Bring New Life to Your Braille Writer with Paige Connect

An innovative way to turn your traditional braille writer into so much more, Paige Connect is a physical board with optical sensors that screws into the bottom of your braille writer. By removing the bottom piece and attaching this product, you can turn your manual keystrokes into digital output. The device connects to power through USB-A, and connects to your smart devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and computers via Bluetooth.  

Thanks to its compatibility with smart devices that support six key braille entry, Paige Connect can bridge the gap between your braille writer and your devices for everyday use and learning opportunities. The smart connection offers immediate results in digital format, making it easier to check work and ensure correct habits. For example, if a student is learning braille, the connection to the digital device means a screen reader can provide audio feedback as to what the student is typing immediately. Parents can check the print letters on the device as the student works.

Students without a braille instructor, or who may only see their instructor once a week, are able to check their own work and be sure they aren’t forming incorrect habits before the work can be checked in print format. This also allows for quick feedback and collaboration between students and their sighted peers or teachers. “A piece of feedback we got from the field-testing is how helpful that is for families of kids who are learning or using braille when no one else knows it. They can look at the screen to see the print letters and help,” said Product Manager Sarah Welch. 

For anyone in the process of vision loss who may be beginning to learn braille and is not used to a traditional braille writer, this is also a great tool to connect new learning with the technology they may be familiar with. “A lot of dual media learners got pretty excited because it actually brought a little bit of tech into the Braille learning world, which a lot of students responded to,” said Product Manager Jennifer Wenzel. “They’re getting that instant feedback. It’s a more modern and tech savvy way to learn braille.” 

Paige Connect can be a really great way to continue using technology at a more affordable price point than a screen-reader or refreshable braille display. This device still allows for print display and audio feedback for both independent use and collaboration with others, at a much lower cost. Especially for users with low vision or those who are in the early stages of vision loss, high-contrast text showing on the connecting device screen is a great tool and reference point.

Braille writers are much easier to purchase, or find used, for both individual users and teachers. This gives Paige Connect the opportunity to transform easy-to-find devices into something that fits in the modern age of learning. The Paige Connect website is full of free helpful lessons and interactive learning options to make that transition even easier.