World's First Braille Phone Now Available

World's First Braille Phone Now Available

A London based firm has put the world's first Braille phone for sale in the United Kingdom for sale for just 60 pounds. The phone is perfect for providing instant connection between blind users and friends as well as family members according to manufacturers. This phone is currently available only in the UK. It is constructed using 3D printing technologies and it can be customised.

The company is called OwnFone and its braille phone comes in a wide range of different colours. This is the first phone of its kind to go on sale. The firm also provides print raised text on the keypad. This is helpful for those who cannot read Braille. The inventor of this device is Tom Sunderland. The 3D printing in the front and back of the device helped to cut down the cost to 60 pounds.

The phone can be personalised with 2 to 4 Braille buttons. These can be preprogrammed to place calls to people as well as access services. This phone also has the distinction of being the first phone with a printed keypad which is 3D and it can print texture and raised text on the phone. The 3D phone printing process is currently being patented. Customers who wish to purchase the phone may create a custom design on the company website.

Though this may be the first Braille phone available in the market, an Indian start-up has also developed a similar product last year. Kriyate developed a prototype Braille enabled smartphone that has a repressible Braille display as well as display and feedback controls for beeping and vibrating following certain commands.

OwnFone provides users access to customised design of the phone that they wish to purchase. The essential features of this phone include its small structure which makes it handy for users. Its varied colorful designs provide a lot of options for those who like smart accessories.

The Braille phone is linked to a combination of designs including not only 3D printing but also pre-programmable buttons for crucial contacts. Persons who are visually challenged can opt for these phones to establish instant networking. Coping with any kind of disability requires courage and a positive attitude. If technology also developes in pace with the needs of those facing mental and physical disabilities, the coping process becomes far easier.

To see the limitations of a disability as challenges instead is critical. Helen Adams Keller is one instance of how courage and a strong conviction can help those with disabilities to overcome their limitations. An American author and lecturer, Ms. Keller was the first person to earn a bachelor of art's degree despite visual and hearing impairment. Her birthday on June 27 is celebrated as Hellen Keller Day in Pennsylvania, US. She campaigned for a vast number of causes and also opened institutes which have now spread across the world to help those with disabilities to overcome their hurdles.

Life is a series of challenges for all people. Everyone has their share of successes and failures. While people with disabilities are able to overcome their problems, many societies in the world do not have an enlightened approach towards them. There is still stigma attached to mental or physical disabilities. With time and enough awareness, an attitude change is possible. What one needs most is a society that does not judge, but accepts this instead.