Author: Matthew Horspool

The “brilliant Berni Warren” and the “marvellous Melanie Pritchard” both appeared on a recent episode of the Blind Guys Chat podcast, discussing the Book Club and Braille for Beginners. Please do give it a listen.

The Braille eMotion is a multimedia 40-cell braille display designed to provide you with a seamless and intuitive reading experience. The device includes crisp, Clear Braille Cells, the ability to connect to multiple devices using Bluetooth and USB, screen Reader Support on multiple platforms and devices, intuitive Navigation: long-lasting Battery, compact and Portable, quality Text-to-Speech with multiple language support, a host of useful applications and much more.

Join us when our good friend Jenny Axler from Selvas Healthcare makes a very welcome return to help us unpack this truly outstanding device!

Please register here to attend this session.

We recently received the below email from STA, TendersTD and believe it is genuine. We will provide more information as and when we receive it.

Dear Suppliers,

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE) is looking to recruit Braille experts to quality assure modified Braille versions of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests to ensure that these are accurate, accessible and fit for purpose.

The national curriculum tests include the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, English reading (key stage 1 and key stage 2), English grammar, punctuation and spelling (key stage 1 and key stage 2), mathematics (key stage 1 and key stage 2).

The STA is looking to recruit experienced Braille experts for quality assuring the modified Braille versions of the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests. We are looking for individuals or organisations with excellent knowledge of contracted Braille (for key stage 2) and uncontracted Unified English Braille (for key stage 1) as well as experience of proofing complex Braille materials.

The successful Braille experts will:

• Have experience of proof-reading paper-based Braille materials;
• Have expertise in reviewing assessment materials;
• Be flexible and available to review materials in various locations as and when required in agreement with the relevant STA project team.

This is not a full time position and requires availability only during the proofing windows.

The indicative procurement timeline is provided in the table below. We shall be notifying those on our distribution list when the procurement goes live.

Date	Stage
15 April 2024	Invitation to Tender (ITT) issued
12 noon, 10 May 2024	Deadline for clarification questions
12 noon, 24 May 2024	Deadline for submission of tenders
28 June 2024	Award Notices issued to tenderers

If you are aware of any other Braille experts who may be interested in applying for this opportunity, please do alert them to this opportunity by forwarding this information to them.

Many thanks and best regards,
Rashida Akbar
Standards and Testing Agency
Department for Education
Cheylesmore House, 5 Quinton Road, Coventry CV1 2WT
Email: [email protected]
Please note my working hours are 8am – 4pm
Prefered method of contact: Email or phone (please do not message me via MS Teams as this is not very accessible for me)
Pronouns: she/her

The 39th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference took place from 18 to 22 March in Anaheim, California, hosted by the Centre on Disabilities, Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Northridge.

There were many exciting braille product announcements at the conference including the Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40, the eMotion from Hims and a new software update for HumanWare and APH braille displays. The latest prototypes of other braille products, including the much anticipated Optima from Access Mind, were also exhibited.

In this session, we will be joined by a panel of braille experts who attended the conference. They will help us unpack the announcements and share their thoughts on the products they saw.

If you are planning to attend any of the Sight Village exhibitions in the UK, this session will help you decide which products you might like to see for yourself.

Register for the Masterclass here.

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 880 0277 0620
• Passcode: 123456

Hims are thrilled to announce the launch of their latest innovation: the Braille eMotion 40-cell Braille Display! This groundbreaking product marks a new dimension in braille connectivity and innovation, revolutionizing how you interact with technology.

Go with that feeling and experience the power of the Braille eMotion!

Braille eMotion is a multimedia 40-cell braille display designed to provide you with a seamless and intuitive reading experience. With this device, you will enjoy these key features:

1. Crisp, Clear Braille Cells: Enjoy a smooth and responsive reading experience on our premium 40-cell braille display.
2. Versatility: Seamlessly connect to multiple devices simultaneously via 1 USB and 5 Bluetooth connections for enhanced accessibility and efficiency.
3. Screen Reader Support: Connect your favorite screen readers on multiple platforms and devices.
4. Intuitive Navigation: Effortlessly navigate through documents, websites, and applications with our user-friendly interface and ergonomic design.
5. Long-lasting Battery: Experience up to 20 hours of battery life per charge, ensuring uninterrupted usage throughout the day.
6. Compact and Portable: Designed for on-the-go accessibility, Braille eMotion is lightweight and compact, making it the perfect electronic Braille companion.
7. Quality Text-to-Speech (TTS): Choose from a wide selection of voices and many more languages than previous models for a personalized experience.
8. Standalone Notepad and Applications: Boost productivity with HIMS’ internal stand-alone applications, including Notepad, DAISY and Document Reader, Media Player, Calculator, Alarm, Stopwatch, Countdown Timer, and Voice Recorder.
9. Wi-Fi Connectivity: Upgrade Braille eMotion effortlessly with built-in Wi-Fi, offering additional power and versatility for future enhancements. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of USB or up to 5 simultaneous Bluetooth connections.
10. Plentiful and various storage options: Read and save documents, DAISY text and audiobooks, media, and voice recordings to the 45 GB of internal storage, the Micro SD card, or USB drive.

The all-in-one braille devices with integrated full-sized QWERTY keyboards set a new standard in convenience and affordability

Anaheim, California – March 19, 2024 – In a significant expansion of its industry-leading portfolio, Orbit Research today announced two groundbreaking additions to its line of braille products: the Orbit Reader Q40 and Orbit Reader Q20.  These innovative devices couple multi-function refreshable braille displays with QWERTY keyboards for input and are designed to enhance accessibility, convenience and independence for individuals who are blind.

The Orbit Reader Q40, following the trailblazing path of its predecessors, offers Orbit’s unparalleled signage-quality TrueBraille™ technology with 40 eight-dot refreshable braille cells. Both the Q40 and its counterpart, the Orbit Reader Q20 – featuring 20 braille cells – are designed for seamless standalone or connected use with computers and mobile devices. They enable users to read books, take notes, and manage daily tasks with built-in applications like a clock, calendar, and calculator.  The full-sized, high-quality, laptop-style QWERTY keyboard can be independently connected via Bluetooth or USB to a computer or mobile device and allows users the convenience of touch-typing while using braille for reading.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Q40 and Q20, the newest members of our Orbit Reader family.  Continuing in the tradition of the Orbit Reader 20, which brought groundbreaking quality, features and affordability to the braille display market, the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 now add the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard to the enhanced features and capabilities of the Orbit Reader 40,” said Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research. “We believe that everyone deserves technology that adapts to their life, not the other way around.  Our goal is to empower individuals to succeed in every aspect of their lives, which is why we’ve engineered the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 to be the most reliable and user-centric braille displays on the market. These devices are not just tools, but gateways to independence, education, and connection for our users.”

Common use cases for the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20 span a wide range, catering to students and professionals alike. For students, these devices are essential for accessing textbooks, taking notes in class, and managing academic schedules. In a professional setting, they enable efficient email correspondence, report writing, and participation in meetings with real-time notes and references. Designed for robustness, they are lightweight, compact, and dust and fluid-resistant, ensuring durability in everyday use.

The 78-key QWERTY keyboard includes the full complement of twelve function keys, arrow keys in the popular inverted “T” configuration, and keys for use with Windows and Mac computers.  To accommodate a full-size keyboard in a compact form-factor, a separate numeric keypad is not included.  Both models come with a USB C port for charging and connecting to computers and a USB A port for connecting flash drives containing files. They also have a full-size SD card slot and files can be copied between the flash drive and SD card. They can connect with up to 6 computers and mobile devices over Bluetooth and USB and are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and Talkback.  Both products work with Orbit Research’s unique Orbit Teacher and Orbit Chat systems for inclusive education and communication.

The Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40 will begin shipping in June 2024.  Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-reader-qwerty for more information and to pre-order.

HumanWare are delighted to introduce the latest enhancement for Brailliant BI X displays and Mantis Q40, aimed at simplifying operations and maximizing productivity by offering longer-lasting battery performance.

Terminal only mode

The latest firmware update caters to diverse preferences of braille display users. Some appreciate connecting to multiple devices and using onboard functionality through KeySoft Lite, while others simply need basic terminal functions to connect to a computer or mobile device.

Considering this feedback, we’re introducing a new feature to transform your Brailliant BI X or Mantis Q40 into a streamlined braille terminal mode.

This option removes onboard functions, simplifying connection via USB or Bluetooth to your preferred screen reader, catering to users seeking a straightforward experience. Reverting to full functionality is easy, allowing you to customize your experience.

Here are a few motivations for switching your braille display to the simplified Braille Terminal-only mode:

• Reducing complexity and distractions, particularly for students.
• Lack of use for onboard applications.
• Primarily using the braille display for computer or mobile device connectivity.

Click here to view the How to guide on enabling the terminal-only mode

Power configuration

Ensuring prolonged connectivity when needed, the latest update introduces a new Power Auto-Off feature, allowing efficient management of battery usage. Improving battery life is essential for devices like Brailliant and Mantis, providing more time for reading braille when necessary. For further details on preserving your battery, refer to the how-to guide – Adjusting Auto Power off.

New: Eole French Digital Library Service

Continuing our expansion of the Victor Reader Library service across Europe, we are excited to introduce Eole, one of the largest French-language digital libraries, providing our users with access to even more book content. Exclusive to the Brailliant BI X range, the app Victor Reader now incorporates Eole services via audio only.

Click here for the full release notes

How do I update my device?

When connected to Wi-Fi, the Brailliant BI X and MantisQ40 devices will see a notification that a system update is available. Simply press ENTER to acknowledge the notification and select OK to download the update. If the notification does not appear, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
2. (Brailliant devices) from the Main Menu, press Space with O to jump to the options menu.
   (Mantis device) press O.
3. Then press “s” for software update, followed by pressing Enter.
4. Press “C” to check for update and press Enter.

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback

This version includes enhancements, localization, and fixes that came directly from Brailliant BI X series and MantisQ40 users. We appreciate all those who write to us with suggestions or bug reports, which helps us to continue improving.

Enjoy the new update!

The complete and final Programme and Business Agenda for the ICEB 8th General Assembly has been posted to the website of the Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust. You can reach this page by going to https://www.banzat.org.nz/eighth-general-assembly-general-information.

Prior to the General Assembly, information will be posted about how interested observers may participate in the conference remotely.

Getting tactile diagrams at University is often not as easy as it should be. However, the Open University has an excellent reputation for accessibility, and has developed robust processes for students to request diagrams and for those diagrams to be designed and produced.

This session will be presented jointly by Jeff Bashton, former Visual Impairment Adviser at the Open University; and Andrew Whitehead, Graphics Media Developer within the OU’s Learner and Discovery Services. It will briefly outline what the Open University is, before explaining what gave rise to the tactile diagrams initiative and how it was developed.

Andrew will illustrate how diagrams are prioritised, and describe the tools and techniques he uses to design and produce them. We will learn how these techniques are applied to standard graphs and charts, as well as more complex images such as a cross-section of part of the brain!

If you are currently studying at University, or thinking of starting a University course soon, this session will serve as a case study of how Universities can provide effective support in this area. We will give details of DSA funding models at the end of the presentation.

If you are interested in tactile diagrams in general, this session will offer valuable insights into the tools and techniques available and the reasons for choosing them.

Register for the Masterclass here.

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 848 1473 4858
• Passcode: 123456

We are considering holding a Braille and Beer event in Blackpool after the Sight Village exhibition on Tuesday 9 April, but would like to have an idea of how many people might come before we arrange anything for definite.

The likely timings would be around 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. We usually find a quiet spot in a local pub to talk about braille over a drink and a bite to eat. Perhaps you’ve seen a braille device at the show that you found interesting, or perhaps you didn’t find what you wanted and you want to know where to go next.

If you would come to a Braille and Beer in Blackpool if we held one, please email [email protected] by 9:00 AM on Tuesday 2 April 2024. We need at least six expressions of interest for the event to be viable.