An Iranian knowledge-based company has designed an innovative tablet specifically for the blind, offering a range of features to reduce limitations and improve access to Persian texts. This new product serves as a modern tool for the visually impaired, significantly impacting their lives and enhancing their educational and communication opportunities.

According to the Communication and Information Center of the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Pactos Company—the first and only Iranian manufacturer of computer and electronic equipment for the blind—was founded in 1991 (1370) by graduates of Sharif University of Technology. Since its inception, the company has made remarkable progress in the field of computer engineering and assistive technologies for the blind.

Equipping Public Libraries with the “Smart Portable Braille Tablet” for the Blind

Saeed Sadeghpour Vajdi, CEO of Pactos, highlighted the unique features of the Smart Portable Braille Tablet, saying:

“This advanced tablet includes a keyboard, Braille display, and voice output, allowing blind users to read and write texts using text-to-speech technology.”

He continued:

“The device is equipped with practical software such as a text editor, file reader, dictionary, and library. We began by creating mechanized systems for the blind, and today, one of our main goals is to develop technologies that serve this community.”

Sadeghpour stressed the essential role of computer technology in the lives of the blind:

“Reading and writing are not possible for the blind without computer equipment.”

He also emphasized the tablet's affordability and quality, adding:

“This device has a registered patent, and Pactos is the only domestic producer. Foreign alternatives do not offer full Persian-language support or integrated Braille and audio features. Plus, our product is significantly more affordable.”

The Need for Domestic Support

Sadeghpour noted that in recent years, government procurement and distribution of assistive devices for the blind have declined, calling for increased support from public organizations to further technological advancement for the blind.

A National Innovation with Global Potential

This innovation not only enhances the quality of life for the blind but also reflects Iran's scientific and technical capabilities, strengthening hope for a brighter, more inclusive future. With proper support, the Smart Portable Braille Tablet could become a powerful tool for equal access and educational and professional opportunities for the visually impaired.

Public Libraries Equipped to Empower the Blind

Sadeghpour pointed to the first “AbadIran” exhibition in June 2023 (Khordad 1402) and stated:

“The plan to equip 40 blind-accessible sections of public libraries using the Smart Portable Braille Tablet was fully implemented with crowd-sourced funding and support from various institutions.”

This project was made possible through collaboration with the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order Headquarters, the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, the Iran Public Libraries Foundation, the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, the Alavi Foundation, and Ehya Darman Pishrafteh Company.

Expanding Vocational Centers and Library Access

He added that efforts continued with the proposal to:

• Launch 10 vocational training centers for the blind in underserved areas through the Welfare Organization.
• Equip 42 inclusive libraries at the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults with this technology, presented during the second AbadIran exhibition (June 2024 / Khordad 1403).

Production Capacity and Market Challenges

Pactos currently has the capacity to produce over 350 units annually, but low purchase orders this year have hindered further expansion.

Competitive Edge in Global Markets

As the only local producer of Braille tablets, Pactos offers a fully Persian-compatible device, giving it a competitive advantage globally. Among similar products in the U.S., Canada, and South Korea, this unique feature sets it apart. However, no exports have been made yet.

A Legacy of Innovation Since 1994 (1373)

Sadeghpour outlined the company's long history of pioneering assistive technologies for the blind:

• 1994: Introduced the first Persian-speaking computer for the blind, “Omid Talking Computer,” designed to aid Braille reading, writing, and editing.
• 1995: Launched the first computer training courses for the blind at the Roudaki Welfare Complex.
• 1997: Produced Iran’s first Braille touch display, “Brajesteneghar,” enabling digital access to Persian and Arabic Braille.
• 1999: Updated the Navid text-to-speech software to read full words instead of just letters.
• 2000: Introduced the Navid PC converter for improved access to computers, and launched Soroush, a valuable audio-touch teaching device.
• Pre-2001: Developed screen reader software DSR and WSR. Later, Pactos localized the popular JAWS screen reader with a Persian interface (PackJAWS).
• 2002–2003: Released Navid 4 and PackJAWS as a complete accessibility suite for blind computer users.
• 2005: Released Brajesteneghar 2 with USB support, and Soroush 2, an improved teaching system.
• 2011: Developed a human-sounding version of PackJAWS, which was later licensed and distributed by the Welfare Organization in 2013.
• 2010: Launched the third-generation Braille display with a compact form factor, supporting 20 Braille characters.
• 2015: Initiated banking accessibility for the blind with Post Bank, enabling full independent access using Braille tablets and custom software.

Sadeghpour concluded:

“Our mission has always been to improve the quality of life for the blind and ensure access to suitable technologies—an effort that will continue.”

Source: isti.ir/Zvdy

(Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy)

(Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran)