Case Study: The BrailleDoodle helps blind and low-vision children learn Braille with Protolabs

3D-Printed Tablet Teaches Braille to Blind and Low-Vision Kids

The nonprofit TouchPadPro Foundation, creator of the BrailleDoodle learning tool, faced the challenge of developing a high-quality, functional prototype for its innovative Braille tablet. The previous prototype had manufacturing flaws, making it unreliable for demonstrations. They required a partner who could produce a complex and precise part with 3,000 small plastic springs to hold metal balls at a specific tension.

Using a manufacturing grant, Protolabs provided the solution by 3D printing the intricate components with stereolithography (SLA). This process delivered the high accuracy and fine detail resolution needed for the device to function perfectly. The result was an impressive, working prototype that enabled TouchPadPro to showcase the product, leading to 500 pre-orders and paving the way for production to help blind and low-vision children worldwide learn to read and write Braille.

The BrailleDoodle

Daniel Lubiner

Teacher