie-AT: $1,495
Contact Optelec for other retailers.
Perkins Products Braille Displays
Perkins Products Braille Displays come in two models: the Braille 40 and the Braille 80. The Braille 40 has 40 braille cells and eight programmable function keys. The Braille 80 has 80 braille cells and eight programmable function keys. Both are compatible with Windows and Apple devices.
American Thermoform: $2,539.95 (40-cell), $3,829.95 (80-cell)
Perkins Products: $2,595 (40-cell), $4,595 (80-cell)
Perkins Mini Seika
The Mini Seika has a 16-cell braille display with a braille keyboard. It comes with applications such as notepad, book reader, clock, and calculator. The Mini is compatible with iOS devices (Android capability is coming soon), as well as with most major screen readers on a Windows PC.
Perkins Products: $1,549
Davert, Scott. “Ten Useful Tips for Braille Users of iDevices.” The ACB E-Forum (April 2014). http://acb.org/node/1789 
(Accessed May 1, 2014).
Dunnam, Jennifer. “Braille and Technology.” Braille Monitor 56, no. 2 (February 2013). https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm13/bm1302/bm130209.htm (Accessed April 30, 2014).
Edwards, Paul. “The Mini Seika: More than Just a Braille Display.” The ACB E-Forum 52, no. 7 (January 2014). http://acb.org/node/1680 (Accessed May 1, 2014).
Kendrick, Deborah. “Freedom Scientific Focus on Braille, Part 1: A Review of the Focus Blue 14 Braille Display.” AccessWorld 15, no. 4 (April 2014). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw150406 (Accessed April 28, 2014).
“More than a Line: What the Future Holds for Refreshable Braille.” AccessWorld 14, no. 2 (February 2013). www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw140205 (Accessed April 28, 2014).
The resources below provide information on and evaluations of assistive technology for people who have a visual impairment, and the families and professionals who work with them.
AccessWorld
www.afb.org/accessworld.asp
An online monthly magazine published by the American Foundation for the Blind. Includes reviews of assistive technology products and other articles of general technological interest for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Adaptive Computer Products
www.makoa.org/computers.htm
An online collection of resources with links to computer-access software, input devices (keyboards, pointing devices, eye control, switches), augmentative communication devices, speech recognition/voice controlled systems, products for people who are blind or visually impaired , possible funding sources, and low-cost assistive technology programs.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Assistive Technology
www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/assistive-technology/123
The American Foundation for the Blind’s resource on assistive technology information. Includes information about optical character-recognition systems, speech systems, AFB product evaluations, and more.
AssistiveTech.net–National Public Website on Assistive Technology
http://assistivetech.net/
A searchable database of vendors of assistive technology products. From the Georgia Institute of Technology Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access.
CANnect
www.cannect.org/
A collection of special educational resources that also provides technology instruction for people with visual impairments. Shares tech tidbits, education resources, and links to online courses offered through various schools for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Family Center on Technology and Disability
www.fctd.info/
Offers information on assistive technologies to families of children and youth with disabilities and professionals who work with them. Has links to organizations, factsheets, newsletters, and online discussions.
Fred’s Head
www.fredshead.info
A blog from the American Printing House for the Blind
Contains product reviews, tutorials, in-depth articles, and general interest information for people who are blind or visually impaired.
National Federation of the Blind Technology Resource List
https://nfb.org/technology-resource-list
Includes links to braille devices, print-reading hardware and software, screen access and low-vision programs for Windows, speech synthesizers, and tutorials.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
www.w3.org/WAI/
Describes tools and approaches that people with different kinds of disabilities use to browse the Internet. Discusses barriers that people with disabilities face, as well as World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) guidelines for accessible Web design.
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Ave.
PO Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
(502) 895-2405
800-223-1839 toll-free (U.S. and Canada)
(502) 899-2284 fax
[email protected]
www.aph.org
American Thermoform Corporation
1758 Brackett St.
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-6711
800-331-3676 toll-free
(909) 593-8001 fax
[email protected]
http://americanthermoform.com/
Aroga Technologies
#107-3823 Henning Dr.
Burnaby, BC V5C 6P3
Canada
(604) 431-7997
800-561-6222 toll-free
(604) 431-7995 fax
[email protected]
www.aroga.com
Bapin Group
PO Box 1582
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(415) 580-2448
(510) 962-6026 video phone
www.bapingroup.com
BAUM USA Inc.
13 Branch St., Suite 205
Methuen, MA 01844
855-620-7985 toll-free
(978) 420-4401 fax
[email protected]
www.baumusa.com
Bay Area Digital, LLC
870 Market St., #653
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 217-6667
(415) 217-6667 fax
www.bayareadigital.us
EnableMart
865 Muirfield Dr.
Hanover Park, IL 60133
888-640-1999 toll-free
800-235-1305 fax
[email protected]
www.enablemart.com
Eurobraille
64 rue de Crimée
75019 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 55 26 91 00
+33 (0)1 55 26 91 91 fax
[email protected]
www.eurobraille.com
Freedom Scientific
Blind/Low Vision Group and Corporate Offices
11800 31st Court North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1805
(727) 803-8000
800-444-4443 toll-free
(727) 803-8001 fax
www.freedomscientific.com
HIMS Inc.
4616 W. Howard Ln., Suite 960
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 837-2000
888-520-4467 toll-free
(512) 837-2011 Fax
[email protected]
http://hims-inc.com/
HumanWare
1 UPS Way
PO Box 800
Champlain, NY 12919
800-722-3393 toll-free
888-871-4828 fax
[email protected]
www.humanware.com
Irie-AT
1750 SW Third St. Suite C
Corvallis OR 97333
888-308-0059 toll-free
(541) 205-4400 fax
www.irie-at.com
Maxi-Aids
42 Executive Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 752-0521 information
800-522-6294 orders, toll-free
(631) 752-0689 fax
(631) 752-0738 TTY
www.maxiaids.com
Optelec
Breslau 4
2993 LT Barendrecht
The Netherlands
+31 886783444
+31 886783400 fax
www.optelec.com
Perkins Products
37 Fifield St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-7308
(617) 926-2027 fax
[email protected]
http://www.perkinsproducts.org/store/en/
Triumph Technologies
4110 Central Ave. NE, Suite 201
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
(651)636-5184
866-347-8249 fax
[email protected]
www.attriumph.com
VisionCue, LLC
4858-A SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 297-1510
888-318-2582 toll-free
(503) 459-4003 fax
[email protected]
www.visioncue.com
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Posted on 2015-02-04