Latest News
- Braille Screen Input: What’s New in iOS and iPad OS 18? Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Braille Screen Input has been overhauled!
iOS and iPad OS 18, due for release on Monday 16 September, include the biggest refresh of Braille Screen Input since the feature was first introduced in iOS 8. Although you can, for the most part, still use Braille Screen Input as you always have done, the new functionality in Apple’s latest flagship operating systems is a source of much excitement throughout the blind community and will almost certainly take your Braille Screen Input experience to the next level.
Join us on Tuesday 17 September at 7:30 PM UK time, as Matthew Horspool talks us through:
- The devices supported by iOS and iPad OS 18
- New ways to enter and exit Braille Screen Input
- New sounds and haptics
- Braille entry improvements
- Using Braille Screen Input to control and navigate your iPhone or iPad
We welcome your questions during the session and we will make sure we allow plenty of time to answer them!
Register for the Masterclass here.
To join by phone, please use these details:
- Phone number: 0131 460 1196
- Meeting ID: 896 5162 5988
- Passcode: 123456
- Braille Course Registration Now Open at Adult Learning Lewisham
Registration is now open for the autumn term for Braille And Tactile Skills courses at Adult Learning Lewisham, starting on 16 September 2024.
They say: Our Braille and Tactile Skills courses take place on Mondays either between 10AM/12:30PM or 1Pm/3:30PM. Terms are eleven weeks long and are held at our Brockley Rise centre in South East London: 2 Brockley Rise, SE23 1PR. No previous knowledge of Braille is required and many of our applicants receive free or discounted places depending on their financial situations and the benefits that they may be receiving. 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: 02083143300 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]
- Freelance Braille Transcription Work from Codex Global
Codex Global have asked us to share the following opportunity. For further information, please email Carlos Silva, Senior Talent Manager – Team Lead, on [email protected] copying [email protected] or call 0207 647 9540.
My name is Carlos and I’m part of the Talent Management team here at Codex Global, an Language Service Provider based in London.
One of our clients has enquired about Braille transcription and I’m reaching out to inquire about your availability and interest in collaborating with us on these projects.
Specifically, we are seeking:
- Experienced Braille Transcribers: Proficiency in accurately transcribing English (UK) content into Braille (Grade 1 and Grade 2)
- Printing and Delivery: Ability to print Braille transcriptions on clear paper (without company logos or letterheads) and send them directly to specified addresses
- Attention to Detail: Commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality transcriptions
- Professionalism: Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive, client-specific documents (signing of an NDA will be required)
Project Details:
- Frequency: Ad hoc (2-10 projects per year)
- Volume: Typically, between 500-2,500 words per project
- Budget: £15 per page
Could you let me know if a collaboration would be possible and share any information from your side that would be pertinent.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to share more details.
- Bristol Braille Event: Tactile Maps And Astronomy On The Canute Console, Saturday 14 September, Midday
THE BRISTOL BRAILLE INNOVATION CENTRE, G11, 37 Philip St, Bristol, BS3 4EA, UK
Inviting all Braille users who are interested in 2 dimensional electronic Braille on the Canute Console.
Next event 12 – 03 pm on Saturday 14th September: Roger Firman has been using a Canute for some years. In his short presentation, Roger will discuss the importance and relevance of tactile maps for vision impaired people, and talk about an evolving project using the Canute Console in astronomy and other possible applications.
There will also be plenty of opportunity for each delegate to have hands-on experience with the Canute Console.
By prior arrangement some travel expenses may be covered by Bristol Braille Technology.
Nearest train station is Bristol Temple Medes.
To inquire or sign up: email [email protected]
Agenda:
Arrive 12 pm for coffee.
Chance for those who have not seen the Canute Console to have a touch tour of the machine, so it is clearer what we will be discussing. There will be 3 Canute Consoles set up, and 3 of us can demonstrate them.12:15 – Ed will give a demonstration of some maps and explain some of the possibilities for the future.
12:30 – Roger will discuss the importance and relevance of tactile maps for visually impaired people and talk about an evolving project using the Canute Console in astronomy and other possible applications.
Lunch.
Rest of session: All will participate in discussing the points raised by the presentations. We are keen to hear your thoughts on tactile maps—what aspects you like, what works and what doesn’t, and why.
There will be an opportunity for people to try out the Canute Console for themselves and understand its potential.
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.