Braillecast

If you have a new braille display and you’re struggling to connect it to your computer, iPhone or iPad, or you have a new computer, iPhone or iPad and you’re struggling to connect it to your braille display, this session is for you. We covered: The pros and cons of Bluetooth and USB Pairing and unpairing your braille display via Bluetooth Drivers and how to install them Screen reader setup Using braille without speech The session was presented by Matthew Horspool.

Many screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA, make use of the popular, open source Liblouis braille translation engine as part of their braille display support. In this session, we explained and demonstrated how to harness the power of Liblouis braille tables to implement additional contractions in your screen reader of choice. If you use a long word regularly and find it is taking up too much space on your braille display, this is the session for you! It also serves as a brief introduction to Liblouis translation tables in general. The session was presented by James Bowden. In addition to his work as Braille Technical Officer at RNIB, James is also the Chair of the Braille Technology Committee of the International Council on English Braille, and is the primary developer of the default UEB translation table in Liblouis. Over many years, he has not only added new symbols to the UEB tables, but has also corrected numerous errors with existing contractions, and he actively contributes to discussions about the future development of Liblouis. Please note: although we did our best to present the concepts in this session in as simple and straightforward a way as possible, modifying Liblouis tables involves advanced file and folder manipulation, administration rights and working with computer code in a text editor. You do not need to be a computer programmer in order to benefit from this session, but it is best suited to people with intermediate to advanced computer knowledge.

“What’s wrong with grade 2?” In many cases, nothing. It strikes a good balance between compactness, readability and lack of ambiguity. However, in some cases, a code which is even more compact than grade 2 is extremely advantageous, especially when information needs to be written down at speed. The Braille Shorthand Code was one attempt at creating such a system. Devised and used in the UK, it was last updated in 1959 and still has a loyal following. In this event, we were joined by Dr Norman Waddington, a prolific user of the Braille Shorthand Code for many years. Norman explained the principals behind the Braille Shorthand Code and took us through some examples of some typical shorthand phrases. He also talked about the equipment which was traditionally used to produce braille shorthand and discussed who would benefit from using the Braille Shorthand Code. To order The Braille Shorthand Code book from RNIB, quote archive number 513871. A BRF version of The Braille Shorthand Code can be downloaded from the Shorthand Braille Codes page of the ICEB website.

iOS 17 was released last September, bosting a number of significant braille enhancements. In this Masterclass, we were joined by Scott Davert to find out more. Scott is well regarded in the blind community as an expert in braille on iOS. He regularly contributes braille-related content to the AppleVis website, and presented a series of three Masterclasses introducing us to braille on iOS in 2022. This was an extensive presentation followed by your questions. We also covered some of the new braille features in iOS 16 which have not been covered in other sessions.

The 39th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference took place from 18 to 22 March in Anaheim, California, hosted by the Centre on Disabilities, Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Northridge. There were many exciting braille product announcements at the conference, and the latest prototypes of previously announced braille products were also exhibited. In this episode, we are joined by a panel of braille experts who attended the conference. They will help us unpack the announcements and share their thoughts on the products they saw. If you are planning to attend any of the Sight Village exhibitions in the UK, this episode will help you decide which products you might like to see for yourself. Products discussed in this episode: Monarch from APH and HumanWare BT Speak from Blazie Technologies Orbit Speak, Orbit Reader Q20 and Orbit Reader Q40 from Orbit Research Cadence from Tactile Engineering Optima from Orbit Research and Access Mind BraillePen24 from Harpo NewHaptics Paige Connect from Paige Braille Braille eMotion from Hims OneCourt Various accessibility efforts from Procter and Gamble and Sony Braille guide dog name tags from Elegant Insights On the panel: Chancey Fleet (chanceyfleet@mas.to on Mastadon) from the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library J.j. Meddaugh (jage@mas.to on Mastadon) from A. T. Guys and Blind Bargains, home of the Blind Bargains Qast which is soon to return Judy Dixon, President of the International Council on English Braille

Getting tactile diagrams at University is often not as easy as it should be. However, the Open University has an excellent reputation for accessibility, and has developed robust processes for students to request diagrams and for those diagrams to be designed and produced. This session was presented jointly by Jeff Bashton, former Visual Impairment Adviser at the Open University; and Andrew Whitehead, Graphics Media Developer within the OU’s Learner and Discovery Services. It briefly outlined what the Open University is, before explaining what gave rise to the tactile diagrams initiative and how it was developed. Andrew illustrated how diagrams are prioritised, and described the tools and techniques he uses to design and produce them. We learnt how these techniques are applied to standard graphs and charts, as well as more complex images such as a cross-section of part of the brain! If you are currently studying at University, or thinking of starting a University course soon, this session serves as a case study of how Universities can provide effective support in this area. We gave details of DSA funding models at the end of the presentation. If you are interested in tactile diagrams in general, this session offered valuable insights into the tools and techniques available and the reasons for choosing them. Decision Tree: Deciding if a Tactile Diagram is Necessary Start Is the information a repeat of the facts? Yes: go to 5. No: go to 3. Would the information be more meaningful in text form? Yes: go to 6. No: go to 4. Return to 2. Does the graphic require the reader to use visual discrimination or visual perception? Yes: go to 7. No: go to 8. Return to 3. Do not produce graphic. Return to 2. Create a figure description. Do not produce a graphic. Return to 3. Modify the graphic. Return to 4. Is the actual object unavailable, too small, too large, or too dangerous to examine by touch and perceived details? Yes: go to 11. No: go to 9. Return to 4. Does the reader need the information from a map, figure or graph to complete an assessment/task or to participate in discussions and/or answer questions? Yes: go to 11. No: go to 10. Return to 8. Do not produce graphic. Return to 9. Produce graphic. Return to 8. Return to 9. Tactile Diagram Transcribers A2I All Formats Pia RNIB Business Services RNIB Personal Transcription Services Scottish Braille Press Swansea University Transcription Centre University of Leeds Equality and Inclusion Unit Sources of Tactile Diagrams RNIB Bookshare - Accessible Images APH Tactile Graphic Image Library (TGIL) National Braille Press (NBP) Tactile Images and Maps from the Lighthouse for the Blind, San Francisco Sources of Swell Paper and Heat Fusers HumanWare Swell Form Machine Sight and Sound PIAF Tactile Image Printer HumanWare Swell Touch Markers HumanWare Swell Touch Paper A4 100 sheets HumanWare Swell Touch Paper A3 100 sheets Sight and Sound PIAF Swell Paper Braillists Consumables page Other Links of Interest Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics from the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) Inkscape Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment Tactile Reading Conference 2025 Visio Tactual Profile and Feel Free

Bristol Braille Technology CIC recently released version 2.1 of the firmware for Canute 360, the world's first multi-line braille E-reader. Canute has come up in conversation many times before, but never specifically: what is it, and what can it do? In this episode, we sit down with Ed Rogers, Managing Director of BBT, to find out. Links of interest: Specification for supplementary Canute BRF metadata file Information about Bristol Braille's braille music event on 13 April 2024

The braille community is buzzing about the next generation of braille display: multi-line devices which can show anything from tables to tactile graphics at the press of a button are now a reality, and enthusiastic early adopters around the world are putting the technology through its paces. These multi-line braille displays will, sooner or later, undoubtedly disrupt all our experiences of refreshable braille in many places, but perhaps most notably in education. What does this mean for teachers, and what does this mean for students in the classroom, doing their homework and progressing to further and higher education? We'll be digging into the detail in two parts: Firstly, we will hear from HumanWare, Bristol Braille Technology CIC, Dot Inc and Orbit Research, all of whom are developing multi-line braille displays, and each of whom will give a ten minute presentation on how they see their products working in the classroom. Secondly, we'll hear from a panel of education professionals. They will share their reactions to the presentations, discuss how current practice might evolve to take advantage of emerging braille technologies, and engage with the manufacturers to find answers to some of their most pressing questions. This episode is presented in collaboration with the Professional Association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce (VIEW). Manufacturers, their Products and Representatives HumanWare, promoting the Monarch: Andrew Flatres, Braille Product Manager, and Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnerships Bristol Braille Technology CIC, promoting Canute 360 (£2495.00) and Canute Console (£3995 or £1650 for existing Canute 360 owners): Ed Rogers, Managing Director Dot Inc, promoting the Dot Pad (£11995): Mazi Zarrehparvar Orbit Research, promoting the Orbit Slate 520 ($3495 USD) and the Orbit Slate 340 ($3995 USD): Venkatesh Chari, CEO Panellists Jane Sharp, Education Specialist QTVI at RNIB and Chair of the Visual Impairment Education Workforce (VIEW) Jonathan Fogg, Strategic Lead for IT at New College Worcester Jackie Brown, Technology For Life Co-Ordinator for Northern Ireland at RNIB The event was hosted by Dave Williams and produced by Matthew Horspool. Extracts from the Chat What are the dimentions of the Dot Pad please? Participant: 273.2 mm × 228.1 mm Mazi: 20 braille cells per line and 10 lines on the large screen. 20 cells on single line below graphics area. Dot Pad pricing is not fixed but our goals is to make the Dotpad economically accessible. Can you send information from the dot pad back to an iPad? Mazi: We are working on two way interaction between the Dot Pad and connected devices. At this time, the Dot Pad is a printer. It receives content from the iPad, iPhone, PC, or Mac. It is interactive in the sense that you can scroll up and down pages and make selections. You can also scroll across icons showing on your iPhone or iPad. If you would like more information, please be comfortable contacting me. We are rapidly innovating and all ideas and advice is welcome. Do the graphical devices allow a tactile diagram and a braille label on the same page? Ed: Yes. You can mix them up. We typically use a lot of Braille to make sense of the diagrams. For the Canute Console, that was. Andrew: For Monarch, Yes, it can display both graphics and braille on the same array. I'd be very interested to know if manufacturers were intending to (or have) produce progression charts/teaching ideas for supporting student development of skills in using these products? We can't afford to have one for us to learn on as well as one for the student, so any help on how to use them effectively and to think about skills progression is really helpful! Andrew: HumanWare appreciates there is a lot to learn when it comes to these types of new technology, therefore before Monarch will be released we will be conducting in-person teachers training across the UK. The objective will be to show how a Monarch could be used in a classroom along with getting a better understanding on this new ebraille file format. Please register your interest so you can stay updated on when these days become available. Participant: I am familiar with human wear products and they have a fantastic set of training videos for all of their devices. These are easily accessible for LSAs and BSAs as well as teachers. Would the Dot Pad be useful for a student taking physics at advanced level (up to university)? Rendering the visual data effectively has been a constant struggle/ongoing question. Mazi: Dot would love to work with you on your content and progression idea. YES, physics is an ideal subject matter for the Dot Pad. Participant: That's great to hear. I have a student applying for Physics at university this year, and this might be helpful for his Disabled Students Allowance application. Mazi: Wonderful. Exciting to know your student is going for it. Let's connect and set up a call to figure out how to help your student. What is a simple device for early years children instead of Perkins Brailler? Matthew (Braillists): The Perkins is still the best device for the job in our experience. Ed: Using the Canute Console in the basic text editing mode I demonstrated would be closest equivalent experience for our display. However as Matthew says the Perkins hasn't been superceded by any of these devices and they aren't meant as replacements for it. Participant: Unfortunately, for a 4 year old with small hands and not have the strength may impact their development Ed: In that case, pairing a multiline display with a Hable One or an Orbit Writer, be that a Canute Console or any multiline display that supports external keyboards, would be something to experiment with. Venkatesh: The Orbit single-line and multiline displays include an ergonomic Perkins-style braille keypad. The keys require very little force and would be suitable for a young child. Participant: Thank Venkatesh, I need to view this to understand if its suitable for my CYPVI Venkatesh: You are welcome. Please feel free to email me and we can work out a demo. Louise Johnson: The Annie Brailler is especially for young children. We will be purchasing two and I am happy to let you know how we get on. How do you distinguish colour? Textures? We need to teach students to read diagrams the way they will be presented in exams. Ed: Explaining our solution is a bit much to fit into the chat box but happy to tell you about the solutions we use and are experimenting with by email. In short though, with a display 40 cells wide you have space for a key along side every image if you need it and the image can include information about colour and other style information. That is one solution suitable for some circumstances. Participant: In terms of development of these products, it's worth remembering that there are a significant number of learners who are not braillists but still need tactile diagrams. Is it easy to create a table? Ed: Very easy to create a table for the Canute Console. You can use a spreadsheet or a text editor or generate a tables using conversion software. Will Monarch run on an up to date Android system? BNT+ is Oreo which no longer receives security patches. (Happy to hear if this is not the case!) Monarch will be based on Android, but will not have access to the play store, therefore it would be more capable of updating security. It should not be the case of being stuck. Does the Monarch come with Windows applications (Word, PowerPoint) and email? The Monarch will include KeySoft core application including word processor, email client and many more.

It's an exciting time for braille as we approach the 200th birthday of the braille code, and the International Council on English Braille will be celebrating in style this year with its eighth General Assembly, the theme of which is "Two Centuries of Braille". It will take place from Saturday 25 May to Thursday 30 May at The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland, 71 Mayoral Drive, Corner Vincent Street, Auckland Central, New Zealand. But what is the International Council on English Braille, what is the purpose of its General Assembly, and how can we get involved? James Bowden, Braille Technical Officer at RNIB, Chair of the Braille Coding Group of the UK Association for Accessible Formats, Chair of ICEB's Braille Technology Committee, and UK representative on the ICEB Executive and Code Maintenance Committees, tells us more. Join the iceb-announce group on groups.io by sending a blank email to iceb-announce+subscribe@groups.io The Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities is holding its Annual Conference the week before the ICEB General Assembly. It will be taking place at Novotel Perth Langley, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, and early bird registration is open until 29 February 2024. The conference theme is Information Equity: Empowerment through Technology, Advocacy and Collaboration. The Annual Meeting of the Australian Braille Authority will be held on Saturday 18 May, followed immediately by the Round Table Conference from Sunday 19 May to Tuesday 21 May. Chantelle Griffiths, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand's Tactile and Technology Literacy Centre and good friend of the Braillists Foundation, tells us more.

The Braillists Foundation held a face-to-face meeting at the 83rd annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, Texas, in July 2023. Our Chairman, Dave Williams, was there with a microphone to soak up the atmosphere. We spoke to: Bristol Braille Technology CIC Hable A Cubed Design Ka Li (consulting for National Network for Equitable Library Service and member of the Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group (ANZAGG) and the EBraille Tactile Graphics Taskforce) Marco Salsiccia, Senior Native Mobile Accessibility Coach at DEQ Systems and owner of the Blind SVG Study Guide Danielle Montour, volunteer Braille and Tactile Literacy Educator at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, New York A. T. Guys and Blind Bargains With thanks to the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for allowing us the use of their room for our meeting.

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, a few people joined us for a cosy fireside chat to round off the year on Tuesday 19 December. How do you write and address your Christmas cards? How do you know whose Christmas presents are whose? And what part does braille play in all of this? We were joined by our expert Braille for Beginners team, Mel Pritchard and Chantelle Griffiths, to get the conversation started, and we heard plenty of ideas from the audience too, on a multitude of Christmas-themed topics.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could just pick up a tablet of sorts, draw on it, and have the drawing in a tactile form? And wouldn't it be even more wonderful if you could simply erase the drawing and start over if you didn't like it? The Braille Doodle does just that, and we catch up with the Touchpad Pro Foundation to find out more.

Have you ever downloaded a book from Bookshare or Reading Services, but struggled to extract the zip file? Have you ever had a BRF file emailed to you, but not been able to copy it to your braille display? Does your braille display only support text or BRF files, but you want to read Word or PDF files on it? If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, this episode is for you! Matthew Horspool was in the presenter’s chair on Tuesday 19 September 2023 and took us step by step through extracting zip files, converting files from one format to another, and copying files from your computer to your braille display. Demonstrations using a screen reader formed an integral part of the presentation, and as ever there was plenty of time for questions at the end. N.B. most of the demos were carried out on Windows, but the concepts discussed should apply equally to other operating systems.

Whether you're new to braille or an experienced braillist, reading is an important and fundamental process. To fully appreciate the brilliance of braille for use in daily life, reading is something you should enjoy and feel comfortable with. But what can you do to improve your reading skills once you have learned all the letters and perhaps some contractions as well? How can you enhance your reading speed and accuracy even if you've been doing braille for a while? On Tuesday 20 June 2023, Chantelle Griffiths, Co-Founder and CEO of New Zealand's Tactile and Technology Literacy Centre, shared some practical tips and tricks to get you on the right track with your reading, no matter how much braille you've done or where you are on your braille journey. There is something here for everyone. We learnt: What actually happens when we read and how reading by touch is different — or not — from reading visually. How to press the “reset button” for your fingers and brain when you're just not feeling it. Literally. The fundamental braille technique you didn't know you knew and how it enhances your reading. The three C's of braille reading; what they are and how they work together to help you connect the dots between your brain and fingers. How playing the viola relates to reading in a straight line and how you can experience something similar yourself, even if you're not a musician. How to start from exactly where you are and enjoy the process. Lots more practical tips, ideas and experiments you can try on your own. This was a very practical session. If you'd like to follow along with the recording, please have some hardcopy or electronic braille handy and a couple of random objects that feel nothing like braille. For further information please visit the Braillists Foundation Media Page.

The Orbit Reader range is now very extensive and comprises the Orbit Reader 20, the Orbit Reader 20 Plus and the Orbit Reader 40. On Tuesday 30 May 2023, James Bowden, Braille Technical Officer at RNIB, talked us through what these products can do, how they work, and the differences between Orbit Readers and other braille displays and notetakers. We learnt: The differences between the Orbit Reader 20, 20 Plus and 40 How Orbit technology differs from traditional braille display technology How to find and open files How to find text within a file How to use the editor How to transfer files between the Orbit and a computer For further information please visit the Braillists Foundation Media Page.

“This new braille has so many extra dots!” This is something we hear a lot, and it’s often followed by the question, “What do they all mean?” This Masterclass will help to solve the mystery. James Bowden, Braille Technical Officer at RNIB, Chairman of the Braille Coding Group of the UK Association for Accessible Formats, and the UK Representative to the Code Maintenance Committee of the International Council on English Braille, described the common indicators in UEB and gave some real world examples of their use. In particular, we covered: Capital letters and block capitals Making sure a word or symbol is not misread as a contraction Italicised, bolded and underlined text This session was recorded on Tuesday 16 May 2023. For further information please visit the Braillists Foundation Media Page.

Dave Williams, Chairman of the Braillists Foundation, and Ed Rogers from Bristol Braille Technology discuss the braille products to emerge from this year's event.

There was a lot to cram into the last of our computer science-themed classes. We started with a quick refresher about what we’ve covered so far before taking a deep dive into what it takes to write software and build hardware with a particular focus on the accessibility elements of the process.

The final recording from the recent Six Dots to Success conference held in collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology Ltd. This episode features: Options in Education with Braille with Alannah Moriarty Panel discussion chaired by Roger Firman Summing up

The fourth of a series of recordings from the recent Six Dots to Success conference held in collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology Ltd. This episode features a recording of one of the breakout rooms.