Manufacturing Braille Appliances(MBA)
The Institute has played a pivotal role in providing need-based and cost-effective technology solutions. This remarkable era was ushered in with the establishment of a Workshop for the Manufacturing of Braille Appliances in 1952. The Workshop has since been using simple technologies, like dyes and tools for manufacturing a variety of writing, computing, recreational, mobility, home management-related devices and also some primary employment-promoting equipment.
The Institute’s technology application initiatives were further strengthened with the establishment of the Design and Development Unit in 1986. This Unit of the Institute undertakes the designing of low-cost Braille appliances and assistive devices for blind and low-vision persons. It also coordinates the production of prototype devices for conducting field trials and facilitates the development of jigs and dyes. It has, so far, contributed about 50 proto-type devices out of which maximum devices are being produced at the Workshop for Manufacturing Braille Appliances located at the Headquarters.
By merging the Design and Development Unit and the Workshop for Manufacturing Braille Appliances, the Department of Technology Application and Research was formed. The following examples stand out as the major achievements/contributions of the Institute’s technology-application initiatives: The products manufactured by the Workshop are successfully changing the lives of persons with visual impairments. They help them function independently in almost all walks of life.
These products are available at highly subsidized rates and are thus easily affordable.
Click here for downloading “CATALOGUE OF BRAILLE APPLIANCES”
