Do Blind People Use a Special Keyboard?

This is one of the most common question asked by sighted people when they meet or hear about blind computer users. Here, I’ll not only answer this question, but I’ll discuss where it may have come from. I’ll also add in some interesting facts along the way.

Where It All Started

We all know that blind people use a reading and writing system that is very different from what sighted persons use. Through the Braille system, a blind individual can read and write using a stylus, slate, and special type of paper. Compared to the traditional writing system involving pen and paper, Braille’s tools and techniques are deemed by many as quite unconventional.

So when we heard of technology that lets the blind use the computer, we somehow carried this idea along. This notion makes sense, but let’s now find out the answer.

The Answer to the Special Keyboard Question

Generally, blind people do not use a special keyboard. They can type and enter information through the ordinary keyboard used by sighted persons. But although blind people do not use a special keyboard, they require a special software.

This software is called a screen reader. A screen reader takes the information displayed on the screen and provides it in a format which blind people can understand. Without the screen reader, it would be very difficult for the blind to access the computer.

A screen reader provides information in two main formats. The first format is a voice output which users can listen to via the computer’s speaker. This voice output lets users hear the highlighted text and the keys they press. The second format is provided through a Braille display. This is a hardware that displays the Braille translations of text on the screen. Some Braille displays even have Braille keyboards which blind persons can use as an alternative.

With these technologies, blind people really do not need a special keyboard as they can easily type information and ensure its accuracy. I’d also like to mention the fact that people who can type very fast, although they can see, they know the keyboard so well that they don’t have to look at it when typing. This proves that you don’t need to see the keyboard or use a specialized one in order for you to enter information on the computer.

Enhancements to the Keyboard

A number of blind people also use products aimed to simplify the use of the keyboard. The most popular of these are Braille stickers for keyboards. One set contains a sticker with an embossed Braille Translation for each key in the keyboard.

The user takes one Braille sticker and places it on the corresponding key on the regular keyboard. This lets the user verify what the key is before pressing it. This may be suitable for blind persons who are just starting to become familiar with the keyboard.

Conclusion

Blind people do not use a special keyboard. They, however, require special software that reads for them the selected information on the screen and helps them ensure that they’re pressing the right keys.