Latest News
- CSUN Round-Up 2024, Tuesday at 7:30 PM
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 including the Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40, the eMotion from Hims and a new software update for HumanWare and APH braille displays. The latest prototypes of other braille products, including the much anticipated Optima from Access Mind, were also exhibited.
In this session, we will be 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 session will help you decide which products you might like to see for yourself.
Register for the Masterclass here.
To join by phone, please use these details:
- Phone number: 0131 460 1196
- Meeting ID: 880 0277 0620
- Passcode: 123456
- Adding Your Own Contractions to Your Screen Reader Using Liblouis, Tuesday 16 April at 7:30 PM
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 will explain and demonstrate 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 will also serve as a brief introduction to Liblouis translation tables in general.
The session will be 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 will do 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.
Register for the Masterclass here.
To join by phone, please use these details:
- Phone number: 0131 460 1196
- Meeting ID: 814 7463 2995
- Passcode: 123456
- HIMS has a NEW PRODUCT at CSUN 2024!
Hims are thrilled to announce the launch of their latest innovation: the Braille eMotion 40-cell Braille Display! This groundbreaking product marks a new dimension in braille connectivity and innovation, revolutionizing how you interact with technology.
Go with that feeling and experience the power of the Braille eMotion!
Braille eMotion is a multimedia 40-cell braille display designed to provide you with a seamless and intuitive reading experience. With this device, you will enjoy these key features:
- Crisp, Clear Braille Cells: Enjoy a smooth and responsive reading experience on our premium 40-cell braille display.
- Versatility: Seamlessly connect to multiple devices simultaneously via 1 USB and 5 Bluetooth connections for enhanced accessibility and efficiency.
- Screen Reader Support: Connect your favorite screen readers on multiple platforms and devices.
- Intuitive Navigation: Effortlessly navigate through documents, websites, and applications with our user-friendly interface and ergonomic design.
- Long-lasting Battery: Experience up to 20 hours of battery life per charge, ensuring uninterrupted usage throughout the day.
- Compact and Portable: Designed for on-the-go accessibility, Braille eMotion is lightweight and compact, making it the perfect electronic Braille companion.
- Quality Text-to-Speech (TTS): Choose from a wide selection of voices and many more languages than previous models for a personalized experience.
- Standalone Notepad and Applications: Boost productivity with HIMS’ internal stand-alone applications, including Notepad, DAISY and Document Reader, Media Player, Calculator, Alarm, Stopwatch, Countdown Timer, and Voice Recorder.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Upgrade Braille eMotion effortlessly with built-in Wi-Fi, offering additional power and versatility for future enhancements. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of USB or up to 5 simultaneous Bluetooth connections.
- Plentiful and various storage options: Read and save documents, DAISY text and audiobooks, media, and voice recordings to the 45 GB of internal storage, the Micro SD card, or USB drive.
- Meet the Braille eMotion on Webinar Wednesday from Sight and Sound Technology, 3 April at 2:00 PM
The Braille eMotion is a multimedia 40-cell braille display designed to provide you with a seamless and intuitive reading experience. The device includes crisp, Clear Braille Cells, the ability to connect to multiple devices using Bluetooth and USB, screen Reader Support on multiple platforms and devices, intuitive Navigation: long-lasting Battery, compact and Portable, quality Text-to-Speech with multiple language support, a host of useful applications and much more.
Join us when our good friend Jenny Axler from Selvas Healthcare makes a very welcome return to help us unpack this truly outstanding device!
- Orbit Research Expands Its Revolutionary Braille Product Family with the Launch of Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40
The all-in-one braille devices with integrated full-sized QWERTY keyboards set a new standard in convenience and affordability
Anaheim, California – March 19, 2024 – In a significant expansion of its industry-leading portfolio, Orbit Research today announced two groundbreaking additions to its line of braille products: the Orbit Reader Q40 and Orbit Reader Q20. These innovative devices couple multi-function refreshable braille displays with QWERTY keyboards for input and are designed to enhance accessibility, convenience and independence for individuals who are blind.
The Orbit Reader Q40, following the trailblazing path of its predecessors, offers Orbit’s unparalleled signage-quality TrueBraille™ technology with 40 eight-dot refreshable braille cells. Both the Q40 and its counterpart, the Orbit Reader Q20 – featuring 20 braille cells – are designed for seamless standalone or connected use with computers and mobile devices. They enable users to read books, take notes, and manage daily tasks with built-in applications like a clock, calendar, and calculator. The full-sized, high-quality, laptop-style QWERTY keyboard can be independently connected via Bluetooth or USB to a computer or mobile device and allows users the convenience of touch-typing while using braille for reading.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Q40 and Q20, the newest members of our Orbit Reader family. Continuing in the tradition of the Orbit Reader 20, which brought groundbreaking quality, features and affordability to the braille display market, the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 now add the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard to the enhanced features and capabilities of the Orbit Reader 40,” said Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research. “We believe that everyone deserves technology that adapts to their life, not the other way around. Our goal is to empower individuals to succeed in every aspect of their lives, which is why we’ve engineered the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 to be the most reliable and user-centric braille displays on the market. These devices are not just tools, but gateways to independence, education, and connection for our users.”
Common use cases for the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 span a wide range, catering to students and professionals alike. For students, these devices are essential for accessing textbooks, taking notes in class, and managing academic schedules. In a professional setting, they enable efficient email correspondence, report writing, and participation in meetings with real-time notes and references. Designed for robustness, they are lightweight, compact, and dust and fluid-resistant, ensuring durability in everyday use.
The 78-key QWERTY keyboard includes the full complement of twelve function keys, arrow keys in the popular inverted “T” configuration, and keys for use with Windows and Mac computers. To accommodate a full-size keyboard in a compact form-factor, a separate numeric keypad is not included. Both models come with a USB C port for charging and connecting to computers and a USB A port for connecting flash drives containing files. They also have a full-size SD card slot and files can be copied between the flash drive and SD card. They can connect with up to 6 computers and mobile devices over Bluetooth and USB and are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and Talkback. Both products work with Orbit Research’s unique Orbit Teacher and Orbit Chat systems for inclusive education and communication.
The Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40 will begin shipping in June 2024. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-reader-qwerty for more information and to pre-order.
- Unveiling V2.2 of Brailliant BI X and Mantis Q40: Streamlined operations for peak productivity
HumanWare are delighted to introduce the latest enhancement for Brailliant BI X displays and Mantis Q40, aimed at simplifying operations and maximizing productivity by offering longer-lasting battery performance.
Terminal only mode
The latest firmware update caters to diverse preferences of braille display users. Some appreciate connecting to multiple devices and using onboard functionality through KeySoft Lite, while others simply need basic terminal functions to connect to a computer or mobile device.
Considering this feedback, we’re introducing a new feature to transform your Brailliant BI X or Mantis Q40 into a streamlined braille terminal mode.
This option removes onboard functions, simplifying connection via USB or Bluetooth to your preferred screen reader, catering to users seeking a straightforward experience. Reverting to full functionality is easy, allowing you to customize your experience.
Here are a few motivations for switching your braille display to the simplified Braille Terminal-only mode:
- Reducing complexity and distractions, particularly for students.
- Lack of use for onboard applications.
- Primarily using the braille display for computer or mobile device connectivity.
Click here to view the How to guide on enabling the terminal-only mode
Power configuration
Ensuring prolonged connectivity when needed, the latest update introduces a new Power Auto-Off feature, allowing efficient management of battery usage. Improving battery life is essential for devices like Brailliant and Mantis, providing more time for reading braille when necessary. For further details on preserving your battery, refer to the how-to guide – Adjusting Auto Power off.
New: Eole French Digital Library Service
Continuing our expansion of the Victor Reader Library service across Europe, we are excited to introduce Eole, one of the largest French-language digital libraries, providing our users with access to even more book content. Exclusive to the Brailliant BI X range, the app Victor Reader now incorporates Eole services via audio only.
Click here for the full release notes
How do I update my device?
When connected to Wi-Fi, the Brailliant BI X and MantisQ40 devices will see a notification that a system update is available. Simply press ENTER to acknowledge the notification and select OK to download the update. If the notification does not appear, follow these steps:
- Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
- (Brailliant devices) from the Main Menu, press Space with O to jump to the options menu.
(Mantis device) press O.- Then press “s” for software update, followed by pressing Enter.
- Press “C” to check for update and press Enter.
Thanks to everyone who provided feedback
This version includes enhancements, localization, and fixes that came directly from Brailliant BI X series and MantisQ40 users. We appreciate all those who write to us with suggestions or bug reports, which helps us to continue improving.
Enjoy the new update!
- Final ICEB 8th General Assembly Programme and Business Agenda Now Available
The complete and final Programme and Business Agenda for the ICEB 8th General Assembly has been posted to the website of the Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust. You can reach this page by going to https://www.banzat.org.nz/eighth-general-assembly-general-information.
Prior to the General Assembly, information will be posted about how interested observers may participate in the conference remotely.
- Braille Music on the Canute: Face-To-Face Event, Saturday 13 April 2024 from 12:00 midday
Calling all Braille music lovers:
Bristol Braille Technology are now opening up the Braille invention centre in Bristol, so that we can gather interested people to try out the Canute Console, and participate in its development.
On Saturday, 13th April, we are holding a Music gathering, where we will be displaying Braille music scores on the nine line by 40 character display on the Canute Console.
This means you will be able to have more than one line of music and the lyrics all on one page, without having to scroll from line to line to gain the whole picture. We will be meeting at: The Braille invention centre: G11, 37 Philip St, Bristol, BS3 4EA, UK, from mid day until 3pm.
Ed Rogers and Steph Sergeant from Bristol Braille and Stuart Lawler from Sight and Soundwill be hosting the meeting.
“We are looking for people who are interested in building something exciting with us.” Even if you cannot attend on the day, email what you would like to see developed.
We will do live prototyping of any ideas that have arisen.
James Bowden, RNIB’s Braille Technical Officer, will be bringing a variety of braille music scores to display on the Canute. He will also demonstrate using MuseScore and SMB (etc).
Jay Pocknell, one of RNIB’s music officers is coming to talk about access to music etc. He runs ‘Sound Without Sight’
Roger Firman cannot come unfortunately, so he is sending a recording of his experience of several years of using a Canute with Braille music.
Another exciting development is that we are in touch with MuseScore to discover how well, their new version of MuseScore will work with the Canute Console. In a future event we will be inviting Peter Jonas to explain MuseScore, including six-key input.
Please get in touch To let us know you are interested:. Email [email protected] (mobile 07793 906 745)
Please let us know the time your train will be arriving at Bristol Temple Medes, and we can co-ordinate taxis. You may bring a sighted guide if that would help.
Bristol Braille will be able to cover standard class travel expenses.
The Braillists is a grass-roots community group offering high quality training and support to emerging and established braille users. We also work with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers of braille users, and connect braille users with braille technology developers and funders.
What Is Braille?
Braille is a simple code for representing written language. We believe braille has the potential to transform the life of any blind person who has the opportunity to learn it.
Discover more about braille on this page.
Learn Braille
We support hundreds of adults to read braille by touch in a few short weeks through our innovative and approachable Braille for Beginners course. Free of charge, it comprises hard copy resources through the post and a series of short pre-recorded lessons, supplemented by email and Zoom support from highly qualified and experienced tutors.
Find out more about Braille for Beginners and register here.
There are plenty of other courses available too, for both children and adults, reading by touch or by sight. We have made a list of these on our Learn Braille page.
Perkins Repairs and Other Braille Equipment
The Perkins Brailler is the most established braille writer in use today, and even machines from the 1950s can still be serviced and repaired. We have compiled information about Perkins repairs, places to purchase Perkins Braillers, and other types of braille equipment on our Braille Equipment page.
If you are looking for braille paper, you can find it on our Braille Consumables page.
Our Aims
- Promote the value of braille as a proven literacy tool that enriches the lives of blind people.
- Support efforts to make affordable braille and tactile reading technologies available to all blind people irrespective of education and employment status.
- Provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas about the development of future braille technology.
Find Out More
Join our announcements only mailing list to receive our weekly newsletter.
Join the conversation and meet other Braillists on our discussion forum.
Connect with us on Twitter (@Braillists) or like us on Facebook for up to the minute Braillists news.
Listen to some braille-related audio on Soundcloud (braillists).
Please see our Sponsors and Partners for information on organisations who are supporting us.
Get In Touch
Email [email protected] or call 020 3893 3392. Further details on our Contact Us page.