Diana Fajardo EDUC 674 Prof. Klein

 Braille 'n Speak is a notebook computer for individuals with visual impairments. Individuals input text using Braille keys and get speech feedback.  It is intended to help classroom teachers with limited knowledge of Braille to assist students with visual impairments if problems arise when the Vision Resource Teacher is unavailable.

 The Braille 'n Speak, combines speech with a standard Perkins-style keyboard. Weighing in at less than one pound, the Braille 'n Speak includes word processing with spell check and many other features.  Its built-in speech synthesizer lets you input and edit directly into the memory, and at a press of a single command, the information is read back.  You can input information in either Grade 1 or Grade 2 Braille through a six-key mode.

 It’s available in 16 languages, as English +1, or two non-English languages, and with one- touch it switches between language.  This device can also be used as a talking computer terminal, a Braille to print transcriber and word processor, a talking calculator, clock and calendar and a talking telephone directory.  Braille 'n Speak has enough memory to remember about two thousand pages of Braille.

Price range for the Braille’n Speak can run between $3,500 - $5,900 with Braille display and without Braille display it’s between $1,300 - $2<200. The manufacture for this device is Freedom Scientific. The manufacture provides a limited one year warranty against manufacturing defects. The hardware (Product Maintenance Agreement) entitles the owner to free covered repairs and any software updates for 12 months.

 In researching about the device Braille’N Speak I found it to be very beneficial to blind students who are learning to read and write Braille. The Braille and speak is also helpful for teachers who work with visual impaired children.