Communications of the ACM
SB-IF Publishes HID Standard for Braille Displays
The USB-IF standard will simplify development and remove the need for custom software and drivers for different operating systems.
Credit: Getty Images
USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support organization for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, has announced a USB HID (Human Interface Device) standard for braille displays, representing a collaborative step toward greater technological accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. The standard will make it easier to use a braille display across operating systems and different types of hardware. It will also simplify development, removing the need for braille devices to have custom software and drivers created for a particular operating system or screen reader.
"This is another great example of how USB-IF device class specifications can improve people's lives," says USB-IF President and COO Jeff Ravencraft. "With more than 1,000 members worldwide, USB-IF brings companies together to improve access to technology and provide a seamless user experience."
"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," says 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."
"Technology should be accessible to everyone and Apple designs all products with that in mind," says Sarah Herrlinger, director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives at Apple. "We're proud to advance this new USB-IF standard because we believe in improving the experience for all people who rely on braille displays to use their Apple products or any other device."
"The new standard for braille displays will significantly narrow the gap in communication between people who are visually impaired, blind, or deaf-blind, and their sighted and hearing counterparts," says Joseph Bruno, president and CEO of Helen Keller Services. "It allows these individuals to more seamlessly connect to their favorite devices, which is a major step in helping them connect to the world around them. Helen Keller Services applauds the USB Implementers Forum and their members including Apple, Microsoft and other tech companies."
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