Orbit Research Introduces the Magna Family of Electronic Magnifiers
Orbit Research
The all-in-one braille devices with integrated full-sized QWERTY keyboards set a new standard in convenience and affordability

Anaheim, California – March 19, 2024 –

In a significant expansion of its industry-leading portfolio, Orbit Research today announced two groundbreaking additions to its line of braille products:
https://www.orbitresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/image001-66x66.jpg
Orbit Research
The all-in-one braille devices with integrated full-sized QWERTY keyboards set a new standard in convenience and affordability

Anaheim, California – March 19, 2024 –

In a significant expansion of its industry-leading portfolio, Orbit Research today announced two groundbreaking additions to its line of braille products: the Orbit Reader Q40 and Orbit Reader Q20. These innovative devices couple multi-function refreshable braille displays with QWERTY keyboards for input and are designed to enhance accessibility, convenience and independence for individuals who are blind.

The Orbit Reader Q40, following the trailblazing path of its predecessors, offers Orbit’s unparalleled signage-quality TrueBraille™ technology with 40 eight-dot refreshable braille cells. Both the Q40 and its counterpart, the Orbit Reader Q20 – featuring 20 braille cells – are designed for seamless standalone or connected use with computers and mobile devices. They enable users to read books, take notes, and manage daily tasks with built-in applications like a clock, calendar, and calculator. The full-sized, high-quality, laptop-style QWERTY keyboard can be independently connected via Bluetooth or USB to a computer or mobile device and allows users the convenience of touch-typing while using braille for reading.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Q40 and Q20, the newest members of our Orbit Reader family. Continuing in the tradition of the Orbit Reader 20, which brought groundbreaking quality, features and affordability to the braille display market, the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 now add the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard to the enhanced features and capabilities of the Orbit Reader 40,” said Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research. “We believe that everyone deserves technology that adapts to their life, not the other way around. Our goal is to empower individuals to succeed in every aspect of their lives, which is why we’ve engineered the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 to be the most reliable and user-centric braille displays on the market. These devices are not just tools, but gateways to independence, education, and connection for our users.”

Common use cases for the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 span a wide range, catering to students and professionals alike. For students, these devices are essential for accessing textbooks, taking notes in class, and managing academic schedules. In a professional setting, they enable efficient email correspondence, report writing, and participation in meetings with real-time notes and references. Designed for robustness, they are lightweight, compact, and dust and fluid-resistant, ensuring durability in everyday use.

The 78-key QWERTY keyboard includes the full complement of twelve function keys, arrow keys in the popular inverted “T” configuration, and keys for use with Windows and Mac computers. To accommodate a full-size keyboard in a compact form-factor, a separate numeric keypad is not included. Both models come with a USB C port for charging and connecting to computers and a USB A port for connecting flash drives containing files. They also have a full-size SD card slot and files can be copied between the flash drive and SD card. They can connect with up to 6 computers and mobile devices over Bluetooth and USB and are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and Talkback. Both products work with Orbit Research’s unique Orbit Teacher and Orbit Chat systems for inclusive education and communication.

The Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40 will begin shipping in June 2024. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-reader-qwerty for more information and to pre-order.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research stands as a beacon of innovation in the development and manufacture of assistive technology. With a passion for empowering the blind and visually impaired community, Orbit Research has consistently delivered products that define the state-of-the-art in convenience, functionality and affordability, from the revolutionary Orbit Reader series of braille displays, the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, the Orbit Slate family of multi-line refreshable braille displays, and the Orbit Magna family of digital magnifiers to the Graphiti family of tactile graphic displays. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

Orbit Research and AccessMind Announce Integration of the Framework Ecosystem into the Optima Braille Laptop Computer

The ecosystem brings mainstream performance and flexibility to the assistive technology space, marking the end of the era of proprietary notetaker devices

Wilmington, Delaware – April 6, 2023 –

Orbit Research, a leader in the field of assistive technology, announced today that the company will integrate the Framework ecosystem into its products starting with the Optima Braille Laptop Computer from AccessMind, a new enterprise founded by Orbit Research and a team of veteran software developers. The highly customizable, upgradable and repairable platform will offer unprecedented flexibility and performance to assistive technology products.

The Optima transforms the assistive technology landscape which has traditionally seen custom-designed proprietary computing products, by offering all the power, features, functionality, configurability and upgradability that people have come to expect from common desktop computers. It is an optimal combination of a full-featured mainstream computer with braille and speech output and a QWERTY keyboard in a sleek and compact handheld form-factor; a high-performance Windows-based machine that can accomplish any task from word-processing and internet-surfing to highly demanding professional workloads such as video editing and software development. The Optima is the only product that puts users in complete control by offering them configurability before they purchase it and full upgradability after.

“We’re amazed to see how Orbit Research has leveraged modules from the Framework ecosystem to enable a high-performance braille laptop” said Nirav Patel, CEO of Framework. “We designed our modules from the start to be reusable outside of the Framework Laptop, but this goes beyond anything we envisioned.”

The Framework ecosystem is known for its modular design, which allows users to easily replace and upgrade individual components such as the processor, memory, and storage. This makes it easy to keep the device up to date and running smoothly, and also reduces electronic waste by minimizing the need for full device replacements. In addition, the Framework Laptop is built with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and providing detailed information about the origin and environmental impact of each component.

“By integrating the Framework ecosystem into the Optima braille laptop computer, we are able to offer a level of configurability, upgradability and repairability that has never been possible in the assistive technology market. Orbit’s quarter-century of experience in designing and manufacturing highly complex and advanced systems such as the Graphiti have enabled us to engineer the Optima in a manner that offers the flexibility of the Framework ecosystem with the robustness of the Orbit TrueBraille™ platform while accommodating it in the unique ergonomic and compact form-factor of the Optima.” said Venkatesh Chari, CEO of Orbit Research and co-founder and CEO of AccessMind. “This allows us to provide users with truly innovative and sustainable products that will meet their needs for years to come. For far too long, users have only had the choice of traditional braille notetakers which are extremely expensive, have very limited hardware capabilities, and lock users into a closed system that is obsolete the day it is released. These notetakers require both students and teachers to learn specialized proprietary user-interfaces and then re-learn the use of mainstream computing platforms such as Windows or Mac computers as they enter the workforce. The Optima changes this forever. Orbit’s disruptive educational and braille products have set the bar for breakthrough functionality, performance, quality and affordability by developing solutions based on mainstream manufacturing practices. Integration of this flexible platform is yet another milestone in our journey towards leveling the playing field by introducing to the assistive technology industry the benefits of cutting-edge mainstream computing technology, and the ease of configurability and upgradability that the Framework ecosystem pioneers.”

“We believe that technology should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or needs,” said Adi Kushnir, co-founder and CTO of AccessMind and a veteran developer of assistive technology software. “By integrating the Framework ecosystem, we are taking an important step towards making that goal a reality. The Optima offers a no-compromise solution that bridges the gap between mainstream and assistive technology products by providing options in configurability, not only in hardware but also in software. Having been built to run standard Windows, the Framework ecosystem is future-proof with respect to operating system updates and the Optima also offers AccessMind’s specially developed BrailleUI software. BrailleUI provides a simple notetaker-like custom-designed braille-first user experience for a set of common applications such as a book reader, braille editor, calculator and file manager to seamlessly bridge the gap between a simple dedicated user interface and the mainstream Windows experience.”

The Optima will be available in Q1 2024 and customers will be able to choose from a variety of configurations and customization options, including different state-of-the-art processors, memory, storage, braille technologies and keyboard layouts.

Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/Optima for more information.

About Framework:

Framework is a San Francisco-based company that creates technology products with sustainability, customization, and repairability in mind. Its flagship product, the Framework Laptop 13, is a highly customizable and upgradable laptop computer that features a modular design, easy repairability, and detailed information about the origin and environmental impact of each component. For more information, visit https://frame.work.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research is a global leader in the development of innovative and affordable products for people who are blind and visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays, the Orbit Slate family of multi-line refreshable braille displays, and the Graphiti family of tactile graphic displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, and affordability.

About AccessMind:

AccessMind is a new enterprise founded by Orbit Research and a team comprising Adi Kushnir and Avi Mann, with a mission to transform the Assistive Technology industry by bringing the benefits of mainstream technologies to products for people who are blind or visually impaired. With decades of experience in the Assistive Technology industry and a proven track record in developing world-leading breakthrough products and technologies at affordable prices, the AccessMind team brings a unique combination of a modern, innovative mindset and tremendous depth of skills and experience to usher in a new era in Assistive Technology.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: +1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

https://www.orbitresearch.com

With mainstream laptop performance and flexibility, the revolutionary modular and upgradable device brings an end to the era of the proprietary braille notetaker

Anaheim, California – March 14, 2023 –

AccessMind and Orbit Research announced the launch of the Optima™ Braille Laptop Computer today at the 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Providing all the capabilities of a state-of-the-art laptop computer and adding complete modularity and flexibility in hardware and software, the Optima Braille Laptop pioneers an entirely new class of products.

Traditional braille notetakers are extremely expensive, have very limited hardware capabilities, lock users into a closed system that is obsolete the day it is released and offer software upgrades that are few and far between. These notetakers require both students and teachers to learn specialized proprietary user-interfaces and then have to re-learn the use of mainstream computing platforms such as Windows or Mac computers as they enter the workplace.

The Optima changes this forever by offering all the power, features, functionality, configurability and upgradability that people have come to expect from common desktop computers. It is an optimal combination of a full-featured mainstream computer with braille and speech output and a QWERTY keyboard in a sleek and compact handheld form-factor; a high-performance Windows-based machine that can accomplish any task from word-processing and internet-surfing to highly demanding professional workloads such as video editing and software development. It is the only product that puts users in complete control by offering them complete configurability before they purchase it and full upgradability after.

The modular platform allows users to configure every aspect of the hardware and software. Built upon state-of-the-art hardware, the Optima offers the latest generation of Intel Core i5 and i7 laptop processors, memory options from 8GB to 64GB, onboard storage from 256GB to a massive 2 terabytes and beyond. A choice of braille technology options is also available – Orbit’s signage-quality and affordable TrueBraille™ or traditional piezo cells.

With the latest WiFi 6E standard and Bluetooth 5.2 technology, Optima allows fast and reliable wireless network speeds. The product is also the first Thunderbolt 4 certified Braille device, offering industry-leading data transfer capabilities with speeds of up to 40 GBPS. It also includes the peripherals expected in a high-performance mainstream laptop, such as high-quality stereo speakers, beam-forming microphones, and a fingerprint sensor and adds accessibility enhancements such as haptic (vibration) feedback.

Optima’s hardware flexibility extends to its ports, allowing users to pick any four from a wide range of popular ports including, USB Type C, USB A, HDMI, SD cards and storage expansion modules. The modular ports offer plug-and-play interchangeability and can even be swapped on the fly. Optima also provides a Braille Terminal mode and can be connected to any smartphone or computer and used as a braille display and keyboard.

The software on the Optima Braille Laptop is equally flexible. The unit comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system, the best mainstream computing platform for accessibility and productivity. With Optima, users no longer have to use out-of-date versions of operating systems or wait for the device vendor to push updates to them. They can always stay secure and up-to-date through Microsoft’s upgrade facilities. Since it is a standard Windows computer, the user also has a choice of screen readers, with support for NVDA, JAWS, Narrator, and Supernova screen readers. The Optima comes with the NVDA Screen Reader pre-installed, configured with speech and braille output and ready to use out of the box.

For users who prefer a dedicated braille-optimized user interface, the Optima includes AccessMind’s specially developed BrailleUI software. BrailleUI provides a simple notetaker-like custom-designed braille-first user experience for a set of common applications such as a book reader, braille editor, calculator and file manager to seamlessly bridge the gap between a dedicated user interface and the mainstream Windows experience. BrailleUI also includes high-quality speech synthesis from Cerence (Vocalizer), in addition to the voices built into the Windows operating system.

Weighing just over 3 lb. and measuring 11.7 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches, the Optima is compact and lightweight but rugged and durable. The Optima Braille Laptop will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2024.

After the transformative changes that have been brought about in the educational and professional assistive technology field by Orbit’s breakthrough products such as the Orbit Reader and the Graphiti, the Optima now further levels the playing field by offering a no-compromise solution that bridges the gap between mainstream and assistive technology products.

Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/Optima for more information.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays, the Orbit Slate family of multi-line refreshable braille displays, and the Graphiti family of interactive tactile graphic displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience, and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

About AccessMind:

AccessMind is a new enterprise founded by Orbit Research and a team comprising Adi Kushnir and Avi Mann, with a mission to transform the Assistive Technology industry by bringing the benefits of mainstream technologies to products for people who are blind or visually impaired. With decades of experience in the Assistive Technology industry and a proven track record in developing world-leading breakthrough products and technologies at affordable prices, the AccessMind team brings a unique combination of a modern, innovative mindset and tremendous depth of skills and experience to usher in a new era in Assistive Technology. For more information, visit www.accessmind.net.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The compact handheld magnifiers offer a perfect combination of features, performance, quality and affordability

Anaheim, California – March 14, 2023 –

Orbit Research announced the introduction of the Orbit Magna family of handheld digital magnifiers today at the 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Designed for anyone with diminished visual acuity, the Magna family offers models with 3.5-inch, 4.3-inch, and 5-inch high-definition LCD screens, with a magnification range of 4x-32x for the larger models and 2x-24x for the 3.5-inch model.

The magnifiers offer exceptional picture quality with a clear, bright, high-resolution image and a high frame-rate for fast response time and accurate hand-eye coordination, making them ideal for students in the classroom or adults reading for leisure. The magnifiers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around and use whenever and wherever the need arises. For students, the Magna electronic magnifiers are a convenient tool to help them read in the classroom or at home to assist with their schoolwork. For adults, the magnifiers provide access to professional and leisure reading or performing tasks such as reading prescription medication bottles. The retractable handle can be folded in to read books and documents or folded out to use as an electronic magnifying glass.

These handheld magnifiers are extremely user-friendly products, ergonomically designed for efficiency and simplicity. Zoom levels can be changed by simply pressing the large magnification button, photographs can be taken by pressing the camera button, and viewed by pressing the playback button. Screen brightness and other settings are also controlled with simple key combinations.

The Magna family also features a fast-charging, long-life battery that allows for continuous use for over 3 to 4 hours and is user-replaceable. The magnifiers can use a micro-SD card to store photos automatically and connect to a computer via USB to download and view pictures. Additionally, they come with helpful features such as automatic shutdown and a memory which preserves contrast and brightness and other settings.

The Magna family offers between 8 and 16 different high-contrast color modes for the display screen (depending upon the model). Users can choose from color selections such as full color, black on white, white on black, and many others. They also offer a flashlight feature for added convenience.

All Magna models are available in either a black or white body and come with accessories such as a USB cable for charging, a cable for connecting to a TV, a protective pouch for storage, a strap, and a user manual.

The Magna family of magnifiers provides a reliable and portable magnifying solution for anyone who needs a magnifier to read text and view close-up images in detail. With their lightweight, compact and user-friendly design, fast-charging battery, and range of features, the Magna family of magnifiers offers a great value at affordable prices.

After the transformative changes that have been brought about in the blindness field globally by Orbit Research’s revolutionary products such as the Orbit Reader and the Graphiti, the Orbit Magna now brings a similar compelling combination of features, functionality, quality and affordability to the low-vision field.

The Orbit Magna product line will start shipping in April 2023. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/magna for more information and to place orders.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays, the Orbit Slate family of multi-line refreshable braille displays, the Orbit Speak and Orbit Writer, and the Graphiti family of interactive tactile graphic displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience, and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: +1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The world’s first multi-line refreshable braille display enables unprecedented access to spatially arranged information

Wilmington, Delaware – July 2, 2022 –

Orbit Research announced the launch of the Orbit Slate™ family of multi-line braille displays today on the eve of the annual conventions of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind. The Orbit Slate is the first and only product in the world to provide multiple lines of true real-time refreshable braille in a single, compact, tablet-sized device. It enables people who are blind or visually impaired to seamlessly and intuitively experience spatially arranged text and information such as spatial math problems, braille music and tables in real time. The Slate offers Orbit’s unique signage-quality TrueBraille™ cells in two configurations – a model with three rows of forty cells and one with five rows of twenty cells.

The Orbit Slate offers all the features of the revolutionary Orbit Reader 20, including a book reader, editor and the ability to connect to a smartphone or computer via Bluetooth or USB and access all the features of these platforms using popular screen reader programs. It also includes features for productivity and convenience such as onboard braille translation in over 40 languages, a clock with alarms, a calendar, and a calculator.

“Orbit Research has provided us with the Orion TI-34, TI-36X, TI-30XS MultiView, and the TI-84 Plus talking scientific and graphing calculators in the past, along with the incomparable Graphiti interactive tactile graphics display, which my students have thoroughly enjoyed using. I look forward to their rendition of an interactive refreshable multi-line braille display, which is so vital to the exploration of spatial math problems involving fractions and mixed numbers, number line graphs, and matrices for example. Such a multi-line braille display will also make solving multi-step equations at all levels of mathematics so much easier as well.” Said Susan A Osterhaus, Statewide Mathematics Consultant at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

“As a braille reader, I’ve long dreamed of a day when a compact, fast, lightweight multi-line refreshable braille display would be available on the market. As a long time developer of technology, I’ve seen many promising ideas for producing such a product come and go without delivering. With the Orbit Slate line of products, braille readers will be able to more efficiently engage in tasks that were previously very laborious using single line displays. For example: reading and writing braille music, solving complex mathematical equations, manipulating spreadsheets and parsing tabular data in a way that has heretofore been impossible using refreshable braille technology. The Orbit Slate family of multi-line products will be a game changer in the field of braille technology in ways we can’t even imagine at this time!” said Brian Buhrow, President of the Computer Science Division of the National Federation of the Blind.

“The Orbit Slate represents the next step in the evolution of the braille display. When we introduced the Orbit Reader 20 in 2016, it set the bar for affordable, high-quality refreshable braille and enabled access to literacy for thousands of blind people around the world. The Slate now brings the same signage-quality braille cell technology and enables a multi-line reading and writing experience – something that sighted people take for granted but which has never been possible for the blind. The Orbit Slate now sets the bar for affordable multi-line refreshable braille. Not only is it a gamechanger in STEM education and professional applications, it also makes everyday reading and entertainment easier and more enjoyable.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “It is another milestone in Orbit’s journey towards leveling the playing field for visually impaired students and professionals.” she added.

Both models feature a high-quality 8-key Perkins-style braille keyboard, a cursor pad and rocker keys for navigation and panning, cursor routing buttons and a full-sized SD-card slot for loading books and files for reading and editing. When connected to a computer or smartphone, the Orbit Slate leverages the extensive screen-reader ecosystem developed for the Orbit Reader family of braille displays to provide instant access to Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Fire OS and Linux systems. Its integration with all popular platforms means that users have countless ways of interacting with their favorite apps and software.

Visit Multi-line Braille – Orbit Research for more information and to place pre-orders.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays and the Graphiti family of interactive tactile graphic displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience, and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The revolutionary real-time display for the blind enables a seamless graphics and text experience

Anaheim, California – March 16, 2022 –

Orbit Research announced the launch of the Graphiti Plus™ Interactive Tactile Graphic and Braille display today at the 37th Annual CSUN Conference on Technology for People with Disabilities. The Graphiti Plus is the first and only product in the world to bring interactive real-time refreshable multi-level tactile graphics and braille together in a single device. Combining Orbit’s unique Tactuator™ multi-level actuator technology for graphics, its signage quality TrueBraille™ cells, and a touch interface, the Graphiti Plus enables people who are visually impaired to seamlessly and intuitively experience graphics and text together for the very first time in a single device.

“When we introduced the Graphiti in 2020, it set the bar for interactive refreshable tactile graphics by enabling blind users to experience and interact with graphics and visual events live and in three dimensions. With its unique ability to set each pin to different heights, the Graphiti enabled users to experience topographical maps and other graphical elements such as shades and color represented as varying heights of pins. With its touch interface, users were able to draw on the tactile display with their fingers, enabling true interactivity. The breakthrough Tactuator technology allowed users to have their fingers and hands on the display as the image changes providing the unique and unprecedented ability to watch content change as it was refreshing, enabling them to truly experience real-time animation and dynamic graphics. The Graphiti Plus now sets the bar for truly immersive and seamless access to all digital media – providing real-time refreshable graphics and text in braille. Its ability to simultaneously display the highest quality of graphics and braille text while allowing direct interaction with any digital content by touch offers limitless possibilities. Students can now have instant and direct access to books with text and graphical content and other educational materials such as computer simulations and CAD without the need for any special preparation.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “It truly levels the playing field for students and professionals in any field including STEM, by providing an integrated device to create and consume digital content that includes both text and graphics. Equally importantly, it also makes everyday activities and entertainment easier and more enjoyable. Popular social-media apps and rich web content can now be experienced fully as they were intended to be. The Graphiti Plus enables inclusive education and workplaces, allowing seamless collaboration.” she added.

The Graphiti Plus has 2400 pins arranged in forty rows and sixty columns to display graphics and a line of forty braille cells. A high-quality Perkins-style braille keypad and cursor routing buttons permit easy and fast entry and editing of text in braille. Its HDMI input offers seamless connection to any device that has a video output without the need for special software or drivers. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB. The touch capability enables users to point to any text on the graphic display and have it be instantly rendered in braille on the TrueBraille™ display. This allows completely new paradigms for reading and creating content.

The Graphiti Plus can be used either standalone or connected to a computer, mobile device or other sources of graphics and text. In standalone mode, it is a fully self-contained content creation and consumption solution. It includes a powerful Linux computing platform and onboard apps. It comes with a reader and editor for braille and graphics files supporting numerous popular formats and can also create and view graphics files with embedded braille labels that are activated by touch as the user explores the picture. Other onboard apps include a calculator, clock with alarms and a braille translator supporting over forty languages. Its open and extensible Linux computing platform is future-proof and enables third-party developers to create new applications for the platform.

When connected to a computer or smartphone, the Graphiti Plus leverages the extensive screen-reader ecosystem developed for the Orbit Reader family of braille displays to provide instant access to Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Fire OS and Linux systems. Its integration with all popular platforms means that users have countless ways of interacting with their favorite apps and software. For the first time in history, a student who is blind can connect a tactile monitor to instruments, including microscopes, telescopes, or video cameras for real time depiction of dynamic content.

The touch interface allows users to control their computers or mobile devices as they would a device with a touchscreen. Users can create graphics by simply drawing with a finger and create text by typing on the Perkins-style braille keyboard.

After the transformative change that the Graphiti brought about, the Graphiti Plus now opens even further possibilities by providing an integrated device for inclusive education, professional use to create and consume digital content and for everyday activities and entertainment – using social media apps, viewing pictures and videos.

Orbit Research is accepting orders now for the Graphiti Plus. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/graphiti-plus for more information and to place orders.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier and the Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience, and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The modern speech-based braille notetaker redefines convenience and affordability

Anaheim, California – March 16, 2022 –

Orbit Research announced the launch of the Orbit Speak braille notetaker today at the 37th Annual CSUN Conference on Technology for People with Disabilities. The Orbit Speak is equipped with features of a modern braille notetaker with a braille keyboard and synthesized speech output in a compact, pocket-sized device.

The Orbit Speak offers built-in note-taking and productivity applications including a book reader, file editor, calendar, address-book, calculator, clock and alarms. It can also connect to smartphones and computers and provides a convenient way to enter text in braille and control the device without having to use touch gestures.

Weighing less than eight ounces, the Orbit Speak is similar in size to modern smartphones, allowing it to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse. Despite its compact size, it provides an ergonomic Perkins-style braille keyboard, with high-quality scissors keys and includes a cursor keypad for navigation.

“The Orbit Speak is a perfect complement to the Orbit Reader family of braille displays and the Orbit Writer. It combines the compact form-factor of the Orbit Writer with the note-taker features of the Orbit Reader while adding high-quality speech output to offer the essential functions users expect from note-takers. The onboard Wi-Fi is a game-changer, enabling instant access to the vast variety of online services and information available on the internet.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s founder. “Our mission at Orbit is to bring innovative, high-performance products at affordable price points. The Orbit Speak brings a compelling combination of features, convenience, and affordability in a pocket-sized product that will appeal to users around the world. For students, it is a convenient note-taker in the classroom and for reading. The onboard braille translator enables them to do classwork and homework assignments and easily share them with teachers. For adults, it provides rapid access to professional and leisure reading, the ability to take notes in meetings or at home and a powerful set of productivity tools.” she added.

The Orbit Speak supports a wide range of languages and is designed for worldwide use. Popular file formats are supported for reading and editing. Hotkey combinations allow easy and rapid switching between apps and between standalone and connected modes, enabling a high degree of productivity.

The Orbit Speak connects to computers and smartphones over Bluetooth or USB, providing an instant, seamless connection to multiple devices simultaneously and allows switching between devices with a simple key combination. It is fully supported by the extensive ecosystem of screen-readers available for the Orbit Reader family of braille products and works out of the box with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows, Mac and Linux computers. In connected mode, it can be used to read and send text messages and emails, browse the internet and social media channels, control all functions of the smartphone, tablet or computer, and operate all apps.

The Orbit Speak comes with a full-sized SD Card slot and includes a built-in speaker, headphone jack and a vibrator to provide haptic feedback for status indications. It is powered by a fast-charging lithium-ion battery, which is charged through the USB-C port. It can be attached to a lanyard or strap to provide convenient carrying options. A custom-designed carrying case is also available.

Orbit Research is accepting pre-orders now for the Orbit Speak. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-speak for more information and to place orders.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier and the Orbit Reader family of refreshable braille displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The revolutionary graphic display for the blind is now available for ordering

Anaheim, California – March 11, 2020 –

Orbit Research announced the launch of the Graphiti® Interactive Tactile Graphic Display today at the 35th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.

Based on revolutionary Tactuator™ technology from Orbit Research, the Graphiti® represents a breakthrough in non-visual access to graphical information such as charts, drawings, flowcharts, floorplans, images and photographs, through an array of moving pins. The most unique feature of the technology is the ability to set each pin to different heights, which enables the display of topographical maps and other graphical elements such as shades and color represented as varying heights of pins that can be readily sensed by the user’s fingers.

Connectable to computers, tablets, smartphones, or the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator via a USB port or Bluetooth, its open API allows developers to create apps on any platform to work with the Graphiti. Additionally, an HDMI port allows connection to any device with a video display output, making Graphiti an external tactile display monitor. This enables any device to connect seamlessly to Graphiti. The unit also includes a cursor pad for navigation, and an SD-card slot and USB port to load files for reading and editing in a standalone mode.

Graphiti also features a touch interface to enable the user to “draw” on the display; tracing a shape with a fingertip raises the pins along the path traced. The touch interface allows traditional forms of touch gesture commands such as swipe to scroll. In addition, it enables novel uses such as “pushing” or “nudging” an object on the display to physically move it. Multiple Graphiti units can be connected together to provide complete and immersive interactivity through touch – what is drawn on one unit appears instantly on the other units in tactile form.

The proprietary technology is fundamentally scalable and enables development of refreshable graphic displays of any size, at a fraction of the cost of graphic displays in the market today. The first model has 2,400 pins in an array of 60 x 40 pins and can be used in a portrait or landscape orientation. Each pin is independently addressable and can also be made to individually “blink” at configurable rates.

“We are tremendously excited about the opportunities Graphiti opens for the blind or visually impaired user. Our Orion family of talking scientific and graphing calculators enabled access to mainstream tools for STEM education for blind and visually impaired students. The Orbit Reader family of braille displays enables access to low-cost braille and literacy. We believe Graphiti will do for graphics what the Orbit Reader 20 did for braille.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “The variable-height capability that our Tactuator technology enables will allow blind users to experience and interact with graphics and visual events like never before – live and in three dimensions, such as when they viewed the total solar eclipse of 2017 in real time on the Graphiti, making it a truly historic event. A blind user is now able to create graphics in digital form, enter them into a computing device, review and edit them, and exchange such graphics with others. To bring this revolutionary product to each and every blind person in the world, we are working with educational institutions and blindness organizations to reduce cost by increasing volumes, with the target of achieving a price point under $5,000.” she added.

With its ability to interface with computers and smartphones, the Graphiti provides instant tactile access to all forms of graphical information that is available on the internet. It also enables blind students to connect the Graphiti to any instrument that has a video output, including microscopes, telescopes, oscilloscopes and video cameras to provide a tactile depiction of the images and videos in real-time.

In the classroom, the Graphiti provides the ability to share textbooks with graphical material. It also enables blind students to actively participate in inclusive classrooms and for the first time, visualize the smartboards used in mainstream classrooms. It also allows maps and other diagrams to be labeled with braille text which can pop up dynamically when corresponding areas on the picture are touched.

Graphiti charts the path towards delivering such content instantly without the need for creating tactile graphics on paper. The product also comes with a software program for Windows that provides, for the very first time, a drawing program specifically designed for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

Orbit Research is accepting orders now for the Graphiti. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/graphiti for more information and to place orders.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier and the Orbit Reader 20 refreshable braille display that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The unique app enables face-to-face communication for people who are deafblind without the need for interpreters

WILMINGTON, DE – November 5, 2019 –

Orbit Research today announced the launch of the Orbit Chat Communication System. People who are deaf and blind typically communicate with others through various means including tactile sign language and often require a trained interpreter since most people are not familiar with such methods. The Orbit Chat system changes this forever by offering a free solution that enables a deafblind person to use their Orbit Reader 20 braille display and an app running on a smartphone or tablet to communicate with a sighted, blind or deaf person. The system can be used in any situation – in public settings such as markets, restaurants and classrooms or in private conversations.

Through specialized interfaces on Orbit Research’s braille and tactile graphics products, and an app that runs on smartphones or tablets, the system connects via Bluetooth to provide the breakthrough ability to converse using a simple chat-style experience.

“While mobile phones and refreshable braille displays have enabled deafblind people to connect to the digital world, face-to-face communication has remained a challenge. We are thrilled with the introduction of the Orbit Chat. It will be a game-changer for the deafblind community world-wide.” said Akhil Paul, Director of Sense International India, one of the world’s leading organizations working for people with deafblindness

“With the Orbit Chat system, we are excited and humbled to be able to provide the basic facility of communication that most of us take for granted.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s founder. “With no additional hardware or software to purchase, a deafblind person can utilize her Orbit Reader 20 braille display to engage in conversation with anyone using a smartphone or tablet. Previous solutions cost thousands of dollars and required heavy and cumbersome hardware and even the most basic ones required the use of external keyboards connected to an expensive braille note-taker. Even as a complete communications-only solution, the Orbit Reader 20 coupled with the Orbit Chat app is less expensive than anything else available by an order of magnitude while offering unmatched portability, reliability and ease of use. The Orbit Chat is yet another step in our journey towards a level playing field.”

The system allows a sighted person to use a familiar chat or messaging user-interface to type messages using the phone or tablet’s on-screen keyboard, which are immediately translated and displayed on the deafblind user’s Orbit Reader 20 device in braille. The deafblind user types her messages in braille using the braille keypad on the Orbit Reader 20 and these are translated to plain text and instantly displayed on the phone or tablet. The app is self-voicing, which allows a blind person to use it to communicate with a deafblind person without needing any special screen-reading software.

The system also includes other innovative features such as a broadcast mode which allows the deafblind user to send messages to multiple people who have the app installed, the ability to save conversations on the Orbit Reader 20 as well as on the app for later review and a file transfer feature to exchange files between the Orbit Reader 20 and the phone or tablet. The system allows the use of contracted and uncontracted braille in English and offers support for other languages through localization.

The app is available now for free download from the Google Play Store and the Orbit Research website: http://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-chat

Orbit Research also offers a bundled solution including the Orbit Reader 20, and an Android tablet with the Orbit Chat system pre-installed, providing the most affordable full-featured communication and accessibility solution for people who are deafblind.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier and the Orbit Reader 20 refreshable braille display that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and affordability. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Contact details:

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

The world’s most affordable braille display, the Orbit Reader 20, is the first refreshable braille display to support the new standard

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Orbit Research today announced that it has introduced support for the newly released USB HID standard for braille displays. It is the first developer and manufacturer of braille displays to support the new standard which eliminates the need for special software or drivers and enables plug-and-play operation between electronic braille displays and devices such as computers and smartphones.

As an innovator and leader in the field of refreshable braille, Orbit Research was instrumental in proposing the need in the industry for a common and open communication protocol between refreshable braille displays and screen reading software. In collaboration with industry leaders including Apple, Microsoft and Google, Orbit Research and other companies jointly worked towards creating a USB standard that allows braille displays to communicate with screen-reader software on diverse operating systems and hardware platforms. This now minimizes and possibly even eliminates the need for each refreshable braille display to be tested with each screen-reader every time a new version of the software or firmware is released.

Orbit Research today released a software update for its flagship refreshable braille display product, the Orbit Reader 20, making it the first braille display in the world to support the new standard.

“We are very proud to be the first braille display company to implement the new USB standard.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s founder. “We experienced first-hand the challenges in ensuring smooth interoperability between our first braille display product and screen-readers. The resources required to do this on an ongoing basis are enormous, especially considering the fact that there are over half a dozen popular screen-readers that our products support. Some screen-reader vendors even require substantial fees to be paid for testing compatibility, making interoperability unaffordable for smaller new players in the market who have worked very hard to produce affordable low-cost displays for the first time. We hope that the new standard will encourage more players to enter this field and look forward to the standard being adopted by all screen-reader and operating system vendors. This is yet another step towards making braille affordable for users in developing countries.”

The updated software for the Orbit Reader 20 can be downloaded from the Orbit Research website https://www.orbitresearch.com and also includes other feature enhancements.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of accessible scientific and graphing calculators, the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier and the Orbit Reader 20 refreshable braille display that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and affordability. For more information, visit https://www.orbitresearch.com.

Orbit Research is pleased to announce a much-awaited new feature – the ability to upgrade the Orbit Reader 20’s firmware from the SD card, instead of requiring a Windows PC! This enables Mac and Linux users and those without direct access to a computer to easily upgrade the unit.

We would like to thank RNIB for supporting the development of this feature.

In order to use this feature, you will first have to update the bootloader, which is a mechanism to facilitate upgrading the system’s software. Please note that upgrading the bootloader is required only in units that are currently in the field and is a one-time process. New units from the factory will come with the new bootloader.

To perform the one-time upgrade of the bootloader, you will need to use a separate (Windows PC based) program which is similar to the firmware upgrade program that is used to upgrade the firmware.

Once you have the new bootloader in place, you will be able to perform future firmware upgrades through the SD card or the current method of using the Windows program. Upgrading the bootloader is NOT necessary if you prefer to only use the existing method of upgrading the software using the Windows program.

Please download the software package titled “OR-20 – Bootloader Upgrade Package Setup vB0.00.00.05r02” from the Orbit Research website: https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-bootloader-upgrade-package/

The package contains the following:

Instructions to perform the bootloader upgrade: OR-20 – Bootloader Upgrade Procedure v1.0.pdf

Software Installation file: OR-20 – Bootloader Upgrade Package Setup vB0.00.00.05r02.exe

A file containing release notes: OR-20 Bootloader Upgrade Utility vB0.00.00.05r02 Release Notes.txt

Important notes:

Please read the instructions carefully before you start the upgrade

Prior to starting the process, we strongly recommend that you confirm that your OR-20 unit is running software version B0.00.00.55r02 or later. If it is running an earlier version, please upgrade it to the latest version B0.00.00.60r03 first. This will ensure that the messages that are displayed during the first upgrade using the SD card will match the messages described in the user guide.

All settings on the Orbit Reader 20 will be reset to defaults after the bootloader upgrade

If you have applied localization, you should download and use the latest localization package (version B0.00.00.26r01) from the website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/orbit-reader-localization-download/

The procedure to upgrade the bootloader is as follows:

Install the OR-20 Bootloader Upgrade program by following the simple steps as is the case with any Windows installer.

Once installed, run the Bootloader upgrade program.

You can keep the OR-20 ON or OFF. It will not affect anything in the bootloader upgrade procedure.

Connect the OR-20 to the PC using the supplied micro-B USB cable.

Press and hold the Right Panning forward button (the lower part of the Right Panning button) and the Dot 6 key together.

Now, press and release the Dot 8 key. The other keys can be released after this.

The program will now begin preparing the device for upgrade. This might take up to 10 seconds.

When the preparation is complete, the program will show the message “The device is ready for upgrade”.

Again, press and hold the Right Panning forward button and the Dot 6 key together

Now, press and release the Dot 8 key. The other keys can be released after this.

The program will begin the upgrade process and will take about 30 seconds to complete.

The program will show the message “The device successfully upgraded to bootloader version vB0.00.00.xxyzz” after a successful upgrade.

For further details, please refer to the user guide at https://www.orbitresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/OR-20-Bootloader-Upgrade-User-Guide-v1.0-2.pdf

Once you have successfully upgraded the bootloader, your OR-20 is all set to perform future firmware upgrades from the SD card or using the traditional method.

The bootloader upgrade also updated your firmware to the latest version (vB0.00.00.61r01) and you do not need to reload any firmware for now, but If you wish to give the new method a try, you can download the standard firmware upgrade package from the website and perform the following steps:

Procedure to upgrade the firmware from SD card:

Copy the binary file “Orbit Reader 20 – Target Software vB0.00.00.XXrYY.bin” from the download package to the root folder of the SD card. Use either the Orbit Reader Mass Storage Mode or remove the SD card and put it in a card reader on a computer. When completed, insert the SD card into the Orbit Reader 20.

Turn off the OR-20. The unit should be turned off before the upgrade is started.

Press and hold the Right Panning forward button (the lower part of the Right Panning button) and Dot 4 together, then turn on the Orbit Reader 20; it will show the message “Preparing…”. Now you can release all the keys. Typically, it will take about 40 to 50 seconds to prepare.

Once preparation is complete, the Orbit Reader 20 should show the message “Upgrading….”. Progress is shown by blinking 4 cells containing dot 6 at the end of the message.

Typically, it will take 2.5 to 3 minutes to upgrade the firmware. DO NOT remove the SD card during the upgrade process.

When the upgrade has completed, the Orbit Reader 20 will show the message “Upgrade complete” for a few seconds and then the device will automatically reset itself and turn off.

The Orbit Reader is now upgraded. Turn on the Orbit Reader to start using the device.

To check for the successful upgrade of the device, press Select + Up Arrow to open the Orbit Reader Menu and arrow to “Ver” in the list. The version number of the firmware release should match the number in the name of the bin file.

For further details, please refer to the release notes at https://www.orbitresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/OR20-Software-vB0.00.00.61r01-Release-Notes.txt and the updated user manual at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/orbit-reader-20-user-guide-downloads/. For upgrade instructions, please refer to Section 21 of the user guide.

Customer Support Team

Orbit Research

techsupport@orbitresearch.com

An affordable system to translate standard files and display them in braille has long been the dream of blind people and educators across the world. The Duxbury Braille Translator – Orbit Edition, announced today by Orbit Research LLC and Duxbury Systems, Inc. at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference finally makes this a reality. It is the world’s most affordable, full-featured Braille Translation and Display system, priced at a fraction of the cost of similar systems.

Orbit Research, manufacturer of the Orbit Reader 20 – the world’s most affordable Braille Reader, Notetaker and Refreshable Braille Display and Duxbury Systems Inc., the developer of the Duxbury Braille Translation (DBT) – the braille translation software used by virtually all of the world’s leading braille publishers, joined forces to create the Duxbury Braille Translator – Orbit Edition.

Released initially for the Indian market, the Duxbury Braille Translator – Orbit Edition enables users to convert Microsoft Word documents, text files and HTML to braille with market-leading accuracy and ease. Braille files can be created and edited on the Orbit Reader 20 and converted back into Microsoft Word, text or HTML format. The system supports 24 Indian languages including Assamese, Awadhi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Haryanvi, Hindi, Kannada, Kurukh, Magahi, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Meitei (Manipuri), Oriya, Punjabi, Sadri, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Sylheti, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. It translates these into contracted and un-contracted grades of braille for each language.

The joint mission of the companies was to create a low-cost ecosystem that enables students and adult users to have access to files of various common formats that are found in the school, workplace and on the internet and allow accurate and easy translation to and from braille that can be displayed on the Orbit Reader 20.

The introduction of the braille translation and display solution to the Indian braille user community is a natural continuation of both companies’ quest to promote braille literacy and offer innovative and affordable solutions to enhance access to digital and print information and improve communication between sighted and blind people.

The Duxbury Braille Translator – Orbit Edition is available for purchase with the Orbit Reader 20 or separately by calling +91-6353-512-142 or emailing sales@orbitresearch.com.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit https://www.orbitresearch.com.

About Duxbury Systems:

Duxbury Systems is a leading provider of Braille Translation software to virtually all of the world’s leading braille publishers. Its software supports the majority of world’s languages for both contracted and uncontracted braille, technical braille, graphics and mathematics. The Duxbury Braille Translator [Windows & Mac] is for those who are experts and those who are not. For more information visit http://www.duxburysystems.com

Tuesday August 02, 2016

Revolutionary technology from Orbit Research enables a new paradigm in education and access to graphical information for the blind

WILMINGTON, DE

Orbit Research and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) today announced the introduction of Graphiti, the world’s first affordable tactile graphics display.

Based on revolutionary Tactuator technology from Orbit Research, the Graphiti refreshable tactile graphics display represents a breakthrough in non-visual access to graphical information such as charts, drawings, flowcharts, floorplans, images and photographs, through an array of moving pins. The most unique feature of the technology is the ability to set each pin to different heights, which enables the display of topographical maps and other graphical elements such as grey shades and color represented as varying heights of pins that can be readily sensed by the user’s fingers.

Connectable to computers, tablets, smartphones, or the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator via a USB-C port or Bluetooth, its open API allows developers to create apps to work with Graphiti. Additionally, an HDMI port allows connection to any device with a video display output, identifying the unit as a display monitor. This enables any device to connect seamlessly to Graphiti. The unit also includes a cursor pad for navigation, and an SD-card slot for loading files for reading and editing in a standalone mode.

Graphiti also features a touch interface to enable the user to “draw” on the display; tracing a shape with a fingertip raises the pins along the path traced. The touch interface allows traditional forms of touch commands such as scrolling, multi-touch gestures, etc. In addition, it enables novel uses such as “pushing” or “nudging” an object on the display to physically move it.

The proprietary technology is fundamentally scalable and enables development of refreshable graphic displays of any size, at a fraction of the cost of graphic displays in the market today. The first model has 2,400 pins in an array of 60 x 40 pins, and can be used in a portrait or landscape orientation. Each pin is independently addressable and can also be made to individually “blink” at configurable rates.

Building upon APH’s vast experience in the development of educational products and Orbit Research’s core technology and expertise in developing affordable accessible products, this unique product is the outcome of continuing collaborative efforts between the companies.

“We are tremendously excited about the opportunities Graphiti opens for the blind or visually impaired user. Our Orion family of talking scientific and graphing calculators enabled access to mainstream tools for STEM education for blind and visually impaired students. The recently announced Orbit Reader 20, enables access to low-cost braille and literacy. We believe Graphiti will do for graphics what the Orbit Reader 20 did for braille, as said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. The variable-height capability that our Tactuator technology enables will allow blind users to experience and interact with graphics like never before live and in three dimensions. For the first time, a blind user will be able to create graphics in digital form, enter them into a computing device, review and edit them, and exchange such graphics with others, she added.

This technology is breaking new ground for the education of the braille reading students and adults we serve. It gives us a glimpse into the future of what the graphical digital information age will look like. Up until now, we have only imagined. Graphiti proves that we can, said Dr. Craig Meador, APH President. It will be an invaluable tool in the classroom because of its versatility. For the first time in history, a student who is blind can connect a tactile monitor to instruments, including microscopes, telescopes, or video cameras for real time depiction of dynamic content. For example, it will connect to the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator and students will be able to see the graph, immediately, on the tactile screen. Textbooks in math and science contain thousands of graphics. Graphiti provides a path toward delivering textbooks with graphics, electronically.

The product is expected to ship in late 2017 and further details can be found at https://www.orbitresearch.com/graphiti.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orbit Reader 20, Orion Talking Graphing and Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit https://www.orbitresearch.com.

About the American Printing House for the Blind:

The American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest nonprofit company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for visually impaired students in the U.S. who are working at less than college level. APH produces textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats and manufactures hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products including computer software design and engineering along with other technology items. Visit http://www.aph.org for more information.

Thursday March 24, 2016:

Revolutionary technology from Orbit Research enables TBGs objective of achieving affordable braille for all

WILMINGTON, DE — March 23, 2016 — An affordable braille display has long been the dream of blind people and educators across the world. The Orbit Reader 20, announced today by Orbit Research and the Transforming Braille Group finally makes this a reality. It is the world’s most affordable, full-feature Refreshable Braille Display, priced at a fraction of the cost of similar devices. Based on revolutionary braille technology from Orbit Research, the Orbit Reader 20 provides signage-quality braille in a compact hand-held device with 20 eight-dot braille cells.

The Orbit Reader 20 is a unique 3-in-1 device and serves as a self-contained book reader, a note taker and as a braille display by connecting to a computer or smartphone via USB or Bluetooth. As a braille display, the device works with all platforms including Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android, to provide access to all the features of these platforms using popular screen reader programs. It enables access to all applications, such as email, web-browsing, text messaging, creating and editing documents, etc. Though feature-rich, the device is extremely simple to use and allows switching between the different functions seamlessly.

In addition to the braille cells, the Orbit Reader 20 also includes a high-quality, 8-key keyboard, a cursor pad and rocker keys for navigation and panning, and an SD-card slot for loading books and files for reading and editing in a standalone mode. It is fluid and dust resistant and its construction is optimized for durability in extreme environmental conditions.

“The Orbit Reader 20 represents the next step in our continuing mission to bring affordable products to the blind and visually impaired community. It is tremendously exciting and humbling to be able to bring to the market a product that has the potential to catalyze literacy for millions of blind people across the world” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder.

TBG President, Kevin Carey said: “The Orbit Reader 20 and its disruptive braille technology alters the refreshable braille landscape forever. It achieves TBG’s objective of providing an affordable solution for accessing e-books and other digital content via braille.”

The Orbit Reader 20 is available for pre-order now and will ship in late 2016.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

About the Transforming Braille Group:

The Transforming Braille Group LLC is a global consortium of organizations of and for the blind.

Tuesday September 01, 2015:

The Orion TI-30XS MultiView levels the educational playing field for students who are visually impaired

DALLAS (Sept. 1, 2015) Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN), Orbit Research and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) today unveiled the Orion TI-30XS MultiView Talking Scientific Calculator, the world’s first fully accessible multi-line scientific calculator, created for students who are visually impaired, and available for the upcoming school year. Based on the popular TI-30XS Multiview scientific calculator from Texas Instruments, the Orion TI-30XS represents a breakthrough in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for students with vision impairment.

Today, millions of scientific calculators are used in classrooms around the world and are an integral part of the high school math and science curriculum. However, the popularity and usefulness of scientific calculators has posed a challenge for students who are visually impaired since advanced models used in classrooms have not been accessible, until now. With the introduction of the Orion TI-30XS MultiView, visually impaired students now have access to the same technology as their peers as they tackle demanding subjects such as algebra, statistics and chemistry.

“For TI, this is about tearing down barriers for students with disabilities and empowering them to overcome challenges and do great things,” said Scott Sedberry, director of North American Business Development for Texas Instruments Education Technology. “The identical functionality of the accessible TI-30XS MultiView enables students with vision impairment to use the same calculator as their classmates, participate in the same curriculum and take advantage of the vast knowledge base and instructional materials that are already available for this technology.”

Educators who tested the calculator with their visually impaired students are eager to put it to use in the classroom. Susan Osterhaus, Statewide Mathematics Consultant at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and APH consultant, said, “This is going to be an awesome addition to our math toolbox and I am confident it will help our students learn and understand difficult concepts.”

The advanced, four-line scientific calculator, with higher-level math and science functionality, is ideal for middle school through college students. A clear, high-quality, recorded voice announces each key and the answer on the display, providing a choice of speech modes for quiet or verbose operation. Students will love the thin, lightweight design, and parents and teachers will love the familiar functionality that makes it easy to help with classwork and homework.

“When students have the right tools to access their curricula, we all benefit,” said Dr. Tuck Tinsley III, president of APH. “This new technology empowers students who are blind and have low vision to reach their full potentials and become the next generation of STEM scholars.”

The Orion TI-30XS Talking Scientific Calculator may be used on high-stakes exams as an approved accommodation for students who are visually impaired if it is specified in the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). Check with your school’s assessment coordinator or guidance counselor to determine the guidelines for specific tests.

“The development of the Orion TI-30XS MultiView represents Orbit Research’s continuing commitment to level the playing field for visually impaired and dyslexic students,” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s founder. “Building upon our long-term partnership with Texas Instruments, APH’s vast experience in the development of educational products, and our expertise in adapting mainstream calculators for accessibility, this product is the result of our collaborative efforts to develop game-changing technology.”

The calculator is available for purchase for the upcoming school year here (http://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Orion TI-30XS MultiView Talking Scientific Calculator_34678672P_10001_11051)

About Texas Instruments:

Education Technology, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to explore mathematics and science interactively. TI’s products and services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party research, which shows that the effective use of graphing calculators improves the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world’s brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

About the American Printing House for the Blind

APH, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for students who are visually impaired in the U.S. and outlying areas who are working at less than college level.

APH produces textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats. APH also designs and manufactures hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products. For more information, visit www.aph.org.

About Orbit Research

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion family of Talking Scientific and Graphing Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

Wednesday August 06, 2014:

WILMINGTON, DE – August 6, 2015 – Orbit Research LLC and the Transforming Braille Group LLC are pleased to announce an agreement to produce a low cost, refreshable braille display.

Orbit, an international engineering company based in Wilmington, Delaware, specialising in high quality, low cost products for blind and partially sighted people, will be undertaking the research, development and manufacture of this unique product.

The Transforming Braille Group LLC is a global consortium of organisations of and for the blind which is investing $1m in the project.

The objective of the project is to produce a stand-alone 20-cell refreshable braille display for $300 (or £200) which will bring refreshable braille within the reach of children in developing countries and will provide libraries in developed countries with a viable alternative to hard copy braille. The product will be launched at CSUN in 2016.

The display is designed to work through USB and Bluetooth connectivity with ‘smart’ phones and tablets. It is not intended to compete with high specification refreshable braille display already on the market, primarily used in education and employment but is intended to bring braille displayed e-books to a wide audience at an economical price.

“The agreement with TBG is a landmark in our journey to develop and manufacture essential products at an affordable cost through the application of mainstream technology in unique and innovative ways” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “While each of our previous products has brought a multi-fold improvement in the state of the art in terms of performance, cost, size and features, we are thrilled that through this partnership with TBG, we will be able to offer a game-changing product that will impact the daily lives of millions of blind people across the world”

TBG President, Kevin Carey said: “At last we have a technology which will guarantee the survival of braille. It has been my long-standing, publicly stated objective to find a disruptive technology which will radically force down the cost of refreshable braille so that the world’s digital content becomes available in a tactile format. This new device will bring braille within the price range of educators in developing countries and will enable most blind people to access e-books and other internet material without resorting to specialist libraries.”

TBG estimates that its new product will retail at a unit cost less than 20% of the current market price.

Contact details:

Kevin Carey, President,

Transforming Braille Group LLC

Tel: +44(0)1273 834321

Email: humanity@atlas.co.uk

www.Transformingbraille.org

Carla Morris

Orbit Research LLC

Tel: 1-888-606-7248

Email: morris.carla@orbitresearch.com

www.orbitresearch.com

Thursday July 03, 2014:

WILMINGTON, DE – July 3, 2014 – Orbit Research today announced the selection of its iBill Talking Bank Note Reader by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for the U.S. Currency Reader Program. Through this program, the BEP will distribute the iBill device at no cost to eligible blind and visually impaired persons.

Beginning with distribution to eligible attendees at the annual conventions of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), American Council of the Blind (ACB), and Blinded Veterans of America (BVA), the U.S. Currency Reader Program will be open to the broader population in the January 2015 timeframe.

“First introduced in 2009, and now in its second generation, the iBill has set the standard for affordability, compactness, speed and accuracy, factors which rapidly made it the market leader. We are thrilled and humbled that the BEP has chosen the iBill for the U.S. Currency Reader Program.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, a founder of Orbit Research. “For over 15 years, Orbit Research has been committed exclusively to developing innovative products for the blind and visually impaired community and the selection of the iBill for this program is a source of great satisfaction for our team.” she added.

The iBill is designed with the sole purpose of providing the simplest, fastest and most accurate means to denominate US banknotes, the everyday task that most people take for granted, but which can be a challenge for people who are blind or visually-impaired since all denominations of US currency are the same size. Its unique ergonomic design permits easy and intuitive use without the need for any specialized training or extensive practice. Upon insertion of a banknote into the device, its denomination is identified at the press of a button. Based on the user’s preference, the denomination is announced by a clear and natural voice, or by tone or vibration for privacy. The unit identifies all US banknotes in circulation.

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com

Monday July 29, 2013:

Available now, in time for the fall 2013 school year! A specially adapted version of the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus transforms STEM education for blind and visually impaired students.

LOUISVILLE, KY and WILMINGTON, DE – July 29, 2013 — The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Orbit Research announced today the availability of the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator (TGC), the world’s first fully accessible handheld graphing calculator. Based on the popular TI-84 Plus model from Texas Instruments, the market-leader in calculators and educational technology, the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC represents a breakthrough in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for students who are blind and visually impaired.

The Orion TI-84 Plus TGC is available for sale by contacting APH at http://shop.aph.org/ or by calling customer service at 1-800-229-1839. In addition to normal sales, this product is also eligible for purchase by APH Ex Officio Trustees through the federally funded Quota Program.

“The excitement we have witnessed when displaying working prototypes at various conferences has been tremendous and so rewarding,” stated Ken Perry, Project Lead at APH. “This type of product has been needed and wanted during my 20 years in this industry. With the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC, the learning opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired have been greatly enhanced. Imagine a blind or visually impaired student not just fully participating in classroom discussions, but now leading the discussion with their calculator, which functions and looks just like the original TI-84 Calculator.”

“Technology is an increasingly important element in STEM education, and millions of teachers and students are using TI-84 Plus handhelds every day,” said Melendy Lovett, president of Texas Instruments Education Technology. “We are just thrilled to combine our products with Orion’s accessibility features to provide visually impaired students access to the same technology their peers are using to gain a deeper understanding of math and science. This TI-84 Plus technology enhancement creates a powerful and exciting new way for students to learn math and science, thus leveling the playing field for visually impaired students.”

A lot of excitement over the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC was also expressed during the product’s field testing:

“I honestly feel that I would not have been able to complete the last month of Honors Geometry without the aid of the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC. Before receiving this unit, I did not have any type of scientific calculator. This calculator was invaluable in sections introducing trig. The ability to scroll back through the history to find previous answers, or typos in calculations was very useful. The Orion TI-84 Plus is very nice to use and I look forward to using it for years to come in math and science classes.”

“This product is truly a “game-changer” for students with visual impairments in STEM courses. The lack of a high-quality graphing calculator has been a major problem for the field for years. The fact that APH was able to partner with Orbit Research and Texas Instruments to provide an accessible calculator that is one of the most commonly used graphing calculators is wonderful. Students with visual impairments will now be able to complete most of the assignments with their peers using the same or very similar technology. This is critical for students with visual impairments who want to attend college. This is truly leveling the playing field and it is very exciting.”

“Though we have been keenly aware of the need for a TGC, we are overwhelmed by the intensity of the response from the field testing and demonstrations. It is extremely exciting and humbling to be able to make such a difference in the lives of these students” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “Blind or visually impaired students want to be just like other students and we are glad we were able to make this accessible unit resemble the original TI-84 Plus,” she added.

“Collaboration with Orbit Research is a significant opportunity that will allow us to bring high quality Text-to-Speech (TTS) synthesis to compact, handheld, embedded devices, said Roger D. Dudley, SpeechFX CEO. “The innovative FonixTalk synthesizer, which gives the Orion TI-84 Plus its voice, demonstrates the ability and expertise of SpeechFX to lead the embedded speech industry. We’re pleased to deliver and integrate our high-quality synthesized speech (TTS) to the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator.”

The outcome of collaborative efforts between Orbit Research, APH, Texas Instruments and SpeechFX, the Orion TI-84 Plus TGC consists of a compact accessory (the Orion) that is attached to the top of the TI-84 Plus Calculator; enabling a user who is visually impaired to interact with the TI-84 Plus using speech, audio, and haptic (vibration) feedback. All textual and symbolic information on the screen, as well as each key-press, is spoken using high-quality synthesized FonixTalk speech from SpeechFX. Most importantly, graphs can be explored using either spoken announcements or the SonoGraph audio and haptic feedback. Contents on the screen can be reviewed at any time, without affecting the calculation.

The unit is fully expandable with hardware accessories through a USB port and can print or emboss graphs, when connected through a PC, to a printer or braille embosser.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

About the American Printing House for the Blind:

APH, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for visually impaired students in the U.S. and outlying areas who are working at less than college level.

APH produces textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats. APH also designs and manufactures hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products. For more information, visit www.aph.org.

About Texas Instruments:

Education Technology, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to explore mathematics and science interactively. TI’s products and services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party research, which shows that the effective use of graphing calculators improves the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com. Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world’s brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

About SpeechFX, Inc.

SpeechFX, Inc., delivers embedded speech software, both text-to-speech and voice recognition for ARM-based, SH4 and DSP processors found in mobile devices, interactive software and video games. The Company owns proprietary speech and voice technologies, with seven issued patents. For more information, visit www.speechfxinc.com.

Monday July 29, 2013:

Now available — the groundbreaking Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator

WILMINGTON, DE and SALT LAKE CITY, UT – July 29, 2013. Orbit Research and SpeechFX Inc. today announced a software license to embed SpeechFX Inc.’s FonixTalk high-quality Text-to-Speech (TTS) solution into Orbit Research’s line of products for the blind and visually impaired. Combining these two solutions is expected to generate significant benefits for end-users by leveraging the complementary talents and resources within each company.

The first product to use the FonixTalk technology, the Orion TI-84 Plus handheld Talking Graphing Calculator, developed by Orbit Research in collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind and Texas Instruments, is now shipping.

The calculator is based on the popular TI-84 Plus model from Texas Instruments and enables a user who is visually impaired to interact with the unit using speech, audio, and haptic (vibration) feedback. All textual and symbolic information on the screen, as well as each key-press is spoken using the FonixTalk TTS.

“The relationship with Orbit Research is a significant opportunity that will allow us to bring high quality TTS to compact, handheld, embedded devices, said Roger D. Dudley, SpeechFX, CEO. “The innovative FonixTalk synthesizer, which gives the Orion TI-84 Plus its voice, demonstrates the ability and expertise of SpeechFX to lead the embedded speech industry. We’re pleased to collaborate with Orbit Research to further enhance and integrate high-quality synthesized speech (TTS) into handheld products.”

“High-quality speech was a key requirement for the Orion TI-84 Plus, which represents a breakthrough in STEM education for students who are blind and visually impaired.” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research’s Founder. “The licensing and integration of SpeechFX’s advanced FonixTalk TTS represents an exciting opportunity which will help us fully deliver on our mission of providing groundbreaking affordable products that are essential for an independent and productive lifestyle.”

The Orion TI-84 Plus will be available for sale and through APH’s Federal Quota Program and is shipping now.

About Orbit Research:

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

About SpeechFX, Inc.

SpeechFX, Inc., delivers embedded speech software, both text-to-speech and voice recognition for ARM-based, SH4 and DSP processors found in mobile devices, interactive software and video games. The Company owns proprietary speech and voice technologies, with 7-issued patents. For more information, visit www.speechfxinc.com.

Tuesday February 26, 2013:

Coming for the fall 2013 school year: A specially adapted version of the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator will transform STEM education for students who are blind and visually impaired

WILMINGTON, DE — February 26, 2013 — Orbit Research and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) today announced the introduction of the Orion TI-84 Plus, the world’s first fully accessible handheld graphing calculator. Based on the popular TI-84 Plus model from Texas Instruments, the market-leader in calculators and educational technology, the Orion TI-84 Plus represents a breakthrough in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for students who are blind and visually impaired.

With the advent of the graphing calculator, mathematics educators immediately recognized its potential for improving both the efficiency and the effectiveness of mathematics instruction by using it to promote exploration, conceptual understanding, modeling and complex problem solving. Today, literally millions of graphing calculators are used in math and science classes, and are an integral part of the high-school math curriculum. The most widely adopted graphing calculators are from the TI-8x family.

However, the popularity and usefulness of graphing calculators also poses a challenge for students who are blind and visually impaired, since none of the models used in classrooms have been accessible thus far. While some specialized computer software programs for graphing exist for students who are visually impaired, it has been difficult for them to participate fully in classroom activities with other students who are using calculators such as the TI-84 Plus.

Building upon APH’s vast experience in the development of educational products and Orbit Research’s expertise in adapting mainstream calculators for accessibility, and its long-term partnership with Texas Instruments, the companies collaborated to develop this unique product.

“Texas Instruments is passionate about helping teachers bring math and science to life for all students and Orbit Research has helped to develop an accessible version of the TI-84 Plus for students who are blind and visually impaired, said Scott Sedberry, Strategic Business Manager for Texas Instruments Education Technology. “The identical functionality of the accessible and traditional versions of the TI-84 Plus enables students who are blind and visually impaired to use the same device as their classmates, participate in the same curriculum and take advantage of the vast knowledge-base and instructional materials that are already available for this handheld. We are very excited about the opportunities this creates in STEM education and are committed to continued efforts to level the playing field for this population of students through our partnership with Orbit Research.”

The Orion TI-84 Plus consists of a compact accessory that is attached to the top of the TI-84 Plus and enables a user who is visually impaired to interact with the TI-84 Plus using speech, audio, and haptic (vibration) feedback. All textual and symbolic information on the screen, as well as each key-press is spoken using high-quality synthesized speech. Most importantly, graphs can be explored using either spoken announcements or the SonoGraph audio and haptic feedback. The user can also review the contents of the screen at any time, including all text and graphical information, without affecting the calculation.

The unit is fully expandable with hardware accessories through a USB port and can also print or emboss graphs when connected to a printer or braille embosser.

The Orion TI-84 Plus will be available through APH’s Federal Quota Program and units will ship in time for the 2013-2014 school year.

About Orbit Research

Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like the Orion Talking Scientific Calculators and the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit www.orbitresearch.com.

About the American Printing House for the Blind

APH, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for students who are visually impaired in the U.S. and outlying areas who are working at less than college level.

APH produces textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats. APH also designs and manufactures hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products.

For more information, visit www.aph.org.

TI-84 Plus is a trademark of Texas Instruments, Inc.

SonoGraph is a 