Analysis of Braille translation software

Abstract

Assistive computer programs are one of the most invaluable technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired – this category of inclusive software can be effectively utilized for both educational purposes and everyday use, enabling its users to work with standard windowed graphical user interfaces. In this article, research publications related to software designed to assist people with visual impairments are reviewed and analyzed. Particular note is given to software that converts plaintext or rich text documents into Braille files that can be used by tactile printers or displays; otherwise known as ‘Braille translators’. Additionally, the feature sets both commercial and non? commercial or open?source Braille translators are analyzed with an emphasis on their support of a Ukrainian Braille alphabet, ability to modify translation tables or internal translation logic and other functional or non?functional requirements.