1. Transforming Braille with the Orbit Reader 20™
Jeanette Wicker, APH
GREAT Conference 2017

2. Brief History
Result of the work of the Transforming Braille Group (TBG) formed in 2011
Ten Managing Members
Nine Advisory Members
The objective of TBG was to identify a breakthrough solution which will radically reduce the cost of refreshable braille technology
Orbit Research’s solution was selected

3. Orbit Reader 20™
TBG selected Orbit Research to develop the product based on its Tactuator™ technology
Developers of the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC and Orion TI-30XS Multiview calculators in partnership with APH and Texas Instruments
Dedicated to developing affordable technology products for the blind
Using mainstream materials and parts to achieve low-cost high-performance products

4. Field Evaluation
The Orbit Reader 20™ was field tested in the fall of 2015 and early 2016
Adult users, experts in the field of education, braille, and assistive technology, and teachers with student who are blind and visually impaired
Field tested in Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, and the United States
APH received 103 evaluations

5. Physical Features

6. Physical Features

7. Physical Features

8. Features
File Manager
Reader
Editor
Remote Mode

9. File Manager Making and Opening Files and Folders
Navigating between Files and Folders
Manipulating Files and Folders

10. Reader Stand-alone reader SD card with content
National Library Service
American Printing House for the Blind
National Braille Press
File types – BRF, BRL, or Text
Orbit Reader does not translate files
Navigating in a File
Finding Text in a File

11. Editor Create New or Edit Existing files on the SD Card
Cursor Blink (dots 7 8)
Navigating Editor
Context Menu
Mark
Cut
Copy
Paste

12. Remote Mode Connectivity type USB Bluetooth Host Devices
Windows PCs – JAWS, Window-Eyes, System Access & NVDA
Mac computers and iOS Devices – VoiceOver
Android Devices – BrailleBack
Chrome - ChromeVox
Orion TI-84 Plus TGC

13. Appropriate Audience
Elementary and early Middle School students learning to read electronic braille files
Students who do not need an advanced note taker
Students and adults who desire a low cost refreshable braille display for leisure reading

14. Supports Orbit Reader 20™ User Guide @ tech.aph.org/or20 Videos
tech.aph.org/or20/media

15. Questions