Sight Village London: Updates On Optima Braille Laptop with Adi Kushner

In this interview, Double Tap hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece meet Adi Kushner at Sight Village London to discuss updates on the Optima Braille Laptop and other accessibility tech. Adi provides insights into the development progress, emphasizing user feedback in refining the Optima. He confirms that while the project has faced delays due to external circumstances, including conflict in Israel, the product remains on track. “There are no plans to cancel the project,” Adi reassures, adding that the keyboard and design are now finalized, featuring improved usability with concaved key shapes, tactile function key markings, thumb keys, and side buttons for additional functionality.

Adi highlights the mission behind Optima and AccessMind: to bring mainstream integration and affordability to assistive tech, challenging the status quo in an industry often reliant on government funding for high-cost devices. The Optima is designed as a full PC with a Braille display, aiming to set a new standard for accessible, versatile devices.

The conversation also explores other Orbit Research products Adi showcased, such as the Orbit Speak—a compact, affordable device now available in the UK via retailers like Computer Room Services and Aspire Consultancy. Adi notes he has joined Orbit Research to lead Braille product development and improve devices like the Orbit Speak and QWERTY Orbit Reader. Steven describes the Orbit Reader as “super light,” with the 20-cell model priced at $999 USD and the 40-cell at $1,899 USD, both readily available for purchase.

The discussion underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in the accessibility space, with Adi stating, “Our industry needs this change of thinking desperately.” With strong user demand and ongoing development, the Optima Braille Laptop represents a significant leap forward for accessible technology.