Firmware Version vB0.00.00.01r11 is now available for the Orbit Writer

Orbit Research is pleased to announce the release of firmware version vB0.00.00.01r11 for the Orbit Writer.

Following are the new features and improvements.

  1. Added three new vibration intensity levels, increasing the total from three to six vibration intensity levels.

The firmware package is available here.

For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Writer, please refer to Section15 of the User Guide available on the website.

Announcing NLS Braille eReader software update

NLS has released an update to the software used by the HumanWare NLS Braille eReader. Patrons can download and install the software, called EBH version 3.0.1_Build 3486, upon connecting to Wi-Fi. (No update is required for patrons using the Zoomax model of the NLS Braille eReader.)

This software update addresses a bug in EBH software version 3.0 that prevented patrons from logging into BARD or downloading BARD books due to expired tokens. It improves the HumanWare NLS Braille eReader’s handling of BARD Login token expirations and ensures that tokens are not malformed due to concurrent access.

If your HumanWare eReader is not connected to the Internet, you do not need to install this software update.

Paige is now on the App Store

The Paige App for learning braille is now live on the App Store, and it’s free to download!

It’s the easiest way to learn Unified English Braille on your iPhone or iPad. 13 chapters take you from the alphabet to Grade 2 contractions, with mini-games, a built-in translator, and a complete braille reference library.

Here’s why people are loving it:

  • Learn by doing: each level shows braille dot patterns and asks you to identify the meaning. You build real reading fluency, not just memorisation.
  • Three games to keep it fun: daily braille Wordle, Dot Builder, and Streak Run make practice something you actually look forward to.
  • Translate anything: type text and see it in UEB Grade 1 or 2. Tap any contraction to learn how it works.
  • Fully accessible: VoiceOver support throughout, external braille keyboard support, configurable haptic and audio feedback.

Whether you teach braille, learn braille, or support someone who does, this app was made for you.

Download on the App Store

Full Cell Braille Suite Now Available on the Microsoft Store

Level Up Your Braille Skills Through Play! The Full Cell Braille Suite has now reached a milestone: a complete, 12-module training curriculum. Full Cell Braille, inc. has doubled their content to provide an even more robust foundation for aspiring transcribers. This suite is a dedicated tool designed to build the deep, six-key muscle memory required for a stable, successful vocational future. From basic alphabetic defense to deep-sea shortform word navigation, learning through play has never been more fun and comprehensive.

Cost: $9.99 USD

Note: A physical keyboard is required for play! This prevents any frustrated parents or students from downloading it on a tablet without a keyboard and leaving a 1-star review.

Go to the Microsoft Store page

Blazie Technologies March Webinar, Wednesday 4 March at Midnight

At Blazie Technologies, March is an exciting month for us. We began shipping the BT Speak in March of 2024. In honor of the BT Speak’s second anniversary, we wanted to make March an exciting month for our customers, as well, which is why the next BT Speak update will be free for everyone as our anniversary gift to you. Join us for our next webinar when we lift the lid to tell you about what you can expect in the upcoming update, as well as exciting updates regarding BT Braille.

Join the meeting

Meeting ID: 895 0144 1332

Passcode: 306544

Add to calendar

Foundational Braille (pre-Braille) Skills, Wednesday 4 March, 3:30 PM-5:00 PM

A FREE online webinar via Teams.

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.

Find out more and register

Tech it Out With Vista: From Insight to Action: Establishing Accessibility Through the Dot Pad X, Friday 6 March at 6:00 PM

Speakers:

Timothy Hornik, LMSW CATIS, Sales Development Manager

About Dot Inc.:

The Dot Pad X is a versatile and portable display that offers seamless access to multiline Braille, images, and diagrams. It features a powerful 300-cell tactile graphics display and a 20-cell Braille display, allowing users to explore shapes, maps, and text with unprecedented detail and clarity.

About Tech it Out:

Join us to hear from industry experts on the latest in accessibility tech, AI, and inclusive design. Explore innovative tools and trends shaping a more accessible future for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This fully remote event on Zoom offers the chance to engage with thought leaders and gain valuable insights.

About Vista Center:

Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live independently and confidently. Through personalized evaluation, expert counselling, specialized education, and hands-on training, we equip our clients with the skills and resources they need to navigate daily life, achieve their goals, and fully participate in their communities.

About Sight Tech Global:

The first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers about how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility.

Register Here

Want to see past talks? Visit our Youtube Channel!

Save the date! Sixth Annual Braille Literacy Canada virtual Symposium! Friday 22 May at 6:00 PM

Six Dots, No Limits – Six points sans limites

Wherever you are located, the international braille community is strong. As we look ahead into the bright future of braille literacy, there is much to celebrate and share.

Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) will be holding its sixth annual virtual braille symposium, Six Dots, No Limits – Six points sans limites on Friday May 22, 2026 from 1 – 5 PM Eastern (10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, 12pm Saskatchewan/Central, 2pm Atlantic, 2:30pm NFLD). This event will be of interest to braille readers, educators, transcribers, parents and anyone else who is passionate about braille literacy!

A host of exciting and world-renowned speakers will give half hour presentations (beginning at the start of each hour) followed by time for Q&A and discussion, with exciting door prizes sprinkled throughout the day!

Last year, this international event brought together braille enthusiasts from around the world, and a line up of exceptional speakers: check out the recordings here: Braille Symposium 2025

The symposium will be free of charge to members and $20 for non-members. Interested in becoming a BLC member? Annual membership is $20 and open to those who live in Canada. Write to us to learn more! [email protected]

More details on registration and schedule coming soon – Mark the date in your calendars! This will be an event you will not want to miss.

Your Braille Literacy Canada team