A braille writer with a maroon and grey body, a row of rounded white keys, and a small screen displaying the word "learn".

Perkins SMART Brailler

by Perkins Solutions

$2,195.00

Price is what the vendor listed when last checked. Confirm it with the vendor before buying.

Professional guidance helps The device works out of the box for basic braille writing, but meaningful use as a learning tool requires a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) to teach proper braille technique, finger positioning, and cell formation. Choosing and integrating it into a braille literacy curriculum benefits significantly from professional guidance, placing it firmly in professional guidance recommended rather than guided setup.

Last verified September 19, 2026 · classified April 26, 2026

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · April 26, 2026

The Perkins SMART Brailler is an electric braille writer that embosses braille onto paper while simultaneously displaying what's being typed on a small LCD screen and reading it aloud through a built-in speaker. It's designed for students who are blind or have low vision who are learning braille, with the screen and audio feedback making it possible for sighted teachers and parents to follow along without knowing braille themselves. You get a complete standalone device — mechanical braille writing, audio feedback, a visual display, and USB document transfer are all built in, so no additional software or tablet is required. At over 8 pounds and sized for standard letter paper, this is a desktop learning tool rather than something to carry around, and the recommended 90 lb paper stock is heavier than typical printer paper, so you'll need to source that separately.

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Age range
ComplexityProfessional guidance helps
Price$2,195.00
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Out of pocket
  • School district
  • Vocational rehab
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2026
ClassifiedApril 26, 2026 · confidence: high

What Setup Looks Like

  • Out of the box
    Insert paper and begin typing braille keys — the machine embosses, displays, and speaks each character immediately.
  • With a guide
    1. Download the Quick Start Guide from the manufacturer to configure voice settings (male/female) and volume.
    2. Connect via USB to a computer to transfer or save electronic documents — allow 15–30 minutes to set up file transfer with the guide.
  • With professional help
    1. A teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) or orientation and mobility specialist should introduce braille concepts and correct finger positioning before extended independent use.
    2. Expect integration into a formal braille literacy program over weeks to months for meaningful skill development. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.

Getting it

Try Before You Buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Where to Get It

LS&S Visit
$2,195.00

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How to Fund This

Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.

All funding programs, state by state →

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Perkins Solutionsview on vendor site; last verified September 19, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on April 26, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.