[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "bt%20braille%20or%20bt%20speak%20how%20much%20do%20they%20cost%20and%20where%20in%20the%20England%20can%20I%20buy%20one"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found out about **BT Speak** and **BT Braille**, how much they cost, and where someone in England could buy them. If you meant a different \u201cBT Braille\u201d model, let me know and I can search for that too.\n\n---\n\n## What are these devices\n\n- **BT Speak / BT Speak Pro** is a portable note-taking device made by **Blazie Technologies** for blind users. It features a Perkins-style Braille input keyboard, speech output, and supports functions like files, calendar, radio, etc. ([blazietech.com](https://www.blazietech.com/bt-speak-pro?utm_source=openai))  \n- **BT Braille** is under development by Blazie Technologies \u2014 it aims to add a refreshable Braille display to what BT Speak does. As of mid-2026, it\u2019s still an upcoming product, not yet widely available. ([braillists.org](https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/two-year-anniversary-march-bt-speak-release-notes/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Prices\n\n| Device | Price in its usual currency | Approximate cost including UK import costs & VAT |\n|---|---|---|\n| **BT Speak / BT Speak Pro** | ~ US$1,195 (BT Speak), US$1,287.95 with case. ([blazietech.com](https://www.blazietech.com/bt-speak-pro?utm_source=openai)) | Because it's shipped from the US to the UK, import duties and VAT have to be added. From a user experience report: FedEx charged ~ **\u00a3217** in duties alone. ([striveability.uk](https://striveability.uk/2025/01/11/a-comparison-of-two-braille-input-devices/?utm_source=openai)) So, total cost might end up significantly higher than the base price. |\n| **Refreshable Braille displays (other brands like Humanware, Focus etc.)** | from about **\u00a3499** up to **\u00a39,000** depending on size, features etc. ([rnib.org.uk](https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/reading-and-writing/an-rnib-guide-to-braille-displays-for-blind-and-partially-sighted-people/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## Where to buy in England\n\nHere are your options for purchasing these, and support availability:\n\n| Method | Details / Pros & Cons |\n|---|---|\n| **Direct from Blazie Technologies** | You can buy BT Speak online directly from Blazie (US-based). ([blazietech.com](https://www.blazietech.com/bt-speak-pro?utm_source=openai)) Cons: shipping costs + import duties & VAT (which can be large), and it takes time to arrive. |\n| **Assistive tech dealers in the UK** | If you want something more local or easier, sometimes Braille displays and note-taking devices are stocked by UK assistive technology suppliers such as Sight & Sound Technology, Aspire Consultancy, Computer Room Services, etc. However, as of the latest info, **BT Speak does *not* yet have a UK dealer**. ([striveability.uk](https://striveability.uk/2025/01/11/a-comparison-of-two-braille-input-devices/?utm_source=openai)) Other devices (non-BT Speak) are available through those suppliers. |\n| **Grant assistance** | Organisations like RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) may help with funding technological devices, through grants or subsidies. Also, many Braille displays are eligible for VAT relief if you're registered as blind or partially sighted. ([rnib.org.uk](https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/assistive-aids-and-technology/reading-and-writing/an-rnib-guide-to-braille-displays-for-blind-and-partially-sighted-people/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## What to watch out for\n\n1. **Import + VAT + Duties**: If ordering BT Speak from the US, the base cost is just part. You\u2019ll also pay shipping, customs duties, plus UK VAT. That can raise the cost by a few hundred pounds depending on weight and value. ([striveability.uk](https://striveability.uk/2025/01/11/a-comparison-of-two-braille-input-devices/?utm_source=openai))  \n2. **Stock / dealership support**: If things go wrong, it\u2019s easier if you buy via a UK dealer; repairs, returns, customer support may be easier. Because BT Speak currently lacks UK dealers, dealing with Blazie direct is the only route for now. ([striveability.uk](https://striveability.uk/2025/01/11/a-comparison-of-two-braille-input-devices/?utm_source=openai))  \n3. **Need vs features**: Think about which features you really need (e.g. refreshable Braille display, exact voice synths, apps, etc.) to see if an alternative could be more cost-effective. Because many Braille displays (from other brands) are more mature products with UK stock and support. ([shop.rnib.org.uk](https://shop.rnib.org.uk/collections/note-taking?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can check whether any UK shops are about to stock BT Braille when it becomes available, so you could pre-order locally and avoid import issues. Do you want me to do that?"
    }
]