What is a refreshable Braille display?

A refreshable Braille display is typically a box with a line of Braille cells. Pins in each of the Braille cells move up and down to allow users to read a line of Braille text, which is refreshed once read. They range in size from 12 cell lines to 80 cell lines. Braille displays can be connected to computers, smartphones and tablets so users can read documents, webpages or social media. They can also be stand alone, so users can access text stored on an SD card.

When used with a computer, Braille displays typically require a screen reader to send and control the output from the screen to the Braille display. Some displays can also be used to input characters into the computer or to take notes to send to a computer at a later time.

The majority of Braille displays connect via USB cable and in most cases will use plug and play technology. This means that there is no requirement for additional software or configuration for the display to work with the device it is connected to. This method is particularly used when connecting to a desktop or laptop computer. Braille displays can also be connected wirelessly by using Bluetooth. This is mainly when connecting to a smart phone or tablet. There might be some additional settings on the device the display is connecting to before it can be used. This includes the number of dots to be used, the input and output and identifying the name of the Braille display.

Displays now tend to be light and portable with long lasting batteries for convenience, so a user can take them away on holiday or on a journey.

Please also see What is a Braille notetaker?