Thenar - Electronic brail reader

Thenar - Electronic brail reader - open-source assistive technology prototype by the 2021 TOM Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) community

About this project

Thenar provides a new paradigm of electronic representing

Braille text. The specific shape of the device lets convenient

positioning of a reading finger on a single Braille cell and a thumb of

the other hand - on a jog-dial for text navigation.

The challenge

Nowadays, many young people do not read Braille. It is because of

high prices (more than $1000) for electronic Braille displays.

It causes a low level of literacy among visually impaired people. And as a result, most of them cannot study at Universities.

Who it helps

Gulhaya, is visually impaired. She works as a coordinator at the Inclusive Center of the University library in Nur-Sultan. Gulhaya helps other blind people learn to read Braille.

Outside work, she loves singing and cycling.

How it works

Thenar - Electronic brail reader won an honorable mention at the 2021 Global Innovation Challenge.

You can learn more about the challenge on the GIC website or browse the projects on the GIC community page .

Product story

Thenar - Electronic brail reader was designed with and for Gulhaya Zhuashbayeva, a visually impaired coordinator that helps other blind people learn to read Braille.

The team developed the solution as part of the TOM Global Innovation Challenge (which they won an honorable mention 👏) and was led by:

Adil Jussupov

Alibek Moldagaliyev

Product Specs

Approximate Cost of materials: USD $150

Machine time: 30 hours

Assembly time: 5 hours

To build this product, simply download the product file, which contains assembly instructions, bill of materials, parts files, and helpful videos. Please take adequate safety precautions when using manufacturing equipment.

You can also press the CHOOSE A MAKERSPACE button to connect with makers to build the product for you.

For any questions regarding this device's assembly, operation, or specifications, please contact TOM GIC community page .

To follow updates on Thenar, other assistive tech solutions by TOM communities, and our global network of makers, follow us on social media here .

Project details

The build files for Thenar - Electronic brail reader are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events