The MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities developed the Braille Technology Advantage Program in Fall 2020 to help students who are blind succeed in their education. The program continues to benefit students through its wide breadth of services and use of the braille technology, including the Focus Blue Electronic Braille Display Device. Two students who have been using the device extensively are Yoo Jin, a recent graduate from the MSU College of Music, and Anna, an undergraduate student in the MSU College of Social Science.
Yoo Jin stated that the accessibility of her course materials has been improved through the use of the Focus Blue device, saying, “Focus Blue has given me more convenient access to files uploaded on the MSU D2L webpage. I appreciated I could use both Braille and screen readers for reading. Hours of listening to screen readers alone can be extremely tiring. I personally found the Braille display much more useful when I need to memorize certain information or put markings on the text.” She uses the device every day for exploring the web and reviewing Braille music files, and especially appreciates the Bluetooth features of the Focus Blue, which allows her to use it on multiple devices simultaneously. She reflects on the impact of the Braille Tech program on her educational experience at MSU, saying, “I am so grateful the Braille Technology Advantage program is available for blind students to have opportunities to try out up-to-date Braille displays.”
Anna adds to this sentiment, noting that, “the Focus 40 Blue Braille Display helps students feel the text right under their fingertips, offering them a more comprehensive reading experience. It can also help blind students access math and programing content in a whole new way, opening them up to new academic and career paths.” It is exciting to see how this program has helped students with their academic journey, maximizing ability and opportunity on the MSU campus.