New device to allow blind to write

Press, 10 February 1986, Page 16

New device to allow blind to write

NZPA London A new device which allows blind people to write was launched in London —, the Moonwriter. The machine will enable people to produce the Moon language in their own homes for the first time. Moon, a system of language using embossed lettering invented in 1847 by Dr William Moon, of Brighton, was produced previously only at the Royal National Institute for the Blind printing works at Reigate, Surrey. Now blind people can buy the new invention, about the size of a portable typewriter, and write in the language for themselves. lan Bruce, director-gen-eral of the R.N.1.8., said at the launch that it was believed sighted relatives of blind people would buy Moonwriters to communicate with them. "A sighted person can learn Moon in three to four hours of concentrated effort,” he said. Mr Bruce pointed out that Braille, the most popular system, had the disadvantage of being difficult to learn for blind people whose touch was becoming less sensitive, usually through age. The Moonwriter, which

is being produced by Pos-. som Controls, Ltd, in conjunction with the R.N.1.8., will cost £326 ($872) to produce, but the R.N.1.8. will subsidise it for registered blind people so that ’ it will cost them £lO9 • ($292). Certain grants might . also be available, further reducing the cost, Mr Bruce said. ■ He emphasised that the development did not sig--nal any lessening of commitment by the R.NJ.B. to Braille, which would remain the premier language for blind people. The Moonwriter was invented by Gerd Sommerhoff when he was director of the Centre for Creative Technology at Sevenoaks School, Kent, and was developed by three teenagers when they were sixth-formers there — Neil Darracott, now 19; Jonathan Harlow, 19, and Christopher Berry, 18. . The astronomer, Patrick Moore, was on hand to launch the Moon Penfriends Club, and said, “You couldn’t have a club like this before, and. I am delighted to launch it.” Authors whose books - have been produced in Moon, including John Le Carre and Hammond Innes, were also present