Texts in electronic format

The introduction of new electronic devices for the blind, such as the Braille Display (or Braille Bar) and speech synthesis, has allowed many blind people to use computers and tablets for reading texts as well.

Texts in electronic format are text files that have been adapted with specific encodings similar to those used for the layout of paper Braille texts. This allows them to be read on Braille displays or listened to via speech synthesis. 

Braille Display: This is a device that can be connected to the PC via a USB port (some models work independently without the need for a computer). It generally consists of a line of 40 Braille characters. Each character is composed of 8 piezoelectric dots (6 for standard Braille and 2 for 8-dot computer Braille) which, by lowering or raising, reproduce the characters present on the screen. Using cursor keys, the blind person can navigate within the document and read the text reproduced on the Braille line.

Speech synthesis: this is software that vocalizes all the on-screen functions of computers and devices such as tablets and smartphones. It interacts with mouse commands and positions, with Windows interfaces, and with the main word processing and calculation programs. The user can select various options relating to the voice tone, volume, and reading speed, according to their needs.