In the modern world of technology, disabilities can limit access to certain technologies simply because there are no standards in place. One such example are Braille displays that only worked on some systems and it wasn’t trivial to figure out which ones to get for what task.
The USB Implementers Forum, which works to make USB technology widely available and interoperable, has just announced a new HID (Human Interface Device) standard for Braille displays. The goal is to make plugging in a Braille display as simple and worry-free as a normal keyboard.
Apple, Microsoft, and a number of other organizations have contributed to this effort, which is an important point for accessibility for people with poor vision.
“We see the opportunity that advancements in technology can create for people with disabilities and have a responsibility as an industry to develop new ways of empowering everyone to achieve more,” as part of the announcement said Jeff Petty, Windows accessibility program manager lead at Microsoft. “Developing a HID standard for braille displays is one example of how we can work together, across the industry, to advance technology in a way that benefits society and ultimately improve the unemployment rate for people with disabilities.”
Official announcement: USB-IF Publishes HID Standard for Braille Displays…
Via: Microsoft…
