Braille: Explore the Braille Typewriter

Braille is a tactile system of raised dots primarily used by people who are blind or visually impaired. Each braille cell, consisting of six raised dots arranged in a 2x3 grid, can be felt by the fingertips, allowing individuals to read and write. These cells represent combinations of letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols, providing crucial access to written information. 

Learn to Read and Write Braille

A braille typewriter (like a Perkins Brailler) lets users create braille text by embossing dots on paper. Unlike a standard typewriter, a braille typewriter uses a set of keys corresponding to the six dots of a braille cell. Users can create raised dot patterns that form the braille characters by pressing combinations of these keys. 

Try it Yourself!

• You can find the Braille typewriter next to the Fabspace on the second floor of the Innovation lab.
• For in-person visitors:
  • Use the printed braille alphabet to type your name or a word.
  • Touch and feel the dots you created!

What does it feel like to read without seeing?

Pre-1800s - Before the Invention of Braille: For a large part of history, the blind generally received little to no formal education other than some training to help assist them in whichever trade they were involved in. Valentin Hauiy introduced one of the first formal methods in 1786, using raised Roman letters to allow blind people to feel and read. Shortly thereafter, a French soldier named Charles Barbier developed the night writing system based on the sounds we hear.

1824 - The Invention of Braille: Louis Braille developed this tactile writing system, simplifying an earlier 12-dot night writing system to a 6-dot configuration, paving the way for efficient reading and writing for the blind. In other parts of the world, many others had the same ideas, but in their languages.

1890s - First Braille Typewriter: Frank H. Hall introduced the first Braille typewriter, a mechanical writing instrument allowing faster Braille production than traditional slates and styluses, making it significantly easier for blind individuals to write.

1930s - Adoption of Hall's Design: The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) acquired the design and production rights to Hall's Braille Writer, leading to the enhanced production capabilities and availability of Braille typewriters. Shortly after, AFB launched its machine called the Foundation Writer, which furthered the advancing technologies available to Braille readers.

1951 - Perkins Brailler: David Abraham, a teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind, designed the Perkins Brailler based on Hall's concepts. It became a widely used Braille writing tool internationally, and its design is still used today.

1980s to Today - Modern Braille Technology: With the advancement of digital technology, Braille writing tools began to integrate features like refreshable braille displays, Bluetooth connectivity, improved portability, and much more, ensuring that braille is accessible in various contexts.

Explore a variety of projects and resources designed to enhance literacy and learning for individuals using braille! Whether you're seeking hands-on projects for Braille typewriters or interactive tools to reinforce learning, these resources provide valuable support to both educators and students.

Remember to design with accessibility in mind. It's not just a checklist—it's a mindset. Ask yourself: How can someone with different abilities interact with what I've created?

Braille Paper

Use only braille paper in the Perkins Brailler.

Braille paper is heavy, like cardstock. This is essential to producing clear, durable, and usable braille dots.

Check out this short video to learn a quick overview of how to type with a braille typewritter.

This video will teach you the braille alphabet, numbers and punctuation marks which are found in Grade 1 Braille.