[A technological device for optimizing the time taken for blind people to learn Braille].
OBJECTIVE
This project was aimed at designing and putting an electronic prototype into practice for improving the initial time taken by visually handicapped people for learning Braille, especially children.


METHODS
This project was mainly based on a prototype digital electronic device which identifies and translates material written by a user in Braille by a voice synthesis system, producing artificial words to determine whether a handicapped person's writing in Braille has been correct. A global system for mobile communications (GSM) module was also incorporated into the device which allowed it to send text messages, thereby involving innovation in the field of articles for aiding visually handicapped people.


RESULTS
This project's main result was an easily accessed and understandable prototype device which improved visually handicapped people's initial learning of Braille.


CONCLUSIONS
The time taken for visually handicapped people to learn Braille became significantly reduced whilst their interest increased, as did their concentration time regarding such learning.
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia. cahernandezs@udistrital.edu.co
Cesar
C
Hernández
Luis F
LF
Pedraza
Danilo
D
López
D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D060329:Education of Persons with Visual Disabilities; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D008838:Microcomputers; D011932:Reading; D060145:Text Messaging; D013997:Time Factors; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities; D014956:Writing