Ted Moallem’s Braille-It Labeler Prints Tactile Labels for the Blind

This year's <a href="http://www.abetterworldbydesign.com/">A Better World by Design</a> conference saw the presentation of several new products that promise to positively impact the world, and one of our favorites was Ted Moallem's brilliant <a href="http://blindlead.mit.edu/braille-it/">Braille-It Labeler</a> - a pocket-sized labeling device that produces <a href=http://inhabitat.com/athens-placebo-pharmacy-is-wrapped-with-light-infusing-braille-perforations/">braille</a> dots embossed onto vinyl self-adhesive labeling tape. Labels made by the gadget can be used for easy, tactile identification of food, medicine, media, or appliances on a daily basis.

As a minority group, the blind have been long overlooked by the commercial sector leading to stagnation in the development of low-cost technology for the blind.

The design draws inspiration from Louis Braille's original "slate and stylus" and involves a simple six-button system that crosses language barriers.

Close-up of assembly station, with sheet metal punching/patterning and folding stations in the background on the right and left, respectively.

The photo shows the three new Braille-It templates, water-jet cut from 2mm-thick steel. This set of templates is on its way to Katpadi, where VI workers will use them as models for the shaping and patterning of 1.2mm-thick aluminum sheeting.

The image and caption below are excerpted from the Embossing-Pin Shaping instructions: Find hole-4, the hole just below the threaded hole. Before applying the screw-peg (peg-3), insert a nail-peg into hole-4. Pull the bending tube down the length of the wire, so that the tube end sits just below peg-4. Position the wire to the right of peg-4, so that the wire rests against the right side of the peg. Note: The flat end of the wire should remain flush with the jig’s top edge. Use the fingers of your left hand to position the wire.

The pocket-sized device produces Braille dots that are embossed onto vinyl self-adhesive labeling tape which is meant to be used for easy, tactile identification of food, medicine, media or appliance containers on a daily basis.

WORTH Trust training facility in Katpadi, India has added a permanent Blind-Lead Workshop to its facilities where skill-training and full-time employment are offered to blind individuals.

Moallem's prototype is constructed of aluminum, musical wire, grommet, an IDC connector and vinyl tape. However, its design makes it adaptable to similar local materials in almost any setting.

As Moallem stated, "Once empowered with the skills of mechanical design and construction, blind visionaries can lead the development of tactile and Braille tools, rightfully reclaiming the legacy of Louis Braille."