Too often the blind community find themselves as passive recipients of assistive technology which they get little choice over; either because it is so expensive that it is only available by a prescriptive hand-out scheme, or because the device was designed with minimal input from the end-users.

This week we will hear from the Braillists, a community group set up in Bristol in 2014 to connect Braille readers with Braille technology developers and funders at an early stage. The group now has over 200 members, and will talk about their process of product co-design and develeopment.

Studio resident and Director of Bristol Braille Technology, Ed Rogers, will also join us to talk about Canute – a radically affordable, multi-line Braille e-reader. Canute was co-developed by the Braillists and Bristol Braille Technology.

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around just before the talk. Send an email to admin@pmstudio.co.uk to book your place on a tour.