Latest News
- From AppleVis: Using a Braille Display on iOS: an Introduction
Friend of the Braillists Scott Davert has updated his article on AppleVis: Using a Braille Display on iOS: an Introduction.
The update reflects some changes to iOS 26, including Braille Access, and removes some obsolete information.
- Braille Bar on Tuesday
Our popular Braille Bar returns this Tuesday at 7:30 PM. No question is too small, from kit to code – just ask and our experts will assist you!
Or, to join by phone, use these details:
- Phone number: 0131 460 1196
- Meeting ID: 880 3508 8878
- Passcode: 123456
- Bookshare Digital Braille Usage Survey
Calling all braille readers and braille providers! Bookshare is conducting an anonymous survey of both Bookshare members and non-members to learn more about how digital braille is used and how we can better support braille readers through Bookshare improvements.
- Meet the Host and Producer of Radio 3’s Documentary on Braille Music, Thursday 16 October at 7:00 PM
Sound Without Sight are excited to announce their next Monthly Meet-up and Q&A, featuring the radio producer and musician, Kevin Satizabal.
Kevin is an Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 3. His debut radio feature, Joining the dots – 200 years of Braille Music, aired on 28 September. The documentary explored the impact that braille music has had over the last 200 years.
Kevin himself is a composer and pianist, and also a trustee at Paraorchestra.
During the meeting, Kevin will share:
- The process of producing the documentary.
- The initial inspiration for the documentary.
- How he went about the research process, and selecting people to interview.
- The impact of using sound design to engage the listener, and technical aspects such as methods used to record and edit material.
The session will last 60 to 90 minutes, including Q&A. This will be a relaxed, informal event and audience participation is encouraged. We really want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to ask a question if they would like to. Submitting questions in advance enables us to ensure that they get answered.
Please note that this session will be recorded and published on podcasting platforms, so if you contribute during the session, you are consenting to appearing in the recording.
We hope to see you there!
- Monarch meets JAWS: Unlocking the future of Multiline Braille, Wednesday 22 October at 5:00 PM
Vispero and HumanWare invite you to an exclusive webinar showcasing the future of braille access with Monarch and JAWS. Together, we’ll demonstrate how multiline braille and split braille open new possibilities for education, productivity, and independence.
Discover how cursor routing on multiline displays provides faster, more intuitive navigation across multiple lines of text, bringing braille access closer than ever to the experience of print. Learn how JAWS and the Monarch work hand-in-hand to deliver a powerful, seamless solution for braille users of all levels.
Join us to see firsthand how this groundbreaking collaboration is transforming braille access and empowering users worldwide.
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.