AUGUST 2024 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: TACTILE ENGINEERING

Tactile Engineering shapes a future of inclusion for the blind and visually impaired

Headquartered right here in Lafayette, Tactile Engineering is redefining what’s possible for the 338 million people globally who live with blindness and visual impairments, often referred to as BVI.

Imagine living without sight in a world that’s largely built for those who can see. Simple tasks that many of us take for granted—like reading a book, working on a computer, or enjoying a video game—become much more complex.

As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, the barriers grow more pronounced for those who are often excluded from its full benefits. STEM education and workplace accessibility are just a few areas where these challenges are felt most acutely.

The statistics paint a stark picture: according to the National Federation of the Blind, 70 percent of adults who are blind are unemployed, and of those who are employed, 90 percent are Braille-literate. These numbers underscore the critical need to improve braille literacy and make complex information accessible to everyone.

Tactile Engineering is tackling these challenges head-on.

Their flagship product, the Cadence tablet, allows BVI individuals to engage with content in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The device is about the size of a cellphone, but instead of a flat screen, it’s covered with rows of tiny dots that pop up and down, allowing users to read braille, feel graphics, images and videos and even play video games.

But its capabilities extend well beyond that.

It also functions as an e-reader and graphing calculator. What’s more, users can access a full array of graphics, navigate through long equations, and explore technical diagrams with ease. And because multiple Cadence tablets can be linked together, larger surfaces can be created for even more detailed interaction.

The tablet opens up a world of educational resources. Entire libraries of braille books are available, along with a growing collection of interactive educational graphics and study tools. Plus, users can create and share their own content with classmates, teachers, and schools.

One particularly inspiring example of the Cadence tablet in action occurred this past April when students from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired used it to experience a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse in real-time. These students placed their hands over the device and felt the moon slowly move over the sun.

Bringing this groundbreaking product to life was no easy feat. The team at Tactile Engineering, which was founded in 2013, has faced significant challenges in refining intricate components, establishing robust manufacturing processes, and developing content and apps.

One of their biggest challenges has been making this technology available and affordable to as many people as possible, but they have risen to the occasion with determination and innovation.

And their hard work has paid off.

The Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired began incorporating the Cadence tablet into its curriculum last year, and this year, Tactile Engineering was honored with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Innovative Business of the Year Award.

And they've just been named Greater Lafayette Commerce Small Business of the Month for August 2024.