Author: Matthew Horspool

The International Council on English Braille Announces the Third Edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille

For Immediate Release

09 December, 2024 –the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) is delighted to announce the completion of the third edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille, superseding the second edition published in 2013.

This edition introduces several new features including:

  • a comprehensive index of all rules;
  • use of Unicode braille patterns for all examples; and
  • the addition of many more cross references.

All changes to the UEB code since 2013 have been incorporated into this new edition. In particular:

  • the rules and terminology for quotation marks and apostrophes have been rewritten to facilitate more accurate automated translation;
  • medial capitals are now permitted around shortforms, e.g. DeafBlind, QuickTime, and LetterWriter;
  • new symbols have been added for the checkmark (tick) and German sharp s (eszett);
  • a clarification that the contraction for ‘th’ should be used in the name Beethoven has been added;
  • a word followed by the line indicator may now be brailled in contracted form;
  • the line indicator may now be used to indicate a column break in a table; and
  • a small number of words have been added to the Shortforms List.

Matthew Horspool, Code Maintenance Officer, said: “The completion of this edition of the Rulebook would not have been possible without the hard work of innumerable individuals, many of whom contributed their time voluntarily. I wish to thank them for making this significant milestone possible. I am confident that it will serve us well for many years to come.”

Judy Dixon, President, said: “The importance of a consistent, rational braille code cannot be overstated. UEB’s reach is now extending to countries whose primary language is not English but where English is widely used. Several such countries have expressed interest in joining ICEB and we welcome their participation as we enter the next phase of UEB development.”

The Rules of Unified English Braille, Third Edition is available for download in print (PDF) and braille (BRF) from www.iceb.org and is made available under the Creative Commons license.

Contact

Judy Dixon, President

[email protected]

Notes

The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) was formed in 1991 and provides a forum for international cooperation among those countries that use English-language braille by assisting countries to establish standard-setting bodies in relation to braille codes and practices; working towards the development and adoption of international minimum standards for the production and teaching of braille; and facilitating the exchange of braille materials between member countries. Its members currently include braille authorities from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Nepal, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To learn more about ICEB, visit www.iceb.org or write to [email protected].

The Rules of Unified English Braille is the definitive source of rules for the Unified English Braille code (UEB), which is maintained by ICEB and adopted by braille authorities throughout the English-speaking world.

Invitation to Participate in the 200th Anniversary initiative “Braille 200”

From: European Blind Union – Working Group on Braille.

To: blind and sighted braille users all over Europe

Dear Friends,

In 1825, a 16-year-old blind boy named Louis Braille, at his school in Paris, invented the braille code for tactile reading. This invention has since spread enhancing literacy, education and employment of millions of blind people around the world. In 2025, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of our beloved braille code.

The European Blind Union, through its Braille working group, is launching a project to involve Braille users by sharing creative experiences. We are delighted to invite you to join our celebration. Our goal is to collect contributions inspired by braille from both blind and sighted users all over Europe.

We encourage individuals, groups, or organizations to create artistic or personal pieces, such as videos, podcasts about braille, texts, photos, graphics, or drawings in braille, based on braille signs or shapes. You might also come up with other creative ideas. Here are some ideas:

  • Reading braille texts as audio or video.
  • Original texts with testimonials, fictional stories, or poems related to braille code, submitted as text or recorded readings.
  • Art projects involving braille, such as people standing with umbrellas to form braille characters, filmed or photographed from above.
  • Reports from beginner braille courses.
  • Works of art, such as graphics or pictures made of braille characters, which are visually interesting. A monthly calendar for 2026 will feature 12 outstanding graphics, for which a separate invitation will be sent.
  • Songs, sketches, radio plays, etc. related to braille.
  • Games, learning methods, software and materials on braille.
  • Advice for other braille users.
  • And any other creative ideas you come up with.

We hope to receive 365 contributions, one for each day of 2025. Every month, the EBU will award a prize of €100 to the best contribution of the month. All pieces will be published on our European Braille forum: https://www.livingbraille.eu/topic/braille200/, and will be shared through various channels such as email newsletters and social media.

We are eagerly looking forward to receiving your fantastic and original pieces. Please send your contributions, questions, or remarks via email to: [email protected].

Requirements for your contributions:

  1. Send us one or more files of your contribution. Or if you have already published it yourself, send a link to the public resource.
  2. If you know a good sample created by someone else, please advise us and send a link to this and contact details for the person.
  3. Include your full name, country, age, and whether you are blind or sighted.
  4. Young persons under 18 should include a declaration from their parents agreeing to the publication.
  5. Provide a text of up to 1,000 characters in English, explaining the content of your sample.
  6. If submitting text only, please include a full translation in English if possible.
  7. Photos and videos should be in landscape format.
  8. Include a short description of what can be seen in any photos or videos.
  9. Along with this text send us also your agreement as follows: By sending this contribution to European Blind Union Braille 200 initiative, I hereby agree on granting full copyright ownership to EBU.

By submitting your original work to this EBU initiative:

  • Authors shall assign automatically to EBU worldwide all rights including copyright, and EBU may assign or license these rights.
  • Authors shall allow EBU to use their name and their works in publicity and for information purposes as EBU may require.
  • As copyright holder, EBU may give permission to the authors and to their national members to make use of the works as they deem fit.
  • Authors shall provide EBU with their photographs and shall entitle EBU to reproduce, adapt, edit and publish their photographs on any media, including web and print.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, involvement, and commitment.

Best regards,
Braille Working Group of European Blind Union

Braille And Tactile Skills courses at Adult Learning Lewisham

Registration is now open for the spring term for the Braille And Tactile Skills courses offered by Adult Learning Lewisham, starting on 13 January 2025.

They take place on Mondays either between 10AM/12:30PM or 1Pm/3:30PM.

Terms are eleven weeks long and are held at the Brockley Rise centre in South East London:
2 Brockley Rise, SE23 1PR

No previous knowledge of Braille is required and many applicants receive free or discounted places depending on their income.

They are a friendly and supportive group, and all learners work at their own pace towards their individual goals. They 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: 0208 314 3300
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]

UK’s First World Braille Day Conference to Be Held in Worcester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester, UK – [20 December 2024]

In a groundbreaking celebration of braille literacy and innovation, the UK’s first-ever face to face World Braille Day Conference will take place at New College Worcester (NCW) on Saturday, 4th January 2025. This landmark event, hosted by the Braillists Foundation, promises a hands-on experience like no other, bringing together history, technology, and the power of tactile literacy.

The conference will welcome approximately 80 visitors, offering them the unique opportunity to explore an extensive range of braille artefacts, from historical items and alternative tactile reading systems to the latest advancements in braille technology. The event is set to inspire attendees by showcasing how braille continues to evolve as a critical tool for education, communication, and inclusion.

Dave Williams, Chair of the Braillists Foundation said: “We’re thrilled to bring the UK’s first World Braille Day Conference to Worcester. This event is a fantastic opportunity to honour braille’s incredible legacy while exploring its exciting future as a tool for independence and empowerment. Whether labelling household items, playing board games with family and friends, or reading a bedtime story with your children, braille remains the most effective way for blind people to read by touch for ourselves. The World Braille Day Conference is a rare opportunity to meet face to face and celebrate and spread the power of tactile literacy to enhance learning and employment for blind people.”

Event Highlights:

  • Historical Artefacts: Rare and fascinating examples of braille and other tactile reading systems from the past.
  • Modern Innovations: Cutting-edge technology in braille displays, notetakers, and accessible devices.
  • Interactive Sessions: Hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to experience braille in all its forms.

The conference, coinciding with World Braille Day, recognised by the United Nations, honours the legacy of Louis Braille and underscores the importance of braille as a means of empowerment for blind and partially sighted individuals worldwide. World Braille Day is also an opportunity to call on all organisations to make sure published information is fully accessible and inclusive for everyone with a print impairment.

The Braillists Foundation, a leading UK charity dedicated to promoting braille literacy and innovation, is proud to host this event. For more information about their work, visit www.braillists.org.

The event will be held at the renowned New College Worcester, a national residential school and college for young people aged 11-19 who are blind or vision impaired. More details about the venue can be found at www.ncw.co.uk.

Registration Details:

Spaces are limited and the event is now fully booked.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:

Dave Williams, Chair, Braillists Foundation,

[email protected],

07890396117.

About the Braillists Foundation:

The Braillists Foundation is a UK charity committed to promoting braille literacy and supporting individuals who use or want to learn braille. Through events, workshops, and advocacy, the foundation works to ensure braille remains a vital, accessible tool in the 21st century.

About New College Worcester:

New College Worcester is a national centre of excellence for blind and vision-impaired students. Located in Worcester, the college provides specialist education, training, and support to help young people achieve their full potential.

Games Galore: Braille and Tactile Games for All the Family, Tuesday at 7:30 PM

You’re invited to pull up a chair at the Braillists’ Christmas party, where a friendly cast of characters will be talking about the games they play after Christmas dinner.

Card games, board games, dice games and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss where to buy specially adapted games and how to adapt your own.

And because it’s Christmas, the whole cast will be in the same room!

We want to hear your ideas too, so grab a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine and celebrate Christmas with us.

Register for Games Galore here.

To join by phone, please use these details:

  • Phone number: 0131 460 1196
  • Meeting ID: 828 4625 8343
  • Passcode: 123456

Introduction to Brailliant BI X series and Mantis Q40 version 2.4, Session 1, Tuesday at 3:00 PM GMT

Join Peter Tucic and Andrew Flatres for HumanWare’s introduction to version 2.4 webinar, introducing the new 2.4 version for Brailliant BI X series and Mantis Q40. Find out how to connect your braille displays with audio devices, search for words on Wikipedia and much more.

Register for the 3:00 PM GMT HumanWare Webinar

N.B. HumanWare are offering two live sessions. You may register for whichever is most convenient for you.

Introduction to Brailliant BI X series and Mantis Q40 version 2.4, Session 2, Tuesday at 9:00 PM EST

Join Peter Tucic and Andrew Flatres for HumanWare’s introduction to version 2.4 webinar, introducing the new 2.4 version for Brailliant BI X series and Mantis Q40. Find out how to connect your braille displays with audio devices, search for words on Wikipedia and much more.

Register for the 9:00 PM EST HumanWare Webinar

N.B. HumanWare are offering two live sessions. You may register for whichever is most convenient for you.