Vasantha Braille Cube with a Universal Braille Dot Matrix
Published: Jun 23, 2007
This device has the potential to be the language learning device of choice for thousands of visually challenged students. A cube with the universal Braille dot matrix has dots in different positions on the six sides, allowing a maximum of 63 possible dot patterns - enough to represent all letters of any alphabet.
As part of a national initiative, the Vasantha Braille Cube was developed by Vidya Vrikshah and it is gaining acceptance as a simple and easy-to-use tool. Over 200 schools for the blind across the country have sought a large supply of the cube.
By adopting learning by touch, this tool enhances cognitive ability, in addition to stoking the creative process in children. Anyone who wishes to learn to use the cube in less than an hour can take the help of the ready calibration chart containing the letters and their corresponding Braille dot patterns.
The organization has also developed a comprehensive Universal Braille Kit, including the Natesan Block, which enables the user to read words, an abacus and a geometry set. It has also developed the Vikas Composer, which equips blind users to read sentences.
In collaboration with IIT-Madras, they have produced speech-enabled software for multi-lingual applications. The National Initiative for the Blind, formulated by the organization in 2003, envisions a holistic program, including education, empowerment and employment. It aims to introduce the Braille version in all schools and colleges so that the blind can get educated in the mainstream.
Source: The Hindu, India
