Latest News
- Summer Holidays
As usual, we will be taking a few weeks off over the summer to allow our volunteers to recharge.
Our last event for this term will be the Braille Bar on Tuesday 28 July.
We will return on Tuesday 1 September with Braille For Beginners.
During August, we will be supporting ICEVI and the World Blind Union with their global braille survey. However, other operations will be limited during this time.
Thank you for your support of the Braillists and we look forward to your company again in September.
- Donate to the Braillists by Joining a UK-Based Research Panel
We have been approached by Contact Design and Survey Feeds, a market research agency, who are looking for UK-based blind and partially sighted people to join their database to be contacted about paid research studies from the financial industry.
they are offering a sign-up bonus of $100 USD (£74.79) to everyone who is approved for the panel, with additional payments when you participate in a study.
They will also donate $100 USD (£74.79) to the Braillists for everyone who is approved for the panel who signs up via our unique link.
Further information can be found below.
Use our unique link to take the screener survey and join the panel
Contact Design says:
This accessibility panel is designed to help us better understand how people with diverse accessibility needs navigate digital platforms — so we can make them more usable, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.
This panel is managed by IPSOS, who will periodically reach out with opportunities to participate in upcoming research. All participation is completely voluntary, and opportunities vary depending on your availability and interests.
What You May Be Invited To Do
- Short online surveys — sometimes individually compensated, sometimes entered into a prize or raffle.
- Remote or in person interviews (60–90 minutes) — where you’ll interact with websites, apps, or features and share your feedback.
- Usability sessions — hands on activities to help improve accessibility and user experience.
- Availability checks — for longer studies, you may receive a quick call or text.
- Email only invitations — for short surveys and simple studies.
Welcome Gift
Once approved, you’ll receive a $100 USD (74.79 GBP) welcome gift via PayPal
How to Join
If you’re interested in joining, please complete the screening survey.
It takes about 15 minutes.
We ask detailed questions now so you won’t have to answer them repeatedly later. This helps us match you with studies that fit your profile and accessibility needs.
Next Steps
If you qualify, we will contact you by phone to confirm your participation.
Referral Program
We’re continuing to grow this panel and are especially looking for individuals with similar accessibility needs.
- Earn $25 USD (18.70 GBP) per approved referral
- Share out your referral link (you can get this from the person who recruits you for the panel).
We look forward to hearing from you! Thanks!
Use our unique link to take the screener survey and join the panel
- MORE BRAILLE: MORE EMPOWERMENT – Launching the Global Braille Survey, Friday 7 August at 12:00 PM or Tuesday 11 August at 1:00 AM
When we talk about braille, we often hear statements like:
- “Only 7–10% of blind people read braille.”
- “Blind children aren’t learning braille at school like they used to.”
- “Technology is making braille irrelevant.”
But how true are they?
Help us on our mission to find out!
A global braille survey is being launched by the International Council for Education of People with Vision Impairment (ICEVI) and the World Blind Union through their braille literacy campaign More Braille: More Empowerment. The survey is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a comprehensive understanding of the international braille landscape, ensuring that future braille initiatives are informed by evidence, respond to real needs, and help secure future investment in braille literacy.
Join us for this special event to find out:
- Why do we need a survey like this?
- What will happen to the data?
- Who can take the survey?
- How long will it take to complete?
- Will it be available in multiple languages?
- When will it close?
Hear first-hand from senior leaders in ICEVI and WBU, members of the Global Braille Literacy Campaign Steering Committee and the researchers who compiled the survey, and discover how organisations are already planning to incorporate the results of the survey into their future work.
There will be time for questions at the end of the event.
Let your story shape braille’s next chapter. We look forward to your company!
Register for Launching the Global Braille Survey
To join by phone, please use these details:
- Meeting ID: 856 5952 0002
- Passcode: 123456
- ICEB Mid-Term Executive Committee Meeting, Sunday 9-Thursday 13 August, 9:00 PM-Midnight: Information and registration
The ICEB Mid-Term Executive Committee meeting will take place virtually on Zoom over five days, from Sunday, August 9th to Thursday, August 13th.
Each day’s proceedings will run from 20:00 to 23:00 UTC, with a 10-minute break midway through the agenda.
Interested observers, including individuals and organisational representatives, are welcome to attend. Observers may be invited to speak if time permits, but they do not have voting rights.
Please register here to attend any or all sessions.
Registration and meeting materials:
Please register by July 31st so that relevant materials can be sent to you in advance. Registrations received after July 31st are still welcome; however, meeting documentation cannot be guaranteed for late registrations.
You can download the agenda for the five days of the meeting in various formats below.
ICEB Executive Committee Mid-term Agenda 2026 (PDF)
ICEB Executive Committee Mid-term Agenda 2026 (Microsoft Word)
ICEB Executive Committee Mid-term Agenda 2026 (BRF)
Further information:
If you have any questions, or require further information, please email [email protected]
- From the Standards and Testing Agency: Notification of Modified Tests Framework 2027-2031 Pre-Market Engagement Event, Monday 17 August at 2:00 PM
The Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an Executive Agency of the Department for Education (DfE), is looking to re-establish a Modified Tests Framework for the development and delivery of modified versions of National Curriculum Tests for children with visual impairments, hearing impairments and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The new framework will be for four years from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031.
Successful suppliers will be required to provide modified versions of standard tests in various formats including modified large print and Unified English Braille. Modified versions are required for all national curriculum tests including the following:
- Phonics Screening Check (braille version only);
- Key stage 1 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and;
- Key stage 2 tests in English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling, English Reading, Mathematics and;
- Key stage 3 English Reading.
However, this is subject to change depending on government policy. The tests required for modification will be specified in each call-off.
Suppliers will also be expected to provide:
- assessment reports evaluating suitability of test items including recommendations for modifications for future test development.
- amendments to the standard mark scheme guidance to enable consistent marking of the modified versions of the Live tests;
- braille proofing and quality assurance of Grade 1 and 2 UEB versions of the national curriculum tests;
- a specialist helpline service:
- to answer queries from schools and other users of modified tests;
- to facilitate on-demand orders of past test Braille materials and the replacements of reception baselines assessment resources
- to validate Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier
- to facilitate late Modified test orders for the incumbent Test Operations Supplier
The market engagement event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on 17 August 2026 between 2 – 4PM BST. To participate, potential bidders must register on Jaggaer (or access their existing account) and express an interest in ssq_830. Once an expression of interest has been submitted, further information will be provided, including joining instructions for the event. Suppliers will also have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the event and the subsequent procurement.
Jaggaer Registration Link: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html The Prior Information Notice (PIN) in relation to this pre-market engagement can be found at: Modified Test Framework 2027/2031 Market Engagement Event – Find a Tender
- From Dot, in Partnership with Vispero: Back to School Webinar: Using JAWS with Dot Pad X for Education, Monday 17 August at 5:00 PM
As a new academic year begins, join us for a practical webinar exploring how JAWS and Dot Pad X can help students and educators work more efficiently.
Hosted by Dave Williams from Dot Inc. with special guest Elizabeth Whitaker from Vispero, this live session will demonstrate how JAWS and Dot Pad X work together across a range of educational scenarios.
You’ll Learn How To:
- Navigate Microsoft Excel using JAWS and Dot Pad X.
- Use Split Braille to read course materials while completing assignments.
- Configure JAWS settings to improve productivity for students and teachers.
- Read books and educational resources from Bookshare.
The webinar includes approximately 40 minutes of demonstrations followed by a live Q&A.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, disability support professional or existing JAWS user looking to get more from Dot Pad X, we hope you’ll join us.
- From Adult Learning Lewisham: Enrolment For September 2026 Braille Course Now Open
Registration is now open for the autumn term Braille And Tactile Skills course, starting on 21September 2026.
Our Braille and Tactile Skills courses take place on Mondays between 10AM/12PM.
Terms are eleven weeks long and are held at our Brockley Rise centre in South East London:
2 Brockley Rise, SE23 1PRNo previous knowledge of Braille is required, course fees are means tested and many of our applicants receive free or discounted places depending on their income.
We are a friendly and supportive group, and all learners work at their own pace towards their individual goals. We have lots of great group discussions about various topics related to visual impairment and use things like tactile games to make learning fun and to foster new friendships and connections.
To register, please call: 0208 314 3300 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm to make an appointment for a pre-course assessment with supported learning, or you can email: [email protected]
- From Sertec: Braille Festival, thursday 5-Saturday 7 November, Portugal
Sertec is organizing a major event to bring civil society together around the braille system in its many forms.
We want to show how this unique system of reading and writing is the gateway that opens the world to all blind people, and how we all benefit from getting to know it better.
The event will last 3 days, with the first two days taking place exclusively online and the final day in person.
- Dates: November 5-7, 2026
- Location (November 7): Maria Amália Vaz de Carvalho Secondary School, Lisbon
Online Sessions
The online sessions will take place throughout the day, last 60 minutes each, and cover topics as diverse as early childhood, braille scripts, assistive technologies, and international research in the field of braille.
In-Person Day
A true day of celebration, featuring themed exhibits, an Assistive Technology Fair, workshops, board games, and sports. There will be a space for rest and refreshments, and we haven’t forgotten our four-legged friends. The day will conclude with a closing show.
Call for Participation
- Would you like to suggest a topic?
- Do you have expertise in a specific area that you’d like to share at the Festival?
- Would you like to perform in the closing show?
- Would you like to help out as a volunteer?
- Is your organization interested in having a booth or leading an activity?
Get in touch with us.
A dedicated website for the event will be launched shortly. Until then, those interested in participating can send an email to [email protected] expressing their interest to be added to the mailing list for festival updates.
July 25 marked one year since the Learning and Use of Braille was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Portugal. This important recognition, combined with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the invention of the braille system, makes this a particularly significant moment for holding the Braille Festival.
We will make every effort to bring together people from all walks of life for this event: users, teachers, businesspeople, cultural and sports leaders … We want to convey the idea that braille is for everyone, and that in an inclusive society, it brings people together, fosters growth, and helps eliminate prejudices and barriers.
Braille is magical, fun, and powerful … it cannot be confined to a niche in society.
We’re counting on you!
How can you reach us?
You can contact us by phone at 219435183 or 930553007.
Our email is [email protected]
The new Sertec is located at the top of Alameda Afonso Henriques, right behind the Fonte Luminosa fountain.
The nearest Metro station is Alameda, 400 meters away.
Buses: 208, 720, 730, 756, 793
Parking: There are a few parking spaces in front of the store, but you’ll find it easier to park on Alameda Afonso Henriques or on Rua Cristóvão Falcão if you’re coming from the Rotunda das Olaias. There’s also an EMEL parking lot next to the António Arroio School.
GPS: 38.737427 N, -9.128911 W
Rua Barão de Sabrosa, 165-B
1900-088 Lisbon
- Bristol Braille Technology Announces HID Braille Support in Canute 360
In an exclusive announcement to members of the Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP), Ed Rogers, Managing Director of Bristol Braille Technology, revealed plans to introduce support for the HID Braille protocol to the Canute 360 multi-line braille eReader. Amongst its many benefits, this will introduce support for the popular JAWS for Windows screen reader from Vispero.
The timeline for HID Braille implementation is currently being finalised, but it is expected to arrive by the end of 2026.
- From Judith Lung: DottedNotes — Bidirectional Braille ⇄ LilyPond/MusicXML Translator
(Built out of my own frustration transcribing orchestral scores)
Contact: [email protected]
I’m a blind composer, and for years my biggest bottleneck wasn’t writing the music — it was getting it out of braille and into something a publisher, ensemble, or sighted collaborator could actually use.
Transcribing an orchestral score from braille into LilyPond by hand could eat several days of work before I’d even gotten to the actual engraving and proofing. That grind is what pushed me to build DottedNotes.
It’s a free, bidirectional translator between:
- Braille music (.brf / .brl)
- LilyPond (.ly, which compiles straight to publication-quality .pdf and .midi)
- MusicXML (.musicxml / .mxl)
So you can go from a braille manuscript to a publisher-ready PDF and MIDI in one pass, or take a print/MusicXML score and export a proper braille edition — with BANA validation built in (standard or strict profile), configurable compression levels, and layout presets for solo piano, art song, chamber, orchestral, and lead sheet scores, since orchestral formatting has its own headaches that a generic converter won’t get right.
It’s also useful if you’re a sighted composer, engraver, or publisher who needs to move a score between these formats, or produce a braille edition without knowing braille music code yourself.
Free to use here: https://www.dottednotes.net/
I built this to solve my own problem, but I know braille music workflows vary a lot person to person, so I’d genuinely appreciate feedback from other blind musicians — especially anyone who’s dealt with the same orchestral-score transcription slog. Bug reports, edge cases in the braille code handling, feature requests all welcome.
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.
Everyone at the Braillists would sincerely like to thank our sponsors and partners.
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.