Dot Pad, the world’s first tactile braille display developed by South Korean social venture Dot Incorporation, is now compatible with Apple Inc. devices and its built-in screen reader VoiceOver, enhancing digital accessibility to blind and low-vision users.

Dot announced Sunday that its Dot Pad is compatible with Apple’s built-in screen reader VoiceOver, which allows visually impaired people to not only listen what is written on the screen but also feel tactile images in real time.

Multi-configurational Dot Pad also supports graphics such as shapes, images, and maps.

With its proprietary technology that can enhance digital accessibility of visually impaired users, Dot Pad has become a rare Korean partner for Apple.

Over the seven years since inception, Dot has focused on the development of technology that can overcome limits of existing braille information instrument. It was the first in Korea to develop a tactile display with enhanced digital accessibility. The company holds various related technology patents.

As Korea’s leading social venture, Dot aims to resolve social issues by enhancing digital accessibility of visually impaired users. It also released barrier-free kiosk for all users.

Through Dot Pad, low-vision students would be able to access more education content from science to technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

“Many blind/low-vision users around the world rely on the iPhone and iPad that provide the industry-leading screen-reader VoiceOver,” said Kim Ju-yoon, co-foudner of Dot. “We are very excited that Dot’s tactile technology is now optimized for VoiceOver, and that this will expand digital accessibility.”

Sung Ki-kwang, co-founder of Dot, also said his “wish is that many global developers within Apple’s ecosystem can use this API to develop games, entertainment, and educational apps compatible with our tactile display.”

“There is a growing opportunity for blind/low-vision users to connect through visual games and educational tools,” Sung said.

By Lee Duk-joo and Lee Eun-joo

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