Braille Input and Output on Smartphones and Tablets, Wednesday 25 February at 7:30 PM

The Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP) is delighted to invite you to join Paul Porter for a Masterclass on how to use Braille input and output on smartphones and tablets.

In the first part of this interactive session, Paul will talk about the Braille input and output options on smartphones and tablets. The focus will mainly be on Apple products, but Android will also be discussed.

Paul will talk about using Braille on the touch screen as well as using external braille devices for input and output such as the Hable One, Orbit Writer, Brailliant devices and others that connect by Bluetooth.

In the second part of the session, Paul will open up a discussion with participants. Topics could include experience of setting up and using braille on devices, tips and hints to make the experience better and an opportunity to help new users experience the freedom that Braille brings to the arena of smart devices. We will also share some resources and further reading on the topic.

Paul Porter is a trustee of TAVIP and has been involved in technology for many years. He worked for 25 years in RNIB’s technical team providing information and support for individuals and organisations looking for advice on what products were available.

Paul says: “Technology has always played a major role in my life. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, there was little technology to help blind and partially sighted people. I remember buying my first book at RNIB in London and my family were amazed at the number of volumes. I used the Perkins, Talking Book player and cassette players extensively for school and university work.

“Looking back, my technology journey has been a long and fruitful one. Technology helps me in every part of my life from looking up information, choosing what to listen to, shopping and getting around, and I am excited to see where will tech take us next.”

Join the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/2222397064

Phone number: 0203 695 0088

Meeting ID: 2222 397 064

English Language Student Looking for Participants for a Dissertation on Braille

Emily Salmon is a visually impaired English Language student at the University of Birmingham and she is looking for some participants for her dissertation on Braille.

This will involve a call over Microsoft Teams where she will ask about the ways in which you read with Braille and other assistive technology, if your preferences for how you read differ for different types of reading tasks, your views on Braille and how available and accessible you think it is.

Please note that these teams calls will be audio recorded, but this data will remain anonymous and will not be made public.

To participate, you need to be a Braille user, be living in the UK and be between the ages of 25 and 40.

If you are interested, or have any questions, please email Emily.

Participant Call (Paid, Remote Interview): Research on Conversational AI and Tactile Braille Charts for Blind and Low-Vision People

Hi everyone!

I’m Tingying He, a researcher at the University of Utah. Our team is studying how to support blind and low-vision individuals in exploring data visualizations using 3D-printed tactile Braille charts and an AI chatbot (conversational AI). We’d really love to learn from your experience and perspective!

What you will do:

  • We will mail you a 3D-printed tactile Braille chart to explore during the interview.
  • You will join one Zoom interview. The session is fully remote and lasts about 1.5–2 hours.

Who we’re looking for (required):

  • At least 18 years old
  • Legally blind
  • Uses a screen reader
  • Reads Braille
  • Has a U.S. mailing address
  • Currently working or enrolled in school at least part-time

Compensation: $100 gift card

Timeline: Interviews will be scheduled before March 6, 2026

If you’re interested, please email me at [email protected].

I’m also happy to answer any questions. And if you know someone who might be a good fit, feel free to share this invitation. Thanks so much!

This study has been approved by the University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB), Protocol IRB_00180924.

The BrailleNote Evolve on Focal Point

Peter Greco of Vision Australia Radio writes:

interview with David Woodbridge from Humanware, Braille Note Evolve, almost here

I had the great pleasure of chatting to David Woodbridge from Humanware, #Mr.Technology with news about the Braille Note Evolve, coming very soon

go to the download audio link, David is 30 minutes in.

New Braille Enthusiasts Peer Connect Group from Blind Citizens Australia

Debbie Cooke has launched a new Peer Connect group from Blind Citizens Australia called “Braille Enthusiasts”.

Are you passionate about Braille or keen to build your skills? Our new Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group is a lively and supportive space for Braille users of all levels. Whether you’re a long-time user, brushing up your skills, or just starting out, this group is all about sharing tips and celebrating the power of Braille in everyday life.

It meets on Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month.

For more information, visit the Peer Connect Groups page of the Blind Citizens Australia website.

Braille Bar on Tuesday

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Masterclass for this month has been postponed by one week and will take place next Tuesday, 24 February.

This Tuesday, join us for our popular Braille Bar at 7:30 PM. No question is too small, from kit to code – just ask and our experts will assist you!

Register for the Braille Bar here

Or, to join by phone, use these details:

  • Phone number: 0131 460 1196
  • Meeting ID: 880 3508 8878
  • Passcode: 123456

VICTA Braille Writing Competition 2026, Deadline 29 May

  • Opening Date: Monday 2 February
  • Who: 5 to 17 years
  • Closing Date: Friday 29 May

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!

What are you waiting for?

Visit the VICTA website for more information