Despite a slightly higher cost and new way to obtain it, the Orbit Reader is still available for purchase, according to the company.
Recent events have caused the American Printing House, a primary distributor for the display, to cease carrying the unit.
According to a message posted on behalf of the APH Executive Leadership team to the OR20 mailing list, "Negotiations between Orbit Research and the Transforming Braille Group are still underway and there is no resolution in sight." This was part of a message posted on the Orbit 20 mailing list, which is also being discontinued.
Orbit Research responded on the @OrbitResearch1 Twitter account:
The Orbit Reader 20 is in active production and we continue to develop and support it with firmware updates, warranty service and repairs. It is available through our website: orbitresearch.com/product/tactil and via phone: 888-606-7248
The price has been raised slightly to $599 for all orders from Orbit Research.
In a podcast recorded at CSUN, APH Director of Sales Dave Wilkinson reaffirmed the company's commitment to braille.
We are committed to low-cost Braille, but at the same time, we are also committed to providing refreshable Braille to our customers and our students and folks who expect that from us, and we will do anything we have to to make sure that we can provide refreshable Braille for our clients.
User Buddy Brannan has set up a new mailing list to discuss Orbit Research products.](https://groups.io/g/orbit-reader) It is not endorsed by the company, though staff will monitor the list, according to its description.
We will post more updates if they become available.
Here's the original post from the Orbit Reader mailing list:
[Or20] Orbit Reader Mailing List Update
Tue Apr 2 18:57:28 UTC 2019I have been asked to post this message on behalf of the APH Executive Leadership team:
Effective April 2, APH is discontinuing the Orbit Reader 20 listserv. We are taking this step as we remove the Orbit Reader 20 from our shopping site. Negotiations between Orbit Research and the Transforming Braille Group are still underway and there is no resolution in sight. Supporting documentation, like the Orbit User Guide and user videos, will remain available to customers who have purchased an Orbit Reader from APH. Orbit Research is expected to honor the warranty and continue repairs for already purchased Orbit Readers. Any requests for repairs should continue to come through APH. APH is committed to providing students and customers with reliable, refreshable braille devices, and we will be providing an array of options while this situation is resolved. Please visit our shopping site and our social media pages to learn more.
Update:
APH has posted a statement to the Fed's Head blog with additional information.
If you have further questions, APH advises you contact Leslie Farr Knox lknox@aph.org
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
