News

Greetings from Orbit Research!

We are pleased to announce the availability of a new software update, version 1.7.10, for the Orbit Speak notetaker.

This is a hotfix that resolves several issues reported by customers.

The update can be installed by using the automatic software update feature built into the Orbit Speak. Instructions on performing this process are provided below.

Bugfixes

• Fixed situations where software updates fail to install when downloaded over the air.
• Fixed an issue that caused the SD card to disconnect while the device enters sleep mode, causing users to lose playback position and access to files upon wake up.

Steps for updating the software

Please follow the steps below to update the software. If you have already set up your Wi-Fi connection, you will automatically be notified of new software updates and will be able to download and install them easily.

Here are the steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network, if you have not already done so:

1. From the home menu, locate the settings item and activate it with dot 8 or the select key. You can also press the letter s to enter settings directly.
2. In the settings application, locate the Wi-Fi settings item and activate it with dot 8 or select. You can also press w to enter it directly.
3. The device will scan for available networks and will show the network list. Locate your network and press the dot 8 or select key.
4. A menu will pop up with an option to connect to the network. Activate this option with dot 8 or select.
5. If the network is password protected, a dialog will pop up asking you to enter the password. Please enter the password in computer braille and press dot 8.
6. The device will connect to the network and give you an indication that the connection has been successfully completed.
7. You can now press space + dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 to go back to the home menu.

Once your Orbit Speak is connected to the Wi-Fi network, the following are the steps for updating the software:

1. From the main menu, navigate to the settings item and activate it with dot 8 or select.
2. Locate the “software update” item inside of the settings list and activate it with dot 8 or select. You can also press the letter u to enter it directly.
3. Locate the check for updates now button and press dot 8 or select to activate it.
4. The device will tell you that there is a newer software version available and will ask you if you want to install it. Activate the yes button inside the dialog that will pop up.
5. Wait until the device downloads, installs the update, and restarts. Progress indications will be given throughout the process.

APH is pleased to announce the release of BrailleBlaster 3.2.1. There are many bug fixes in this version and a few new features. The main new feature is the tools relating to being able to insert links into a document. See below for the full release notes.

For those running BrailleBlaster 3.0 or higher, you probably will soon get this update automatically, if not already received it. However if you do not get it automatically or if you just want to get it immediately, you can download it from the brailleblaster.org download page.

NOTE: Automatic updates are only for installed versions, those using the Windows zip files or Linux tar balls will need to manually update.

Also whilst talking about updating, we are aware of some error reports from users still using BrailleBlaster 1.x and 2.x. These older versions will not be receiving any further fixes. Whilst there may be a need to still use these older versions for existing old BB files, we recommend for new work all users should be using BrailleBlaster 3.

Release Notes

BrailleBlaster 3.2.1, January 12, 2026

Welcome to BrailleBlaster 3.2. This release introduces the tools such as the Bookmark Window and the Insert Link Window.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

• First new tool available is in the Navigate Menu. It is the Bookmark Window. It gives the user the ability to make bookmarks in the document. They can name the bookmark, go to the bookmark, remove the bookmark, and add the bookmark
• The second new tool is in the Insert Menu. It is the Insert Link Window. By creating a bookmark first, the Insert Link window is made available. It gives the user the ability to make Internal Links and External Links in the document. These links will be distinguishable from regular text when the user highlights the word or phrase, they want to be a link. The highlight will be in the color Blue in the Print View, and it will also be underlined in Blue. In the Insert Link Window, there is an External Link Tab and an Internal Link Tab. The External links are for URL’s, email and files and can be visible in the Print View.
• An issue when making a table then do a Note Separation line has been fixed.
• An issue when editing a document and changing a list using Style and Indent 1-3 has been fixed
• Editing a simple table with 3-cells and then editing with the ASCII Math Hub after the table causing an error has been fixed.
• The issue with the contraction relaxer and punctuation with the Unit 2 Alphabetic Wordsigns has been fixed.
• Typing in Block Style past the 1st page has been fixed.
• Issues where some xml files were not opening correctly has been fixed.
• An issue when moving text to the next page has been fixed.
• Image Placeholder working with SVG, JPG, PNG and PDF file types.
• A number of other minor improvements and bug fixes.

This session will cover:

• Reading with multiline braille, including how JAWS Wrapped and Cropped modes affect layout, structure, and comprehension.
• Proven strategies for reading long documents, technical material, and tabulated content more efficiently.
• Button assignments and navigation techniques so you can read with confidence and speed.

If you’re a JAWS user who wants to move beyond single-line braille and truly benefit from multi-line braille support, this is a session you won’t want to miss!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

About our Host: Dave Williams, Customer Success Manager at Dot Inc.

For 25 years, Dave has worked to advance accessibility for blind people.  His professional background spans audio production, community media, agile design, and digital product testing, informed by his lived experience as a blind parent, international marathon runner, and award-winning volunteer.

Your chance to catch up with the team at Orbit Research.

Join here – registration not required

You can never have too many tools in your braille teaching toolkit and Braille Brain, APH’s free, interactive online curriculum, is one you’ll want to explore. Designed to support instruction in Unified English Braille (UEB) and Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science, Braille Brain offers structured units, lessons, embedded knowledge checks, and flexible learning paths.

In this introductory session, participants will take a guided tour of the platform, learning how to navigate its features and begin integrating lessons into instruction.

This session is designed for pre-service and in-service TSVIs, paraprofessionals, parents, and educational team members who support braille learners. Whether you are new to braille or supporting others who are just getting started, this webinar will help you move forward with confidence.

Register Here for Braille Brain 101: Introduction to Units, Lessons and Navigations

Vispero Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan

Are you looking for practical ways to get the most out of using Braille and JAWS? Want tips to help you work more efficiently? If so, this webinar is for you.

We’ll provide tips for editing documents, accessing math content, navigating web pages, and more. Learn how to:

• Use features like cursor routing, panning, and Split Braille to navigate and edit documents
• Use BrailleIn for typing in documents, writing emails, and filling out forms on web pages
• Access the Braille Math Editor and Select Nemeth or UEB Math when solving math equations
• And much more!

ACVREP credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar.

Learn practical ways to get the most out of using Braille and JAWS.

Register for Six Ways to Increase Productivity with Braille and JAWS

Registration is now open for the spring term Braille And Tactile Skills courses, starting on 05 January2026.

Our Braille and Tactile Skills courses take place on Mondays either between 10AM/12PM or 1Pm/3PM.

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

No previous knowledge of Braille is required, course fees are means tested  and many of our applicants receive free or discounted places depending on their income.

We are a friendly and supportive group, and all learners work at their own pace towards their individual goals. We 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: 02083143300 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]

For a list of all courses that are offered by Adult Learning Lewisham, please see: https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/education/adult/find-a-course

World Braille Day, 4 January 2026

ICEVI and WBU Launch “More Braille: More Empowerment” Global Campaign to put Braille Literacy back at the centre of Inclusive Education

The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the World Blind Union (WBU) today launched More Braille: More Empowerment, a new global campaign calling on governments, educators, disability organisations, families, and the private sector to treat braille literacy as a right, not a privilege.

World Braille Day — marked each year on 4 January, the birthday of Louis Braille — celebrates a system that has unlocked literacy, education, employment, and independence for generations of blind people. Yet in too many places, access to braille is still determined by geography, income, and whether trained teachers and appropriate materials happen to be available. This campaign is a global push to change that.

“Braille isn’t a ‘nice-to-have.’ It is literacy, full stop,” said Santosh Kumar Rungta, President of the World Blind Union. “I know from personal experience that braille can be the difference between dependence and freedom. This campaign is about ensuring that every blind learner — child, youth, or adult — has the tools and teaching to read, write, and participate on equal terms.”

“Families should not have to fight alone to secure their children’s right to literacy,” said Ms Susan LaVenture, President of ICEVI. “As a mother of a son who faced a serious eye condition, I know how quickly doors can close when accessible learning supports aren’t available. This campaign is about reopening those doors — through teacher support, practical resources, and stronger national commitment.”

Campaign resources

As part of the launch, ICEVI and WBU are releasing and sharing the following campaign resources:

• ICEVI E-News World Braille Day issue, 4 January 2026 (in English, French and Spanish) – featuring messages from campaign leaders and partners, and updates from the ICEVI regions
• Video montage: “More Braille: More Empowerment — Voices Advancing Braille Worldwide” – a short film bringing together voices from around the world who are working to strengthen access to braille

What the campaign will do

From 4 January 2026 to 4 January 2028, the campaign will deliver coordinated action in three areas:

• Advocacy and media that are culturally and linguistically relevant across regions
• Information resources for teachers, families, organisations, and policymakers, covering topics such as braille teaching strategies, braille codes, national braille authorities, and device options
• Research to generate global evidence on braille access, use, barriers, and impact

The campaign is being advanced in collaboration with a growing group of partners, including organisations working on accessible publishing and braille innovation.

Call to action

WBU and ICEVI invite partners and allies worldwide to:

• Champion braille as a foundation of inclusive education and lifelong learning
• Invest in teacher preparation and braille instruction
• Expand access to braille materials and affordable braille technology
• Use evidence to drive policy change, so braille access is systematic, not accidental

Individuals and organisations are also invited to support the campaign by making a small donation to light a virtual candle on Louis Braille’s 217th birthday cake, symbolising their commitment to the right to braille literacy worldwide. All donations support the campaign’s work at global and regional levels.

To light a candle, visit the ICEVI’s dedicated braille campaign webpage.

About WBU

The World Blind Union (WBU) is an internationally recognized organization representing 338 million blind and partially sighted persons in 190 member countries.

We are the voice of the blind, speaking to governments and international bodies on issues concerning blindness and low vision in cooperation with our members.

About ICEVI

ICEVI is a global non-governmental membership organisation that promotes equitable access to quality education for children and young people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. It works through advocacy and policy influence at international, regional, and national levels; knowledge sharing and publications; and collaborative partnerships across its seven world regions.

For media inquiries

World Blind Union

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wbu.ngo

International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.icevi.org

As we begin 2026, and following the immensely successful launch on World Braille Day of the joint ICEVI–WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign, More Braille: More Empowerment, we would like to share with you the link to the campaign launch video montage:

More Braille: More Empowerment – Voices Advancing Braille Worldwide

This montage is 35 minutes in length and brings together 23 voices and reflections of members of the Steering Committee and Working Groups for the three campaign focus areas, campaign partner organisations and campaign sponsors.

We hope you enjoy the many voices and perspectives represented in the video montage. We look forward to strengthening advocacy, expanding access to braille, and advancing the right to braille literacy for learners and adults worldwide in 2026 and beyond.

Celebrate the wonder of Braille through creativity with the VICTA Braille Art Competition!

The competition is open to visually impaired children and young adults from 0 to 29 years. There are different age categories to enter into with different themes, a category for school entries, and amazing prizes up-for-grabs, so it’s time to go dotty for Braille.

Read more on the VICTA website