PORTSMOUTH — With the help of SSU’s Development Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute has donated a Braille 80 machine to SSU’s Success Center. The Braille 80 device is an 80-cell USB refreshable Braille display that works with Apple and Windows computers, perfect for visually impaired individuals who spend an extensive amount of time reading or working with spreadsheets.

BattelleEd STEM Education, funded by Battelle Arts Grants, supports the Ohio STEM Learning Network, a state-wide network of STEM Hubs, Training Centers and STEM designated schools across Ohio. The South East Ohio STEM Hub is housed at SSU, Office of Provost, Grants Office. An annual STEM grant from Battelle provides funding for professional development and programming to local schools and educators.

Battelle Memorial Institute is a private nonprofit applied science and technology development company headquartered in Columbus. The focus of the company is on contract research and development of work in the areas of metals and material science. Battelle is now an international science and technology enterprise that explores emerging areas of science, develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories.

“We are very appreciative of Battelle Memorial Institute for donating this machine, and to Loretta Harvey, our STEM coordinator here at SSU, for procuring it. It is a unique and helpful tool that will allow students with visual impairment to have the technology to allow them to both read and write on a conventional laptop,” said James Weaver, SSU’s disability services coordinator.