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Perkins Braille Bloom™ Information

Perkins Braille Bloom™ Information

FSA/HSA eligible!

$300.00

Connect your Perkins Brailler® to any screen for real-time learning, teaching and connecting.

Please note: the Perkins Braille Bloom™ is only available with our resellers outside of the USA or via Perkins directly if a reseller is not available. For ordering and updated availability in your country, please visit our International Resellers page for a list of global international resellers of all types of Perkin Braillers: Or email james.anderson@perkins.org for direct ordering options.

Imagine you could see what a student was writing on their Perkins Brailler®, translated instantly into text on any screen. 

As the only official companion to the Perkins Brailler, the Perkins Braille Bloom™ turns your brailler into a modern, plug-and-play keyboard for computers, tablets, and mobile devices. It’s designed to integrate easily into any classroom, home or office setting, connecting to any device using Bluetooth or USB cables. 

Now, any braille user can text and email friends, family and colleagues using a Perkins Brailler. Students can stay connected to their sighted teacher and classmates with real-time output from their Perkins Brailler. And TVIs can conduct hybrid lessons with students in real-time. 

Perkins Braille Bloom Product features at-a-glance:

  • Compatible with any Windows or MacOS device and is compatible with iOS and Android phones and devices including Chromebooks, tablets, and more. 

  • Works with web-based and messaging apps and software, including Google Suite and Microsoft suite.

  • Connects quickly to devices using Bluetooth or a USB-C cable; no app or website necessary.

  • Supports both Grade-1 (uncontracted) and Grade-2 (contracted) braille.

  • Currently supports English translation, but will offer multi-language support in the near future. 

To make a tax free purchase, please complete the Tax Exemption Form.

Please note: Free Matter for the Blind shipping not available for the Perkins Braille Bloom™.

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Why the Perkins Braille Bloom?

  • The Perkins Braille Bloom is a game-changer for Perkins Brailler users – students, teachers, TVIs, parents and adults.
  • It significantly simplifies in-classroom work between students and non-brailling teachers and extends learning outside of the classroom, enabling students and parents to braille and learn together.
  • It is built on the foundation of a classic: it was thoughtfully designed at Perkins by the experts who work daily with the Perkins Brailler – the most widely used brailler in the world with 75 years of craftsmanship behind it.
  • It is easy to install – simply remove the base plate of the brailler and click the Perkins Braille Bloom into place.
  • It is the most affordable connected board on the market. And, because it qualifies as a special education tool for people who are blind, the Perkins Braille Bloom is FSA-eligible, making it an affordable option for families.

 Perkins Braille Bloom Other
Price $300 $339
Platform Compatibility Unlimited, anywhere a keyboard works Restricted to the proprietary online translator
Perkins Brailler Warranty Protects Invalidates
Power Wireless Battery (8-24hrs per charge) Outlet Only
OS Compatibility Windows, Android, iOS Windows, Android, iOS
UEB Translation On-device proprietary translator Off-device Liblouis Translator

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Features & Specs

  • Dimensions: 14.091 in. x 7.089 in. x 1.305 in
  • Weight: 1.25 lbs
  • Works with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows
  • Works with Google Workspace apps and Microsoft Office apps
  • Bluetooth 5.0 & USB-C: Plug-and-play across desktop and mobile OSes; USB-HID or Bluetooth-HID, no apps, no drivers.
  • Dual-Grade Braille Input: Defaults to Grade-1; press the on-board switch for instant Grade-2 (contracted) Braille.
  • Instant Sleep & Wake: 5 minutes of idle-time timeout; any chord or vibration wakes the device with zero perceptible lag.
  • Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of continuous use or 24 hours of intermittent use; fully recharges in 5 hours.
  • Future-proof firmware upgrade via the supplied USB cable to unlock new features and Braille tables.
  • Broad App Compatibility: Works in any application which accepts typing including Word, Google Docs, Notepad, messaging apps, and more.

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Manual & FAQ

Do I need to purchase a new Perkins Brailler or will the Perkins Braille Bloom connect to my old Perkins Brailler?

  • The Perkins Braille Bloom™ is specifically designed to fit the Perkins Classic Brailler, whether it was built in 1962 or 2025. However, it is important that your Perkins Brailler is in good working order. If it hasn’t been cleaned or serviced recently, it’s critical to do that before connecting your new Perkins Braille Bloom – a clean brailler will help to avoid transcription discrepancies.
  • Need help cleaning your brailler? Check out these detailed instructions, and if you need the tools, purchase our DIY cleaning kit.

How does the Perkins Braille Bloom connect to the Perkins Brailler?

  • To connect your Braille Bloom to your Perkins Brailler, refer to our Quick Start Guide for step by step instructions.

Do I need to use a special app or website in order for the Perkins Braille Bloom to work?

  • No, unlike our competitor, you can use your Perkins Brailler with an attached Perkins Braille Bloom™ any program on your connected device! You do not need to use a specific translation website.

Can I use FSA dollars to purchase the Perkins Braille Bloom?

  • Expenses to support the special education inclusion of teaching braille to a visually impaired person are FSA/HSA eligible. You should reach out to your Insurance Plan Administrator directly to inquire about paying out-of-pocket and submitting a claim of reimbursement. Your provider may require a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Visit the Perkins Braille Bloom manual and FAQ for additional information about product set up, support, and more.

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