I have written on sign language applications for the iPhone/ Touch and I thought it only fitting to review the Braille apps for another segment of the disabled population and the people that would like to learn to communicate with them.  Now I understand that a person who is blind or visually impaired (VI) may not easily utilize this app on a flat touch screen however, others can use this information to help in making Braille for their loved ones, fellow employees, or blind/VI students.  With a Braille maker, one can type raised Braille dots on tape and then affix them to any surface.  So, in all, this app can serve as a useful tool for the disabled community.

Applications “Bumps” and “Learn Braille” are the two downloads that I tried and I found them both very informative.  “Bumps “ by Izatt International costs 99 cents to download from the iTunes store and includes displays of 26 letters on one screen, magnification of each number/letter/brailed dots, and a type field so you can enter an English word and have it translated immediately to Braille. 

Now as many of you know, sign language and Braille share something in common. Both language forms are unique to the country that they are used in. Some cultures have more of a symbol format compared to a letter or number system we use here in the states.  The “Learn Braille” application by Paul Ziegler (costing 0.99 from iTunes) presents a little more versatility by demonstrating Braille from several other countries.  The countries/cultures include: Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, and the standard versions of Braille.  There are a few other applications out there that fall more into a category of quiz games and tests for those serious about studying for an exam on Braille.   They all cost 99 cents from the iTunes store.

Pete “Pedro” Collman