A message from UKAAF:
Dear All
I am writing to let you know about the news that we received recently that Jim McCafferty sadly passed away over Christmas. Jim was a huge supporter of UKAAF and Braille. I have written the tribute below to him.
We pass our condolences to Jim’s family and friends from all at UKAAF.
In Memory of Jim McCafferty
(1953–2025)
A tribute from Susan Day Chair of the UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF)
It is with great sadness that I write, on behalf of UKAAF, to remember Jim McCafferty, who died on Christmas Day. Jim was a much-respected colleague, trustee, editor, and friend, and his contribution to accessible formats — and to UKAAF in particular — was both profound and enduring.
Registered blind from the age of three, Jim learned braille at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, and it remained central to his life ever since. As Jim himself so powerfully expressed: “Braille has had a massive and very positive impact on my life, and to be perfectly honest, I really do not know how I could do without it.” Braille enabled Jim to live an independent, informed and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, and he was a passionate advocate for ensuring others could do the same.
Jim devoted more than 40 years of his career to braille production and proofreading, including many years with the Scottish Braille Press. His expertise, attention to detail, and deep understanding of braille were widely respected across the sector. Even following his retirement, Jim continued to support Sight Scotland as a supply braille proofreader — a reflection of his lifelong commitment to quality and access.
Within UKAAF, Jim served with distinction as both a trustee and, for nearly 11 years, as editor of Format Matters. In this role, he played a vital part in shaping discussion, sharing best practice, and strengthening collaboration across the accessible formats community. His editorial leadership was thoughtful, rigorous and generous, always grounded in the belief that accessible information changes lives.
Jim spoke openly about the practical value of braille in everyday life — from managing personal records to ensuring privacy and confidentiality — but he was equally passionate about encouraging new learners. His advice was always clear and heartfelt: “Give learning braille all you’ve got. You don’t need to know the system intricately, but learning the alphabet and numbers will allow you to communicate and keep track of important information. It will help you maintain your independence and improve your life skills.”
Jim’s legacy lives on through the many people who benefited from his work, his guidance, and his advocacy. On behalf of UKAAF, I extend our deepest condolences to Jim’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be remembered with great respect, gratitude, and affection, and he will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Susan Day
UKAAF Chair