A MOTHER was overwhelmed with emotion when her blind three-year-old daughter was presented with a scholarship to learn Braille.

Anna Krivan said she thought her daughter would be denied the chance to learn to read and write at the same age as other children.

The scholarship includes the gift of a revolutionary new talking Braille machine so students know what Braille letter they have just typed.

“This just means so much to me,” Ms Krivan said.

The scholarship was donated by Quantum Technology, a Rydalmere-based company that exports to 40 countries. Quantum Technology has developed a Braille machine that speaks the letters that are typed and can also be attached to a a standard QWERTY computer keyboard.

Epping resident Tim Connell, who is the managing director of Quantum Technology, said the scholarship was worth $5000.

“It’s just a pity we can’t donate one to all the blind children who need it,” Mr Connell said.

Labor candidate Maxine McKew gave a speech before the award was handed out.

“All children will require skills of a very high order, so smart countries invest in their people,” Ms McKew said.

Lee Kumutat, who has been blind most of her life, said her school marks slipped when she switched from Braille to talking books. “Braille is incredibly important,’’ Ms Kumutat said.