Today, on our very own weekday of reading and listening,we’d like to dive into a topic we briefly mentioned a few days ago:
This year’s SightCity.
María García from Spain has sent us a short but very interesting audio report about her visit, which you can listen to on YouTube:
In her contribution, María touches on several important points:
technological developments, shifts among the major players in the Braille industry
and a significant issue concerning the funding of assistive devices.
A heartfelt thank-you to María for this insightful overview and her thought-provoking observations!
Would anyone else like to share their expertise or perspective on one of the topics raised today?
Feel free to send us a message or, like María, even a short audio clip to braille200@livingbraille.eu
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
My First Experience at SightCity – Reflections and Insights
By María García, Madrid, Spain
Hello, Braille 200 community! My name is María, and I’m from Madrid, Spain.
Today, I’d like to share my experience attending SightCity
2025. The largest and most important exhibition dedicated to assistive
technology for blind and visually impaired people. This remarkable event took place in Frankfurt, Germany, from May 21st to 23rd 2025.
It was my first time attending SightCity, something I had been looking forward to for many years. Due to work and other obligations, I was never able to make it before, but this year, I finally had the opportunity, thanks to the University of Salamanca in Spain.
I.m currently studying a PhD there, focusing on dictionaries accessibility through Braille displays and screen readers. I.m incredibly grateful to the university for supporting my visit. The overall experience was fantastic and deeply enriching. However, I.d like to begin by highlighting a few areas where I believe the event could improve.
### Suggestions for Improvement
1. Accessibility of Information via an App
Upon arrival, visitors were given a Braille-printed list of all exhibitors and their booth locations. While helpful, it was quite limiting. There was no app or digital alternative available, and accessing the official website beforehand was nearly impossible due to high traffic. Having a mobile app with exhibitor information, locations, and contact details would be really very useful for visitor. .
2. Grouping Exhibitors by Product Type
SightCity spans four floors, making it a large and sometimes overwhelming space to navigate. I believe it would be extremely helpful if exhibitors were grouped by product category such as Braille displays,
kitchen aids, or mobility tools. This would simplify planning and help attendees focus on what interests them most without needing to zigzag through different levels.
3. Extending the Event into the Weekend
The exhibition is currently held during weekdays, which is understandable from a business perspective. However, many individual users, particularly those traveling from abroad, struggle to attend due to work commitments. Extending the event to include at least one weekend day would make it more accessible and inclusive benefiting both users and companies alike, as more people would be able to discover and potentially purchase products.
### Highlights of My Visit
Despite these minor drawbacks, my visit to SightCity was overwhelmingly positive. It was inspiring to witness the innovation happening in the world of Braille and assistive technology. One key observation was the shift in technological leadership: much of the current innovation seems to be emerging from Asia and, to a lesser extent, the United States. Unfortunately, many European companies appear to be falling behind. Ten years ago, German companies were leaders in Braille technology. Today, however, many of them seem stagnant still offering the same features without incorporating modern functionality such as integrated Braille translator or easy file transfer from devices like MacOs via USB. Their products remain expensive, yet they lack innovation compared to newer, more affordable solutions emerging from Asia.
A few companies stood out to me:
Nippon Telesoft surprised me with a major upgrade to their new ftsi Braille display new Seika plus 2. The new version is significantly more advanced and user-friendly than previous models. Orbit Research is also making remarkable progress, offering high-quality, feature-rich products at competitive prices, in this field it is remarkable the new Orbit Player and Optima Braille, a norml Windows Pc with an integrated 40 cells Braille display. They’re quickly becoming one of the most exciting companies in the space.
Another highlight was the opportunity to meet people in person industry professionals I had previously only interviewed for my podcast Tiflobraille. Making these face-to-face connections was both meaningful and valuable.
### A Broader Policy Issue: Customs Fees
One important issue that often goes unmentioned is the impact of customs fees on assistive technology and especially in Braille displays. Many of the most advanced and affordable Braille devices now come from outside Europe. However, import duties can significantly increase their final cost, creating a barrier for users.Given that the blind and visually impaired community represents a relatively small market, I believe it.s crucial for the European Union to consider removing customs fees for specialized assistive devices. Doing so would greatly improve access to the best technology available and reduce financial strain on users. This is an issue that deserves broader discussion at the policy level.
### Final Thoughts
My first SightCity experience was wonderful, and I truly hope it won.t
be my last. I encourage everyone interested in assistive technology to attend if they can it’s an eye-opening event full of innovation,
connection, and possibility. I look forward to returning, perhaps as soon as next year!
Thank you for reading, and see you soon.
María
useful links:
Read all articles on: livingbraille.eu
Contact us with your contributions, ideas and questions by: braille200@livingbraille.eu
Social media: Braille 200 on Facebook