Hello from the International Council on English braille (ICEB)!
We are thrilled to announce our next virtual event: Introducing new IPA braille.
Join us for our upcoming presentation on this exciting new document! We will provide an overview of IPA braille, and we’ll discuss the reasons that an update was needed.
Whether you study or work in the field of linguistics, or you just want to learn about another way that braille contributes to literacy and independence, this event is for you.
Tek Talk welcomes Joel Zimba and Rachel Ramos, HumanWare Product Specialists, to discuss the new BrailleNote Evolve
Come hear the new BrailleNote Evolve from HumanWare speak for itself. During this presentation, Joel Zimba and Rachel Ramos, (Product Specialists at HumanWare), will demonstrate the BrailleNote Evolve– a full-fledged Windows 11 Computer in the form factor of a convenient travel-sized note-taker. You’ll hear about why the Evolve was designed, a physical description of the device, a tour of the Main Menu, the enhancements to the full-featured Microsoft Office Suite, and how Windows is taking us into the future with Braille at the center. You won’t want to miss it, as this will be an info-packed session!
Be aware that all Accessible World Zoom meetings are set to automatically record and the Zoom Client on both your computer and your smart device has a message announcing the recording when you first enter a meeting using these clients. You must tab or swipe to the Got it/OK button and execute it to acknowledge your awareness of the recording or you will be unable to unmute your device and speak in the meeting.
Listen on ACB Media
Tek Talk Programs can now be heard on ACB Media 1. Please visit the ACB Media Network Home page for more information.
Podcast Feed
Those wishing to subscribe to past Tek Talk program archives can do so using their mobile device and podcast app of choice or using their computers and podcatcher program of choice. The link with which to subscribe follows:
The National Federation of the Blind has long championed the importance of Braille literacy. The ability of a student or adult to possess the reading and writing skills necessary to conducting education or business cannot be overstated.
January is Braille Literacy month, and in the spirit of this important time, the National Federation of the Blind, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, is hosting a Technology Boutique which will briefly explore the refreshable Braille technologies which are driving today’s Braille displays. We will discuss:
Three technologies used in today’s refreshable Braille hardware
You can never have too many tools in your braille teaching toolkit and Braille Brain, APH’s free, interactive online curriculum, is one you’ll want to explore. Designed to support instruction in Unified English Braille (UEB) and Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science, Braille Brain offers structured units, lessons, embedded knowledge checks, and flexible learning paths.
Our second Braille Brain webinar builds on foundational knowledge and demonstrates how Braille Brain can be used as a dynamic instructional tool across real-world teaching scenarios. Participants will explore advanced features such as Nemeth Code integration, targeted learning paths, embedded assessments, and ways to track learner progress. Through case studies and user scenarios, attendees will learn practical strategies for implementing Braille Brain with diverse learners, including early braille readers, transition-age students, paraprofessionals, and adults new to vision loss.
From the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, US.
The topic for the January 27, 2026, That All May eRead online program will be Using Your eReader with Your iPhone. In the remaining time, we will answer any questions you have about the NLS Braille eReader.
do you use a Braille display? Do you still find some of its features daunting? Would you like to get in touch with some of the top-notch Braille display experts in order to get your questions answered?
Now you can.
The Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union invites you to a series of table talks on various aspects of using your Braille display. For each of these talks, we will be joined by members of the Braille Working Group, as well as other renowned experts in the field.
The series is built around four “C”s:
Connect – Untangling the web of possible connections between Braille displays and various devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and even smartwatches.
Control – Driving your device from the Braille display; adjusting commands to meet your personal preferences; building the workspace you need.
Consume – Making the most of your Braille display for reading; understanding multiple Braille codes; optimizing the output you receive on the Braille display.
Create – Using your Braille display to create new content; writing the way you prefer; working smartly and efficiently.
In this first session, we will explore connecting your Braille display to various types of devices. We will examine existing connection methods, discuss their pros and cons, and help you choose the best connection for your specific needs. And, of course, there will be time for questions and answers.
So come join us for our first expert table talk—and use your Braille display like a pro!
Recordings of the launch event for the joint ICEVI–WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign, held on World Braille Day, are now available In English,French and Spanish on the ICEVI YouTube channel.
The recordings of the November 2025, December 2025 and January 2026 Blazie Technologies webinars are now available on their Web site’s Guides and Media page.
Focus 640 is a modern 40-cell Braille display engineered for professionals, students, and power users who rely on Braille all day, every day. Lighter, more durable, and easier to connect than previous generations, Focus 640 delivers dependable Braille performance with the flexibility today’s workflows demand.
Designed for high-volume daily use, Focus 640 combines proven Vispero Microcell technology with meaningful ergonomic and connectivity improvements. Stay productive wherever your work takes you.
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.
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.
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.