USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support organization for the
advancement and adoption of USB technology, has today announced a new USB
HID (Human Interface Device) industry standard that aims to simplify the
development of braille displays
and allow for an improved user experience.
In it's press release
<http://www.usb.org/press/USB-IF_HID_press_release_FINAL.pdf> , USB-IF
describes this new standard as:
a collaborative step toward greater technological accessibility for people
who are blind or have low vision. The standard will make it easier to use a
braille display across operating systems and different types of hardware. It
will also simplify development, removing the need for braille devices to
have custom software and drivers created for a particular operating system
or screen reader.
"This is another great example of how USB-IF device class specifications can
improve people's lives," said USB-IF President and COO Jeff Ravencraft.
"With more than 1000 members worldwide, USB-IF brings companies together to
improve access to technology and provide a seamless user experience."
Both Apple and Microsoft have been involved in the drafting of this
standard, with Sarah Herrlinger, director of Global Accessibility Policy and
Initiatives at Apple, quoted as saying that "we're proud to advance this new
USB-IF standard because we believe in improving the experience for all
people who rely on braille displays to use their Apple products or any other
device."
Jeff Petty, Windows accessibility program manager lead at Microsoft, is
quoted as saying that "developing a HID standard for braille displays is one
example of how we can work together, across the industry, to advance
technology in a way that benefits society and ultimately improve the
unemployment rate for people with disabilities."
The press release gives no information regarding the timeframe for roll-out
of this new standard or its reception and adoption by braille display
makers, but it clearly has the potential to significantly improve the setup
and use of Braille displays, going beyond what is already offered by Made
for iPhone and iOS compatible devices.
Submitted by AppleVis at:
www.applevis.com
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