Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do you afford a braille display? (self.Blind)
submitted by Ok_Scar9881
Hey all,
So, for those of you who have a braille display, how were you able to afford them?
I've seen a lot of people talking about how they've purchased a new braille display, etc. When I look at the price, my brain hurts at just how expensive these displays are. Even the 14-cell focus 14 from freedom scientific is over $1000. So, how would one afford one of these given the price tag?
I am aware that you can get them through your state's vocational rehab agency, but I'm someone who doesn't want to have to rely on them all the time in the future. The only way I can see anyone affording these devices is to work hard and save up, or have a job that pays quite well. A few friends i know were able to obtain devices that are well over $1000, but they don't work currently.
Sorry for the long post, but I am really curious, is all.
So, for those of you who have a braille display, how were you able to afford them?
I've seen a lot of people talking about how they've purchased a new braille display, etc. When I look at the price, my brain hurts at just how expensive these displays are. Even the 14-cell focus 14 from freedom scientific is over $1000. So, how would one afford one of these given the price tag?
I am aware that you can get them through your state's vocational rehab agency, but I'm someone who doesn't want to have to rely on them all the time in the future. The only way I can see anyone affording these devices is to work hard and save up, or have a job that pays quite well. A few friends i know were able to obtain devices that are well over $1000, but they don't work currently.
Sorry for the long post, but I am really curious, is all.
CloudyBeep 2 points 1y ago
If you live in the US, you can get a free 20-cell braille e-reader through the NLS.
razzretina 2 points 1y ago
Whoa really?! I knew some state NLS programs pay for Bookshare subscriptions but I didn’t know about this!
DHamlinMusic 2 points 1y ago
Yeah just found out about it myself last week, got it Saturday, state library sent the books I wanted on a card in talking book form though so I have the display and no books until I can get it connected to a PC and download some.
Ok_Scar9881 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Have you tried using the display with an iPhone or your PC? I'm curious as to how it works when connected.
DHamlinMusic 1 points 1y ago
I use android so not compatible at the moment, have not tried with a pc yet as I have not used mine in 2 years.
CloudyBeep 2 points 1y ago
I believe it's available nationally. Contact your local braille and talking book library.
SiriuslyGranger 1 points 11m ago
Yeah, save up work hard is basically the gist of it.
Also I have a $500 one which works quite interesting and well it’s called the braille me. It’s the cheapest display on the market and works pretty good. I’ve dropped it a few times and it still works dandy! The orbits break easily but this one even cheaper is better. No it’s not the other displays and it’s 20 cells but it works just fine.
Also I have a $500 one which works quite interesting and well it’s called the braille me. It’s the cheapest display on the market and works pretty good. I’ve dropped it a few times and it still works dandy! The orbits break easily but this one even cheaper is better. No it’s not the other displays and it’s 20 cells but it works just fine.
dotwhacked 1 points 1y ago
I got a 40 cell display from Freedom Scientific on eBay for ~$200, after searching on and off over the span of a few weeks.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[removed]
lil-alfalfa-sprout 1 points 1y ago
I haven't done this myself, but you may have some luck contacting your local Lions Club. I bet they'd consider donating.
B_Bussen 1 points 1y ago
I've never had one. I've used speech for so many years, I'm just use to it I guess. I would like to have one to see how much I'd use it, but cost way to much.
anonymombie 1 points 1y ago
I've had three different ones, and I obtained them all through the BlindAds E-mail list. People sell their used equipment there, sometimes for very reasonable prices, and sometimes, for way too much. You just have to wait for a good deal to come up.
SoapyRiley 1 points 1y ago
Humanware works with SplitIt to break down the charges over 12 months which is how I was able to afford mine. They put a hold on your credit card for full price but only authorize smaller installments each month while reducing the hold by the installment payment.
mehgcap 1 points 1y ago
I have an old display I found on Ebay. Purchases like this are a gamble, but it worked out in this case. For new ones, there's generally no payment plan from the manufacturer, but there can be options through a bank or credit card company. Some cards, for instance, might give you 6 or 12 months to pay, which lets you split up the cost over time. You could also ask local banks about personal loans. I have no idea if this will do anything, but explaining that the money is for a piece of adaptive equipment may help. Finally, it's worth calling the customer service line at the company (HIMS, Humanware, etc) and asking if they have a demo unit or other deal available.
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