Improving experiences for all our customers is something that we obsess
over. We know that advancements in technology and inclusive design can
help unlock solutions that empower people with disabilities. We also
recognize the need to work together — across the industry — to ensure
that no one is left behind.
That is why Microsoft collaborated with Apple and industry organizations
to develop an USB-IF Human Interface Design (HID) standard for braille
displays. Announced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) today, the
standard will enable plug and play support for braille displays and has
received broad support from the tech industry, assistive technology (AT)
companies and non-governmental organizations advocating for people who
are blind or have low vision.
“Braille is the key to literacy, education, employment and success for
blind people all over the world,” said Mark Riccobono, president of the
National Federation of the Blind. “An HID standard that allows the
seamless integration of refreshable braille displays across devices will
make it easier for braille readers to use this critical tool at home, at
school, on the job or on the go. The National Federation of the Blind is
proud to be a partner in collaboration across technology companies to
make braille a game changing priority in the twenty-first century.”
By working together across companies, technologies and devices, we can
advance technology for people with disabilities and create a consistent
approach for AT providers. The result of HID standardization will
improve braille display implementation, decrease costs and time to
market, and ultimately empower people who are blind and have low
vision. This will simplify development, removing the need for braille
devices to have custom software and drivers created for a particular
operating system or screen reader. We anticipate support for the
standard starting in 2019.
Braille is a critical component for literacy, education and employment
for people who are blind or have low vision. The USB-IF HID standard for
braille displays has received broad industry support, underscoring the
need for plug and play support. Members of the USB-IF HID Working Group
include Microsoft, Apple and Google. We have also seen support from
organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and Vision
Australia, in addition to AT companies like Help Tech GmbH, Baum,
HumanWare, Orbit, Bristol Braille, Dolphin Computer Access, Freedom
Scientific and NV Access.
“Just like most sighted people, our SuperNova users regularly switch
between using their Windows PC and their iPhone. Effortlessly moving
your braille display between those devices will be a hugely popular move
for our customers,” said Mike Hill, Technical Director, Dolphin Computer
Access.
The World Health Organization estimates that 253 million people have a
form of visual impairment. Technology can play an important role in
creating opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision, and
we have the responsibility to help create a level playing field for
everyone. We also live in a modern world where customers expect
technology to work out of the box, across devices and platforms.
“The ability to quickly and easily connect braille displays to a range
of devices at home, at school and in the workplace will be of great
benefit to users, especially those who use their devices across several
different platforms,” said Damian McMorrow, access technology product
owner, Vision Australia.
We know that technology can help unlock barriers for people, and braille
is a critical form of communication for many people around the world,
whether at home or at work. The new standard is another example of how
we can work together to create opportunities for more people and,
ultimately, help improve the unemployment rate for people with disabilities.
Together, we can work to create a more inclusive world.
You are invited to visit the moderator's Web site at WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
for additional resources and information about assistive technology training
services.
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