Is Braille Still Relevant in a High-tech World?

Dr. Aubrey Webson, former director of Perkins International, introduces a 5-minute video exploring the question of whether or not braille still plays an important role in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired, given the prevalance of technology.  Webson begins by saying, “Technology is everywhere.  It dominates our lives. People are posting on Facebook, listening to audio books, typing their notes into smart phones.  So, does that mean that the basics of learning to read and write using braille to take notes, to read papers, to write essays is irrelevant?”  

The video portrays a number of people who use braille and technology in their daily lives, including both professionals and students. The commentators include:

• the Assistant to the President of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
• a 16-year-old high school student
• a graduate of Brown University doing research at MIT
• a middle school student
• a customer service representative