In 1988 Dr. John Gardner, a professor of physics at Oregon State University, had an eye operation which left him blind. By 1996, his team at Oregon State had developed the revolutionary TIGER technology for embossing multi-dot height tactile graphics. After failing to convince any of the existing braille embosser manufacturers to license the technology, John and his wife, Carolyn, launched ViewPlus Technologies. For 25+ years, ViewPlus has produced innovative braille and tactile graphics hardware and software solutions.
In 2015, Dan and Susannah Gardner joined ViewPlus to expand the reach of the company beyond a tactile graphics niche player. Overseeing the launch of the Power-Dot braille embossers, as well as the next generation tactile graphics embossers, ViewPlus entered the mainstream braille market while continuing to lead in tactile graphics. The catalyst for this momentum was tactile graphics with braille becoming a necessity rather than a “nice-to-have” for blind and visually impaired students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
By working collaboratively around the world, ViewPlus is asserting itself to improve opportunities in education and employment for blind and visually impaired students and professionals. While there is still much work to be done, the successful management transition to a second generation means ViewPlus can continue helping make information accessible to all.
