Latest News
- 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
- From Blazie Technologies: Monthly Webinar, Wednesday 4 November at Midnight
Just a friendly reminder that our Blazie Technologies Monthly Webinar is happening Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time!
Join host David Goldfield as we discuss the latest from Blazie Technologies, share helpful information, and answer your questions.
Join the Webinar on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82499642645?pwd=js9M0hIzpbBl5QiqF421vZtaUcSNtj.1Whether you’re a longtime BT Speak or BT Braille user or simply interested in learning more about our technology, we’d love to have you join us! We look forward to seeing you!
- From Charlotte Bateman: Alfie and the Code Bakers is out!
My children’s book, Alfie and the Code Bakers, is officially out!
It’s been quite a journey, but it’s now available to buy in paperback on Amazon, and I’m really hoping people like it!
I’m donating all royalties earned from books sold during the first week to the Braillists Foundation and VICTA.
Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alfie-Code-Bakers-Charlotte-Bateman/dp/1065474008 I’m also hoping to arrange Braille and large print copies for anyone who requests them, although these might take a little longer as I’ll be organising them individually. The eBook should be out in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully an audiobook will follow eventually too!
- From the Sao Mai Center for the Blind: SM BungSang for macOS: Fixes and New Options
The latest version of our Braille music translation app fixes issues that prevented it from running on older macOS versions, as well as translation failures and crashes affecting some MusicXML scores.
This release also adds two new options:
- Combine consecutive hidden rests.
- Check whether text is marked as system text when applying translation rules defined in the music words dictionary XML file.
Get the update from the App Store, or download the DMG package from the SM BungSang’s main page.
- From Orbit Research: Firmware Version B0.xx.00.69r32 / B0.xx.00.69r53 is now available for the Orbit Reader 20
We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version B0.xx.00.69r32 / B0.xx.00.69r53 for the Orbit Reader 20.
The following are the new features and improvements:
- Resolved an issue where the Load Language menu option displayed only the default English language instead of also displaying the available language files. (Only apply if the first 4 digit of version are B0.00 or B0.01. Other variants have no such issue.)
- Added support for using the panning keys to navigate with Windows Narrator in HID Braille mode.
Notes:
Please note that if the device’s current firmware version is B0.xx.00.69r24 / B0.xx.00.69r36 or an earlier version, following points must be considered:
- The device settings will be reset to their defaults after the upgrade.
- If localization has been applied, you will also need to re-apply it after the upgrade using the package available on our website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/#LocalizationPackage
The firmware package can be downloaded from our website’s Support menu.
To identify the proper firmware package for your unit, you will need to check the version number of the firmware currently loaded on your unit. If your unit does not turn on or if you are not able to read the version number from your device, please contact our technical support team at [email protected].
To check the version number of your current firmware package please follow the following steps:
- Turn on your unit.
- Press the Select + Up key to open the menu.
- Scroll down to the item “Ver.” by pressing down the arrow key.
- It should display the firmware version number on your Braille display.
Check the first four digits of the version number and click on the respective link in the table on our website to download the appropriate firmware package. Once downloaded, you can install it using the SD card method or using the Windows utility program.
The firmware package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/orbit-reader-firmware-download/
The Localization package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/#LocalizationPackage For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader 20, please refer to Section 21 of the User Guide available on the website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/orbit-reader-20-user-guide-downloads/
- From Orbit Research: Firmware Version A1.xx.00.09r66 is now available for the Orbit Reader 20 Plus
We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version A1.xx.00.09r66 for the Orbit Reader 20 Plus.
The following are the new features and improvements:
- Added support for using the panning keys to navigate with Windows Narrator in HID Braille mode.
Notes:
Please note that if the device’s current firmware version is A1.xx.00.09r49 or an earlier version, following points must be considered:
- The device settings will be reset to their defaults after the upgrade.
- If localization has been applied, you will also need to re-apply it after the upgrade using the package available on our website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/#LocalizationPackage
The firmware package can be downloaded from our website’s Support menu.
To identify the proper firmware package for your unit, you will need to check the version number of the firmware currently loaded on your unit. If your unit does not turn on or if you are not able to read the version number from your device, please contact our technical support team at [email protected].
To check the version number of your current firmware package please follow the following steps:
- Turn on your unit.
- Press the Select + Up key to open the menu.
- Scroll down to the item “Ver.” by pressing down the arrow key.
- It should display the firmware version number on your Braille display.
Check the first four digits of the version number and click on the respective link in the table on our website to download the appropriate firmware package. Once downloaded, you can install it using the SD card method or using the Windows utility program.
The firmware package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/orbit-reader-20-plus-firmware-download/
The Localization package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/#LocalizationPackage For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader 20 Plus, please refer to Section 23 of the User Guide available on the website at http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/orbit-reader-20-plus-user-guide-downloads/
- From Orbit Research: Firmware Version B1.01.00.00r31 is now available for the Orbit Reader Q20/Q40
We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version vB1.01.00.00r31 for the Orbit Reader Q20/Q40.
Following are the new features and improvements:
- Added a new profile setting to the menu named “Profile 5”, with Hindi set as the default language. Users can set any available language in this profile.
Users can type in Hindi Braille using the “S D F J K L” as Braille input keys when Braille input mode is enabled in the menu.
Important notes:
- Support for all screen readers via USB is provided natively via the HID-Braille protocol. This will make sure a smooth connection with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack over USB. Note: the minimum version of JAWS required to properly support the Orbit Reader Q family of displays over USB is JAWS 2026.
- The HID-Orbit protocol, while still available, should only be used for special compatibility situations.
- Support for JAWS over Bluetooth is available using the legacy Orbit Reader 40 driver. This means that some JAWS Braille functionality will only be available over USB.
The firmware package link is available here: https://www.orbitresearch.com/orbit-reader-q40-firmware-download/ For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader Q20/Q40 firmware, please refer to Section 26 of the User Guide, which you can download from here: https://www.orbitresearch.com/orbit-reader-q40-user-guide-downloads/
- From NLS: Now available, version 3.1 of the NLS HumanWare eReader software
Version 3.1 of the HumanWare software is now available. It includes the following new features:
- You can search and browse the NLS music collection on BARD.
- The default search language is English, and you can change the default language in Settings.
- If you are a student who uses Bookshare, you can access Assigned Titles.
- LibLouis braille tables have been updated.
- Braille tables for a variety of languages have been added, along with learning tables to help students learn braille.
- A variety of bugs have been fixed.
New BARD Search and Browse Options
A new option called Music has been added to the NLS BARD menu. When you select it, you will find the same options for Music that you have for books, including Search Music, Advanced Search for Music, Recently Added Music, Most Popular Music, and Browse Music Categories.
All magazine options have been combined into a Magazines category, which is on the NLS BARD menu just below Browse Book Categories.
You can now specify a default language to use when searching BARD. English is the default, so you don’t need to do anything if you want your searches to show only English results. To change the setting:
- On the main menu, press S or the Down thumb key until you reach Settings, and press Enter.
- Press Enter on the first choice, which is User Settings.
- Type N or press the Down thumb key until you reach NLS BARD Settings, and press Enter.
- Press the Down thumb key until you reach Search Language, and press Enter.
- Select your desired language, and press Enter. The display says, “search language” followed by your chosen language.
If you want to search in a different language for a particular search, the Language option in Advanced Search is still available and works as it did before.
Assigned Titles in Bookshare
If you are a student and books have been assigned to you in Bookshare, you can now access those assignments. Choose the Assigned Titles option on the Bookshare menu, which is just below Reading List.
New Braille Languages and Learning Tables
LibLouis translation tables have been updated. In addition, a wide variety of braille language tables have been added. Note that these tables will change how text files are displayed; they won’t change the menu prompts or how braille files are displayed. To select a language:
- On the main menu, type S or press the Down thumb key until you reach Settings, and press Enter.
- Select Braille Profile, and press Enter.
- Choose the braille grade whose language table you want to change, and press Enter. Note that the available languages are different for computer braille, uncontracted braille, and contracted braille.
- Use the thumb keys and/or first letter navigation to move to the language you want. Search for the English name of the language, such as German rather than Deutsch. Press Enter on the desired language.
- Use the thumb keys or first letter navigation to move to the language table you want, and press Enter. In this menu, languages are named in their native language, such as Deutsch rather than German.
- Change the language of other braille grades if desired.
- Type S or move to Save configuration and press Enter to save your changes.
One option in the contracted braille list is English Braille Learning. This opens a list of braille tables designed to work with various braille curricula, such as Braille Easy Steps and Fingerprints. When you select a learning table, only the contractions students have learned by the time they reach that lesson are displayed. If you are using one of these curricula, you can change the learning table you use as you learn more contractions.
External Drive Improvements
If you connect a cartridge, flash drive, or SD card containing an older version of the eReader software than the version on the machine, your eReader will ignore it instead of asking if you want to roll back.
AutoCopy should work well whether you use a library cartridge or a drive named U-S-LOC.
Miscellaneous Bug Fixes
A variety of bugs have been fixed.
Instructions for Installing Version 3.1 of the NLS HumanWare eReader Software
There are two ways to obtain the update. It can be uploaded manually or by using Wi-Fi.
The Wi-Fi Method:
In order to use this method, your eReader needs to be connected to Wi-Fi and connected to an AC outlet, or the battery level must be at least 50 percent. Once the unit is on and connected to Wi-Fi, it will automatically check for an update. When an update is available, a message will appear on the braille display that says, “Update available.” If you wish to download it, arrow down to the OK button and press Enter. If not, arrow to the Cancel button and press Enter. If you choose the OK button, a message will appear that states, “Downloading.” If you choose Cancel, the unit will automatically check again in 24 hours.
Once the update has downloaded, a message will appear on the display that says, “Install update now?” You can choose OK or Cancel. If you choose OK, the unit will complete the update process automatically.
The unit will shut down and then restart. The first message on the display says “Updating.” Next, the braille display slowly fills with braille cells. When the cells completely fill the display and the display shuts down again, the update is complete. You may now turn on the unit as normal.
You may also check for a download at any time when connected to Wi-Fi:
Go to Settings, then Software Update. Click on “Check for Updates.” If an update is available, a message saying so will be displayed. If there is no new update, the message will state, “No update available.”
The Manual Method:
You may also install the update manually. The eReader must be plugged into an AC outlet, or the battery level must be at least 50 percent. Request the update file on a cartridge from your network library. Note that NLSDownload/Tech Support cannot provide a cartridge containing the software. Plug the cartridge into the eReader. After a few seconds, the unit will display a message indicating that the drive has been inserted. Next, the unit will display a message that says, “Install update now?” Arrow to the OK button or the Cancel button and press Enter. If you choose OK, the update will happen automatically.
When the update begins, the unit shuts down and restarts. After a short message, full braille cells slowly fill the display. When the cells have completely filled the display, the unit shuts down. This is the indication that the update is complete. At this point, you may turn the unit back on, go to settings, about, and confirm that you are running the latest version of the software.
- From Chris at Blazie Technologies: Update Patch
I just published a patch release that addresses a number of issues in the October release. The changes are listed below. Note that the version (1.34) remains the same but the date/build number should reflect today’s date.
BT Mail is more reliable when setting up accounts and reading messages and newsletters. Links are announced and opened more reliably, and deleted messages now reach the Trash folder on servers where they previously bypassed it. Outgoing messages preserve line breaks and signature formatting. Gmail messages sent offline now wait in the Outbox for sending later. Security fixes prevent malicious links in messages or attachments from running hidden commands.
When composing a message, you can choose Plain text or Markdown and manage attached files through a single Attachments item. Replies and forwards open in the message body, ready for writing. S with Dot 8 sends your message from any field, including the body.
Terminal Mode has several improvements to Bluetooth audio. Siri no longer tries to use the connected BT Speak or BT Braille as a microphone. Problems with devices failing to reconnect after Terminal Mode is turned off and back on have also been addressed.
In the Editor, text files edited in Grade 2 Braille now remember their grade when reopened. The input grade is announced when opening or switching between text files. Spelling the current word and following web links also work more reliably. The Quick Text Note and Quick Braille Note entries have moved higher in the Editor menu, just below the other file-related commands.
The Talking Shell gives more reliable feedback when moving through the command line by character or word. Review mode has improved speech and Braille support, and games run more reliably. F10 on a QWERTY keyboard now works within shell programs, allowing you to open their menus or exit, as appropriate.
In Desktop Mode, Direct Braille Input now supports typing in Grade 2 Braille in the Desktop shell.
Wi-Fi supports more network types and reports connection status more clearly.
The context menu in BARD now works for downloaded publications.
Long podcast URLs can now be pasted into the Podcasts app. Text-entry fields accept up to 1,024 characters.
The Dictionary now supports lookups containing more than one word, such as ice cream.
Morse Play has more responsive tones and improved stability in listen mode.
Removing a USB drive no longer leaves an empty drive entry behind.
On BT Braille, changing the neural reading voice takes effect immediately. There are also improvements to voice selection, narration, battery charging and reporting.
- From Chile, Musica y Braille: New free app for braille music: BrailleScore
Hello everyone,
I’d like to share something we have just launched at Fundación Chile, Música y Braille, a nonprofit in Chile: BrailleScore, a free app for blind and visually impaired people to read, write and share music in braille.
- Converts MusicXML into braille music and back.
- Works with screen readers and braille displays.
- Includes a library of more than 100,000 scores.
- Free for blind and low-vision people.
Launch video: https://youtu.be/gxbIHoEN-Rg
Website: https://braillescore.com
Tip: the first time, the app opens in Spanish. Open the menu “Voz y lectura” › “Idioma”, choose English and press “Guardar”; it remembers your choice.
Any feedback is very welcome. Pablo, Fundación Chile, Música y Braille
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.
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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.