Every so often, you’ll encounter a BRF file, with some vague footnotes about how you can use it to emboss your own hard copy of a document. But how do you actually do this?
In this session, Matthew Horspool will take us through the process step-by-step.
He will start by answering some common questions including:
What is a BRF file anyway?
How do I know what size paper I need?
I don’t have the right size of paper: can I still emboss the file?
Do I need special software to emboss a BRF file?
Do I need to do anything special on my embosser before I emboss the file?
I already have braille translation software installed. Why would I choose to emboss a BRF file?
He will then take us on a tour of a free program from Index Braille called IbPrint, which is designed specifically for embossing BRF files. He will explain why it is useful, show us where to download it, talk us through its settings, and demonstrate how it can be used to emboss BRF files on any embosser, even if it’s not made by Index!
Please note: you do not need to be a computer programmer in order to follow this session! However, some knowledge of how to change the settings on your embosser, a methodical mindset, and a willingness to experiment will all be an advantage.
From the Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union:
Hello Braille readers,
The Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union invites you to the second round table on using your Braille display like a pro. We’ll meet via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 17:00 UTC (18:00 CET).
After our highly successful introduction, where we untangled the web of possible connections between Braille displays and various devices, we now turn to actually reading and consuming, information on your Braille display.
The topics will include:
What if the characters I see on my Braille display are not what I expect? Do I need to learn another Braille code, or is it simply the matter of adjusting the settings??
What are all of these abbreviations taking up precious space on my Braille display? How can I customize them and reclaim some valuable display real estate?
Is there a way to improve my reading speed? How can I become more efficient, especially when reading aloud?
This time, each of our panelists will present a few practical ideas, and then open up the floor for your comments, questions and suggestions.
If you registered for our first session in January, you should have received the Zoom link in the mail. If you did not, please let us know. For everyone else, we kindly request that you register for the table talk here:
https://forms.gle/nypYM2ZVZNNtEYmN8
So come join us for our second expert table talk—and take your Braille display skill to the next level!
Learning braille can open up a whole world of opportunities, information and pleasure – it’s all about access. However, before you start the business of learning the intricacies of all those dots it helps to refine gross and fine motor skills as well as being able to use a light touch. These don’t just happen of their own accord or overnight, especially if you are learning braille because of sight loss – as a teenager, say. This session will give ideas linked to foundational braille (pre braille) and how to make learning these skills fun and incidental.
We welcome questions in advance but there will also be the opportunity to ask questions throughout, via the ‘Chat’ function of Teams.
Bookings will close on Friday 27 February and the Teams Link will be sent to delegates on Monday 2 March.
Since 1997, the CNIB has organised a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Put the power of literacy at your fingertips!
VICTA have encouraged UK participants to get involved with this exciting competition for the past 3 years and we are delighted to share this with you once again.
Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you’ve written for school this year to be in our prize draw for Amazon vouchers, there is a £75 and a £25 voucher up for grabs! Each piece of writing is an entry into the prize draw – the more you write, the more chances you have!
APH is excited to introduce the BRF to eBraille Converter!
A new tool that helps bridge familiar braille workflows with the future of digital braille, the converter is one of the first practical ways many people will interact with eBraille. It takes an existing BRF file and converts it into an eBraille file that can be read, reviewed, and tested on eBraille capable devices and software. The converter analyzes spacing, indentation, page structure, and formatting patterns, then applies structure and markup so that the content can behave like a modern digital document while still respecting established braille rules. Read this article to learn more about the BRF to eBraille Converter.
Amongst the many enhancements in firmware 1.6 for the Victor Reader Stream 3 is “Experimental eBraille file support”. This complements its existing support for BRF. Files will be back-translated and read aloud in a synthetic voice.
ICEB is delighted to announce its 2026 mid-term Executive Committee meeting, which will take place from Monday 10th to Thursday 13th August. All meetings will be held at Perkins School for the Blind.
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.