About Blista Brailletec
Blista Brailletec is a non-profit company based in Marburg. For more than 40 years, we have been developing, manufacturing and distributing aids that enable blind and visually impaired people to access education, information and social participation. Braille is at the heart of our work. For many people, it is the key to independence and autonomy. Our product range extends from classic Braille typewriters and modern printing systems to tactile aids and software solutions.
What drives us
We do not see accessibility as a special solution, but as the basis for self-determined living. That is why we develop technology that is reliable, durable and practical. Our aim is to create products that work in everyday life and offer real support to users. Our focus is not on profit, but on the concrete benefits for the people who use our technology.
Commitment with responsibility
Blista Brailletec is a non-profit company. This means that we do not use our profits to maximise earnings, but invest them in the further development of our products, the expansion of our range of services and the security of jobs. In this way, we ensure that our aids remain available in the long term and serve the people who need them.
From the beginnings to today
Origins 1916
The history of Blista Brailletec is closely linked to the German Institute for the Blind in Marburg. It was founded in 1916 by Carl Strehl to enable blind people to access secondary education and university studies. A library for the blind, a braille printing house and workshops were added early on. In 1932, the school, library, printing house, warehouse and assistive technology production were consolidated into new buildings.
After 1945
After the Second World War, the work was continuously expanded. In the 1960s, the current school complex was built and the library for the blind grew to become one of the largest in the world. In 1983, another building complex was added, combining the publishing house, printing works, assistive technology production and sales.
Since 1980
A new chapter began with the relocation of production of Braille typewriters to Marburg. In the late 1980s, a small electronics company expanded its portfolio to develop computer-assisted workstations for blind people. In 1994, the assistive technology division was spun off as an independent, non-profit limited liability company and has since been known as Blista Brailletec. Today, we combine decades of experience with modern developments to secure the future of Braille technology.
Modern manufacturing with maximum precision
Our production facilities are equipped with modern CNC machining centres. These enable precise, state-of-the-art manufacturing and ensure consistently high quality. This results in robust and durable products that reliably meet the high demands of everyday school, work and private life.
Master distributor for leading products
Blista Brailletec is the master distributor in the United Kingdom for several international manufacturers. These include Braille printers from the Swedish company Index Braille AB and PIAF embossers from Harpo. This role ensures that customers throughout the United Kingdom have access to high-quality, cutting-edge products – with a full range of services from a single source.
Co-founder and exhibitor at SightCity
Blista Brailletec is a co-founder of SightCity GmbH and has been represented at SightCity in Frankfurt for many years. The trade fair is considered the world’s largest trade fair for aids for blind and visually impaired people. It has been held every spring in Frankfurt since 2003 and brings together international exhibitors, experts and users.
Every year, more than 150 exhibitors present their products and services there. The exhibition is complemented by a varied supporting programme with specialist lectures, workshops and discussions in the SightCity Forum. For several years now, the trade fair has been organised as a hybrid event, so that the content is accessible not only on site but also online.
This makes SightCity a central meeting place for innovation, exchange and networking.
Year | Date | Location | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
2026 | 27.05. -29.05.2026 | Kap Europa Osloer Straße 5 60327 Frankfurt am Main | Wed. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thu. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Date: 2026
27.5.-29.5.2026
Kap Europa
Osloer Straße 5
60327 Frankfurt am Main
Wed. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thu. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 – 16:00 Uhr
