Category: Uncategorised

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.

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.

Dot, Inc. is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the latest firmware update for the Dot Pad X: Version (DPA320X) vA.0.2.6.

This update focuses on performance reliability, delivering improved battery optimization in low-battery conditions. This enhancement ensures the device maintains stability and performance even as power levels decrease.

Read more on the Dot blog

We are sorry to hear of the recent passing of Tom Maley, a former Braille Editor at RNIB and prolific reader of braille music.

Read his obituary on the Guardian website

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.

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.

From Blazie Technologies:

Our Facebook page no longer has that cryptic URL that was impossible to keep straight. It’s now easier to remember and easier to share with your friends. The new URL is www.facebook.com/blazietechnologies/

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

• 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

APH is excited to introduce the BRF to eBraille Converter!

 A new tool that helps bridge familiar braille workflows with the future of digital braille, the converter is one of the first practical ways many people will interact with eBraille. It takes an existing BRF file and converts it into an eBraille file that can be read, reviewed, and tested on eBraille capable devices and software. The converter analyzes spacing, indentation, page structure, and formatting patterns, then applies structure and markup so that the content can behave like a modern digital document while still respecting established braille rules. Read this article to learn more about the BRF to eBraille Converter.