Accession Number: 2003.38
Description: Tellatouch is a device for communication with a deaf-blind person who reads braille. Similar to a small portable typewriter, Tellatouch has a 4-row keyboard. Letters of the alphabet and punctuation mark keys make up the first 3 rows. The bottom row consists of six standard braille keys. Pushing the keys raises metal pins in a single braille cell located at the top back of the machine. A deaf-blind individual can read the cell by touch as the keys are typed by another individual. The device has a hinged lid with a metal clasp that covers the keys. The exterior is a red-brown leather-textured plastic. A metal plate on top of machine reads: "For Communication in Braille, Tellatouch American Foundation for the Blind, Inc., New York, N.Y." The device weighs about 3 1/2 pounds.
Height: 2.75
Width: 10
Depth: 9
Date Made: ca. 1954
Place of Origin: New York
Credit Line: Museum Purchase, 2003.38.
Subjects: Braille Communication devices Deaf-blind Assistive technology
Dimension Notes: overall
Made: American Foundation for the Blind
Material: Plastic, metal, leather
Updated: 06/15/2018
