Today on the show, we continue celebrating the 200th anniversary of Braille, discussing its evolution, relevance, and the innovations in Braille technology.

Joining Steven today is Stuart Lawlor, an expert in assistive technology who works at the UK’s Sight and Sound Technology, and Gregory Hargraves from Paige Braille, who has created an innovative way to turn at Perkins braille machine into a keyboard that can be connected to a computer.

The guests both emphasize the importance of Braille literacy, the role of sighted allies in advocacy, and the challenges faced in developing affordable multi-line Braille displays.

They also explore the personal significance of Braille from each their blind and sighted perspectives, the debate surrounding Braille literacy, and the need for updated research on Braille usage in modern society.

The chat also delves into the multifaceted world of Braille technology, discussing the essential toolkit for visually impaired individuals, the challenges surrounding Braille technology and costs, and the impact of devices like the Hable One.

The speakers explore the barriers to learning Braille, the evolution of Braille devices, and the potential effects of tariffs on assistive technology.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Celebrating 200 Years of Braille Technology
01:54 The Evolution and Relevance of Braille
06:06 The Importance of Sighted Allies in Braille Advocacy
07:57 Challenges in Multi-Line Braille Displays
12:12 Braille and Literacy: A Personal Perspective
14:08 The Debate on Braille Literacy
17:55 Research and the Future of Braille
19:49 The Global Perspective on Braille Usage
30:29 Challenges in Braille Technology and Costs
31:57 Hable One: A Game Changer in Braille Technology
39:34 The Evolution of Braille Devices and Future Prospects
51:46 The Impact of Tariffs on Assistive Technology

In our third episode celebrating Braille at 200, Steven Scott explores the state of Braille education globally, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in teaching Braille to children with visual impairments with special guest Elizabeth McCann, a QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Visually Impaired Children) who works at the University of Edinburgh and has previously worked in Toronto.

The discussion highlights the importance of early education, the resurgence of interest in Braille, and the need for individualized approaches to learning. Elizabeth also addresses the resistance from parents and the misconceptions surrounding Braille usage, emphasizing the need for better awareness and advocacy.

This conversation explores the challenges and advancements in visual impairment education, focusing on the importance of Braille literacy, the impact of inclusion in mainstream education, and the varying international approaches to teaching Braille.

Elizabeth highlights the need for better support systems for teachers and students, the role of technology in enhancing Braille education, and the future of Braille in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

In our second episode celebrating Braille at 200, Steven Scott discusses the significance of Braille education in the United States with blind QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Visually Impaired Children) Kate Crohan who works at Perkins School for the Blind.

The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in teaching Braille to visually impaired and low vision students, the importance of acceptance in learning Braille, and the balance between traditional Braille and modern technology. Kate Crohan talks about the need for Braille education to adapt to the needs of individual students, including those with low vision, and both Steven and Kate explore the ongoing debate between different input methods for Braille technology.

The conversation also explores the various applications of Braille beyond academics, such as in personal life and community engagement. Also, concerns about the future of Braille in the face of advancing technology and audio resources are addressed, with a hopeful outlook on the continued relevance of Braille.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Celebrating Braille Education
02:25 The Role of Braille in Education
10:33 Acceptance and Learning Braille
15:36 Braille vs. Technology: Finding Balance
19:00 The Importance of Braille for Low Vision Children
20:51 Navigating Braille Learning Levels
23:11 QWERTY vs. Perkins: The Braille Input Debate
28:28 The Importance of Braille Usage
32:16 Technology's Role in Braille Education
36:47 Braille Beyond Academics
46:47 Concerns for the Future of Braille