Vision VoiceOver icon

VoiceOver

To make it easier for the blind and those with low vision to use a computer, Apple has built a solution into every Mac. Called VoiceOver, it’s cost-effective, reliable, simple to learn, and enjoyable to use.

VoiceOver Device Support

Thanks to the software drivers included in Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, you can connect most USB refreshable braille displays to your Mac and begin using them immediately. With everything you need built into the Mac OS, you can even use your favorite braille display when you set up your Mac for the first time.

On this page, you’ll find a list of all the refreshable braille displays that Mac OS X supports. If you don’t find your favorite display listed, send email to accessibility@apple.com to request it. Apple welcomes your feedback.

Refreshable Braille Displays

Alva/Optelec
Alva/Optelec Refreshable Braile Display
  • Alva BC 640 (requires latest firmware)
  • Alva 544 Satellite
  • Alva 544 Satellite Traveller
  • Alva 570 Satellite Pro
  • Alva 584 Satellite Pro
  • Optelec Voyager 44
Baum
Baum Refreshable Braile Display
  • PocketVario 24
  • SuperVario 32
  • SuperVario 40
  • SuperVario 64
  • SuperVario 80
  • VarioConnect 24
  • VarioConnect 32
  • VarioConnect 40
Humanware
Humanware Refreshable Braile Display
  • BrailleConnect 24
  • BrailleConnect 32
  • BrailleConnect 40
  • Brailliant 24
  • Brailliant 32
  • Brailliant 40
  • Brailliant 64
  • Brailliant 80
Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific Refreshable Braile Display
  • Focus 40
  • Focus 80
  • PAC Mate 20
  • PAC Mate 40
  • PAC Mate BX420 (display only)
  • PAC Mate BX440 (display only)
  • PAC Mate QX420 (display only)
  • PAC Mate QX440 (display only)

The following refreshable braille displays are also compatible with Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard after you install the Braille Display Update 1.0, available on the Apple downloads web page.

GW-Micro
  • BrailleSense
  • SyncBraille 20
  • SyncBraille 32
HandyTech
  • Easy Braille
  • Braille Star 40
  • Braille Star 80
HIMS
  • BrailleSense
  • SyncBraille 20
  • SyncBraille 32
Nippon Telesoft
  • Seika Version 3
Papenmeier
  • Braillex Trio