WearBraille

The specific problem that WearBraille is working to solve is the lack of accessible information and navigation tools for individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania and broader sub-Saharan Africa.

In Tanzania, it is estimated that over 1.5 million people live with visual impairments, with a significant portion residing in rural areas. Across sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of visual impairment is even higher, affecting an estimated 27 million people. These individuals face significant barriers in accessing information and navigating their surroundings, limiting their ability to fully participate in their communities and pursue educational and economic opportunities.

Traditional braille displays, while valuable, are often bulky, expensive, and require specialized training, making them inaccessible for many people with visual impairments in rural Tanzania. This lack of affordable and user-friendly assistive technology perpetuates the digital divide and social exclusion experienced by this population.

Furthermore, the educational system in Tanzania often fails to adequately cater to the needs of students with visual impairments, with limited access to braille learning materials and specialized teaching methods. This contributes to the high illiteracy rates among this community, with estimates suggesting that only around 10% of children with visual impairments in Tanzania are enrolled in school.

By addressing these critical gaps in accessibility and inclusion, WearBraille's solution has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania and empower them to participate more fully in their communities, access educational and economic opportunities, and ultimately achieve greater independence and self-determination.

WearBraille's solution is a wearable, refreshable braille display that enables individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania to access digital information and navigate their environment with greater independence.

The core of the WearBraille system is a compact, lightweight bracelet that incorporates a refreshable braille display. This display uses a matrix of electromechanical pins to create braille characters that users can read by touch. The bracelet connects wirelessly to the user's smartphone, tablet, or other digital devices, allowing them to receive and interact with a wide range of information, from text messages and emails to mobile app interfaces and navigation cues.

The WearBraille device is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with a simple, one-button interface that allows users to navigate through content and control various functions. The bracelet is also water-resistant and durable, making it suitable for use in the diverse terrain and environmental conditions found in rural Tanzania.

By miniaturizing and integrating braille display technology into a wearable form factor, WearBraille overcomes the limitations of traditional braille displays, which can be bulky, expensive, and require specialized training. The portability and accessibility of the WearBraille solution empower individuals with visual impairments to stay connected, access information, and navigate their surroundings with greater ease and independence.

Through this innovative approach, WearBraille aims to bridge the digital divide and foster greater inclusion for people with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, enabling them to fully participate in their communities and pursue educational, economic, and social opportunities.

WearBraille's solution primarily serves individuals with visual impairments living in rural areas of Tanzania, a population that is particularly underserved and marginalized.

In Tanzania, it is estimated that over 1.5 million people live with visual impairments, with a significant proportion residing in rural communities. These individuals face significant barriers to accessing information, navigating their surroundings, and participating fully in their communities. Factors such as limited access to assistive technologies, inaccessible infrastructure, and social stigma contribute to the isolation and exclusion experienced by this population.

WearBraille's wearable braille display directly addresses the needs of this underserved community in several ways:

1. Improved access to information: By enabling users to access digital content, such as text messages, emails, and mobile app interfaces, through a tactile braille interface, WearBraille empowers individuals with visual impairments to stay connected, engaged, and informed.

2. Enhanced independence and mobility: The portability and discreet design of the WearBraille bracelet allow users to navigate their environments more independently, accessing navigation cues and other location-based information with greater ease.

3. Fostering social inclusion: By providing a seamless and unobtrusive way for individuals with visual impairments to access information, WearBraille helps to break down societal barriers and reduce the stigma associated with disabilities, promoting greater inclusion and integration within rural Tanzanian communities.

4. Improving educational and economic opportunities: Improved access to information and independent navigation can open up new educational and employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to pursue their aspirations and actively contribute to the development of their communities.

By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by this underserved population, WearBraille's solution has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, empowering them to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives.

The WearBraille team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution, drawing from the diverse perspectives and deep connections within the Tanzanian communities they serve.

At the helm of the team is Herman Edward, a seasoned social entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience working with organizations focused on assistive technology and disability inclusion in rural Tanzania. As the CEO, Herman brings a profound understanding of the challenges and aspirations of individuals with visual impairments, having worked closely with local communities to co-create solutions that address their needs.

Complementing Herman's leadership is a dynamic team of Tanzanian innovators, each with their own personal and professional ties to the target population:

Malaika Samba, the Chief Technical Officer, is a brilliant young engineer who lost her sight in a childhood accident. Her firsthand experience navigating the world as a person with visual impairment has deeply informed the design and functionality of the WearBraille device.

Amani Kilimanjaro, the Head of Community Engagement, is a respected disability rights advocate from a rural Tanzanian community. Amani's deep connections with local organizations and grassroots networks have been instrumental in ensuring the solution addresses the unique needs and priorities of end-users.

Kili Nuru, the Chief Operations Officer, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in inclusive technology. Kili's expertise in building scalable, community-driven ventures has been invaluable in developing WearBraille's sustainable business model and deployment strategy.

By centering the voices, experiences, and leadership of Tanzanians with visual impairments and their allies, the WearBraille team is uniquely positioned to deliver a solution that is both technically robust and deeply rooted in the lived realities of the communities they serve. This collaborative and representative approach is key to the solution's long-term success and impact.

For the WearBraille solution, we have progressed beyond the initial prototype stage and are currently in the Pilot phase.

Over the past two years, our team has built and tested multiple iterations of the WearBraille device, incorporating feedback from individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania. We have conducted in-depth user research, held co-creation workshops, and made refinements to the design and functionality of the wearable braille display to ensure it meets the specific needs of our target community.

To date, we have deployed a pilot program in three rural Tanzanian communities, distributing the WearBraille devices to 150 individuals with visual impairments. Through this pilot, we have been able to gather valuable real-world data on the usability and impact of our solution, as well as identify areas for further improvement.

The feedback from our pilot participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting increased independence in accessing information, improved mobility, and a greater sense of inclusion within their communities. We have also seen evidence of the solution's potential to enhance educational and economic opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.

Building on the success of our pilot, we are now working to optimize the WearBraille device, strengthen our community partnerships, and develop a scalable deployment strategy to reach more individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania. The learnings and insights gained from this pilot phase will be instrumental in guiding us towards the next stage of growth and impact.

We are applying to the MIT Solve challenge because we believe the program can provide invaluable support in helping us overcome key barriers to scaling our WearBraille solution and maximizing its impact for the visual impairment community in rural Tanzania.

Primarily, we are seeking Solve's assistance in three critical areas:

1. Funding and Partnership Development: As a growing social enterprise, we require additional financial resources to fund our ongoing pilot program, refine our technology, and develop a sustainable scaling strategy. The Solver Award and potential for additional prize funding from Solve's partner organizations would be instrumental in helping us secure the capital needed to drive the next phase of our growth.

2. Technical Expertise and Mentorship: Solving the complex challenges of designing and manufacturing a durable, user-friendly wearable braille display requires specialized technical knowledge. Solve's network of experts and mentors could provide us with invaluable guidance in optimizing our hardware and software design, as well as insights into navigating the supply chain and manufacturing processes.

3. Scaling and Market Access: To truly transform the lives of individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, we need to expand the reach and impact of our solution. Solve's global platform and partnerships can help us connect with key stakeholders, such as government agencies, disability organizations, and distribution partners, that can support our scaling efforts and open new pathways to market access.

By leveraging Solve's resources, expertise, and ecosystem, we believe we can overcome the current barriers to scaling our solution and accelerate our progress towards our vision of empowering every individual with visual impairments in Tanzania to live an independent, connected, and fulfilling life.

The innovation at the heart of the WearBraille solution lies in its ability to overcome the limitations of traditional braille displays and bring accessible, wearable technology to individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania.

Unlike bulky, stationary braille displays, WearBraille integrates a refreshable braille interface into a lightweight, discreet bracelet. This wearable design allows users to access information and navigate their surroundings in a hands-free, seamless manner – a significant improvement over existing solutions that often require specialized training and equipment.

By leveraging cutting-edge miniaturization and wireless connectivity technologies, WearBraille empowers users to engage with a wide range of digital content, from text messages and emails to mobile apps and navigation cues, in real-time and on the go. This transformative approach to information access and mobility can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to participate more fully in their communities, pursue educational and economic opportunities, and ultimately achieve greater independence and self-determination.

Moreover, the WearBraille solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by inspiring further innovation in the assistive technology space. As a highly visible and accessible platform, WearBraille can raise awareness about the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals with visual impairments, encouraging more entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to develop inclusive solutions.

By demonstrating the viability and transformative potential of wearable braille technology, WearBraille can also challenge the status quo and disrupt the traditional braille display market. This disruption can drive down costs, spur competition, and make accessible solutions more widely available, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people with visual impairments not only in Tanzania, but across the global South.

The WearBraille solution's theory of change rests on the premise that providing individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania with an affordable, user-friendly, and accessible wearable braille display will catalyze a cascade of positive outcomes that address the core challenges they face.

By equipping users with the WearBraille device, we expect to see the following immediate outputs:

1. Improved access to digital information and communication: Users can independently access text-based content, navigate digital interfaces, and stay connected with their social networks.

2. Enhanced mobility and independence: The discreet, hands-free design of the WearBraille bracelet enables users to navigate their surroundings more freely and safely, without relying on others.

3. Increased participation in educational and economic activities: The accessibility features of the WearBraille device open up new learning and employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.

These immediate outputs are supported by evidence from our pilot program, where users reported increased independence, improved academic performance, and greater confidence in navigating their communities.

In the longer term, we expect these outputs to translate into more meaningful outcomes, such as:

1. Improved quality of life and social inclusion: As users become more self-reliant and integrated into their communities, they will experience reduced stigma and isolation.

2. Enhanced educational and economic opportunities: Improved access to information and mobility will enable individuals with visual impairments to pursue their academic and professional aspirations, contributing to their overall socioeconomic well-being.

3. Catalyzing an ecosystem of inclusive innovation: The success of the WearBraille solution can inspire other entrepreneurs and organizations to develop assistive technologies that empower individuals with disabilities, creating a more inclusive and equitable landscape.

By addressing the core barriers faced by individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, the WearBraille solution has the potential to transform lives and create a ripple effect of positive change within these communities and beyond.

WearBraille's primary impact goals are:

1. Improve access to digital information and communication for 500,000 individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania by 2027.
2. Enhance the independence and mobility of 300,000 individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, enabling them to navigate their environments more freely by 2027.
3. Increase educational and economic opportunities for 150,000 individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania, leading to higher enrollment rates and employment levels by 2027.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we have established the following key performance indicators:

1. Number of WearBraille devices distributed and actively used by individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania.
2. Percentage of WearBraille users who report increased independence in daily activities and improved ability to navigate their surroundings.
3. Enrollment rates in primary and secondary schools among students with visual impairments in communities where WearBraille is deployed.
4. Employment rates and average income levels among WearBraille users, compared to the baseline for individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania.

We collect this data through a combination of user surveys, interviews, and partnership with local education and employment agencies. Our team also conducts regular impact assessments to evaluate the progress towards our goals and identify areas for improvement.

By establishing clear, measurable impact goals and tracking our progress against these indicators, we can ensure that the WearBraille solution continues to drive meaningful and transformative change in the lives of individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania. This data-driven approach will also help us refine our strategies, optimize our deployment, and scale our impact over time.

The core technology that powers the WearBraille solution is a combination of miniaturized electromechanical components and wireless connectivity, enabling the creation of a compact, user-friendly wearable braille display.

At the heart of the WearBraille device is a refreshable braille display, which uses a matrix of electromechanical pins to create tactile braille characters that users can read by touch. This braille display is integrated into a lightweight, ergonomic bracelet, allowing for seamless, hands-free interaction with digital content.

The WearBraille bracelet connects wirelessly to the user's smartphone, tablet, or other digital devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This enables the device to receive and display a wide range of text-based information, including messages, emails, navigation cues, and mobile app interfaces, in real-time.

To ensure the WearBraille solution is robust and user-friendly, our team has also integrated several key features:

• Durable, water-resistant casing to withstand the diverse environmental conditions in rural Tanzania
• Intuitive, one-button interface for easy navigation and control
• Intelligent power management system to maximize battery life
• Customizable software that allows users to personalize the display and settings

By combining these technological innovations, the WearBraille solution overcomes the limitations of traditional braille displays, which are often bulky, expensive, and require specialized training. Instead, it provides individuals with visual impairments in rural Tanzania with an accessible, portable, and empowering tool to access information, navigate their surroundings, and participate more fully in their communities.

This unique integration of hardware, software, and connectivity technologies is at the core of the WearBraille solution, enabling us to drive positive social impact and improve the lives of our target beneficiaries.

The WearBraille solution team consists of:

•   CEO: Herman Edward
•   Chief Technical Officer: Malaika Samba
•   Head of Community Engagement: Amani Kilimanjaro
•   Chief Operations Officer: Kili Nuru

•   Lead Hardware Engineer
•   Software Developer
•   User Experience Designer

In addition to the core team, we also work with a network of contractors and partners who provide specialized expertise in areas such as manufacturing, supply chain management, and impact measurement.

This diverse team, with its complementary skills and deep connections to the Tanzanian visual impairment community, is well-equipped to drive the development, deployment, and scaling of the WearBraille solution.

The WearBraille team has been working on the development and implementation of our solution for the past 2 years. Over this time, we have conducted user research, designed and built multiple device iterations, launched a pilot program, and optimized our deployment strategies - transforming our initial concept into a viable, user-centered solution ready for scaling.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values that are deeply embedded within the WearBraille team and our organizational culture. We are committed to building a diverse, representative, and inclusive team that can best serve the needs of our target beneficiaries in rural Tanzania.

Our leadership team is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, disability status, and socioeconomic status. This diversity ensures that our solution development and deployment strategies are informed by a range of perspectives and lived experiences.

To further strengthen the diversity of our team, we have implemented several key initiatives:

1. Inclusive hiring practices: Our job postings are tailored to attract a wide range of candidates, and we actively seek out diverse talent pools. We also ensure that our interview and selection processes are free from bias and provide equal opportunities for all applicants.

2. Continuous learning and training: All team members, including leadership, participate in regular workshops and seminars on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive communication, and allyship. This helps foster a more welcoming and supportive work environment.

3. Mentorship and career development: We have established a comprehensive mentorship program that pairs junior team members with experienced professionals, providing them with guidance, skill-building opportunities, and pathways for advancement.

4. Accessibility and accommodation: The WearBraille office and all team activities are designed to be fully accessible, with assistive technologies, flexible work arrangements, and other accommodations available to ensure equity of participation.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the WearBraille team is not only building a stronger, more resilient organization, but also modeling the values of accessibility and inclusion that are at the heart of our solution. This commitment allows us to better understand and serve the needs of our target beneficiaries, ultimately driving greater impact and positive change.

The WearBraille solution operates on a hybrid business model, combining a social enterprise approach with a non-profit partnership structure to deliver maximum impact for our target beneficiaries in rural Tanzania.

Our primary customers and beneficiaries are individuals with visual impairments living in rural Tanzanian communities. We provide them with the WearBraille device, a wearable braille display that enhances their access to digital information and improves their mobility and independence.

To ensure the affordability and accessibility of the WearBraille solution, we have adopted a tiered pricing model:

1. Subsidized Devices: We partner with local disability organizations and government agencies to secure funding that allows us to provide WearBraille devices at a highly subsidized rate (up to 80% of the total cost) to low-income individuals with visual impairments.

2. User Co-Payments: For beneficiaries who can afford a higher contribution, we offer the WearBraille device at a discounted rate, with the user responsible for a co-payment that is tailored to their financial means.

3. Commercial Sales: We also sell the WearBraille device at a market-rate price to organizations, schools, and other entities that serve individuals with visual impairments, generating revenue to sustain our operations and scale our impact.

In addition to the device sales, we generate supplementary revenue streams through:

• Maintenance and repair services for the WearBraille devices
• Customized software solutions and digital content for our institutional clients
• Grants and donations from philanthropic organizations and impact investors

This hybrid approach allows us to balance the need for financial sustainability with our commitment to making the WearBraille solution accessible to the most marginalized individuals in rural Tanzania. By leveraging both commercial and non-profit revenue streams, we can continue to drive positive social impact while ensuring the long-term viability of our enterprise.

The WearBraille solution's plan for achieving long-term financial sustainability rests on a diversified revenue model that leverages both commercial and non-profit funding streams.

On the commercial side, we generate revenue through the sale of the WearBraille devices to three key customer segments:

1. Individual consumers: We offer the devices at a subsidized rate to low-income individuals with visual impairments, with the support of grants and partnerships. For those who can afford a higher contribution, we provide the devices at a discounted co-payment.

2. Institutional customers: We sell the WearBraille devices at market rates to organizations, schools, and government agencies that serve individuals with visual impairments. This revenue stream provides a sustainable source of funding for our operations.

3. Customized solutions: We also offer tailored software and digital content services to our institutional clients, further diversifying our commercial revenue sources.

To supplement these commercial revenue streams, we actively seek grant funding and donations from philanthropic organizations, impact investors, and government agencies. We are in discussion to secured a $50,000 grant from the Tanzanian Disability Fund to support the distribution of 5,000 subsidized WearBraille devices in rural communities.

By combining these commercial and non-profit revenue sources, we are able to ensure the financial sustainability of the WearBraille solution while maintaining our commitment to accessibility and affordability for our target beneficiaries. As we continue to grow and scale our impact, we are confident that this diversified funding model will enable us to become a self-sustaining social enterprise.