For people who are blind or have severe vision problems, writing on a smartphone or computer usually requires some expensive device with braille system, which is not exactly convenient if you just want to quickly reply to a message. That’s why, to help make Android more accessible, Google released its new TalkBack braille keyboard, a new braille virtual keyboard built directly into Android (for version 5.0 or later).
Google says its team collaborated with braille users and developers while the feature was being implemented, and that it should be familiar to anyone who has written with Braille before.” It’s a quick and convenient way to write on your phone without any additional hardware, whether you’re posting something on social media, replying to a text message, or writing a short email,” they report on their blog. The function uses a standard design of 6 keys and each represents one of the 6 braille points that, when touched, form any letter or symbol. To write an “A”, simply press point 1 and type a “B”, points 1 and 2 together. In addition, you can turn the keyboard on and off as easily as switching between international keyboards. (Note: TalkBack gestures are not supported when the keyboard is turned on).
To be able to use it, you must first update the Android Accessibility Kit from the PlayStore, then enter Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack > Settings > Braille Keyboard. Once there you can activate and configure the keyboard as well as access the gestures. It works on all android device apps, supports Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille, and is initially available in English.” As part of our mission to make the world’s information universally accessible, we hope that this keyboard can expand braille literacy and exposure among blind and low-vision people.”
