Blind and partially sighted people suffer from a lack of relevant Braille reading tools that allow them to engage with digital literature, televised sporting events and online gaming. Since 2011, Edward Rogers, CEO and founder of Bristol Braille Technology CIC has been developing innovative Braille reading tools. This includes their first product – the 9 line Canute 360 Braille Reader which allows blind people to access digital literature.

Our award will fund the next step in the company’s experimental-driven development – a customised Braille keyboard and adapted desktop screen to enable digital translation of digital games so they are accessible for the first time for Braille readers to play. Translating graphics in real time is a fascinating technical challenge and one which could not just offer joyful, inclusive entertainment but also open up job opportunities unlocking the creative potential of the blind population.

Having visited Bristol Braille’s workshop and discussed the project with Ed, it felt a perfect match to the spirit of the Idea Fund, namely a hands on experimental approach to realising novel technical ideas with a proven social benefit in an area crying out for it.

“We’re very excited to be given the opportunity, by the Idea Fund Award, to experiment with tactile gaming for blind people, and all the creative potential we hope that will unlock. We’re also excited to join the ranks of brilliant projects that have previously been backed by the Prospectory.” — Ed Rogers

We wish Ed and the Bristol Braille team well and look forward to following their progress.