Brailler

A mechanical or electronic device for writing Braille, functioning similarly to a typewriter with six keys corresponding to the six dots of a Braille cell. Braillers are significantly faster and easier to use than a slate and stylus, and produce immediately readable output (written left to right). However, mechanical braillers like the Perkins Brailler cost approximately INR 45,000 (550 USD) — prohibitively expensive for most schools for the blind in India. In one study, only 1 of 15 interviewed teachers had access to a functioning brailler; others reported that school braillers were broken, rusted, or nonexistent. The high cost and maintenance needs of braillers represent a critical infrastructure gap.