Episode 80 of Access On, is on. This week, HumanWare begins shipping the Windows-based BrailleNote Evolve. In this extended episode, we bring you the first independent, extensive review of the device.
Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio of this week’s episode at: https://pinecast.com/listen/f2d89618-33c6-462e-9a38-1cbe88026a53.mp3
Webinar Recorded: May 18th, 2026
Innovative MEMS technology is changing how the visually impaired can interact with digital information. Dave Schleppenbach from Tactile Engineering introduces the Cadence Tactile Tablet, a 2D refreshable display. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Dave about how this modular device renders Braille text, complex graphics, and even live video.
Readers may find this blog post of interest.
The recording of the June 2026 Orbit Research Zoom Meeting hosted by Robert Carter is now available for direct download at:
https://www.turner42.com/OrbitResearchJune2026ZoomMeeting.zip
For other Orbit Research information, see: https://www.turner42.com/ori.html
Did you miss last week’s webinar from Blazie Technologies?
Did you hear it but liked it so much that you want a second replay?
If you fall into the first camp, the problem is solved. If you’re in the second camp, who could blame you?
Whatever camp you’re in, a recording of our latest webinar is now available from our Web site’s Guides and Media page. We have lots of news and announcements, plus demos of some of what’s coming in our next update. Enjoy.
Literacy is the foundation of learning, inclusion, participation, and empowerment. As the ICEVI–WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign continues its call for More Braille, More Empowerment, we mark World Day for Assistive Technology by recognising the important role that assistive technology can play in advancing braille literacy and expanding opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and have low vision.
Braille literacy remains a fundamental right and a cornerstone of inclusive education, lifelong learning, and meaningful participation in society. In an increasingly digital world, braille literacy and assistive technology together can create new pathways to learning, communication, independence, and participation across all stages of life.
When designed, developed, and deployed inclusively, assistive technology has the potential to transform how braille is taught, learned, accessed, and used. From refreshable braille displays and accessible learning platforms to emerging digital and AI-driven solutions, technology can strengthen braille teaching, expand opportunities for braille reading and writing, and support the development of literacy skills that foster independence, autonomy, confidence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
As recognised in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, access to braille, alternative formats, and assistive technology is essential to achieving inclusion and equal participation. We therefore encourage governments, educators, technology and AI developers, publishers, organisations of persons with disabilities, and development partners to work together to ensure that technological progress strengthens braille literacy and contributes to a more inclusive and accessible world.
Throughout June, the More Braille, More Empowerment Campaign invites relevant stakeholders to share stories demonstrating how braille literacy and assistive technology together are creating opportunities for learning, inclusion, participation, and empowerment.
#MoreBrailleMoreEmpowerment
#TechnologyForBrailleLiteracy
Most braille displays include an integrated Perkins-style keyboard which can be used to enter and edit text. But did you know you can also use your braille display’s braille keyboard to perform complex QWERTY keyboard keystrokes? Join Matthew Horspool to find out how!
We will cover:
To join by phone, please use these details:
The Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union would like to invite you to a round-table discussion this Wednesday, June 17, at 18:00 Central European Time (16:00 UTC).
Braille was a major theme at SightCity 2026, Europe’s largest trade fair for blindness and low-vision technology, held in Frankfurt last month. New devices were unveiled, new partnerships were announced, and a couple of long-established players in the accessibility industry made a comeback.
There is much to share and discuss, and we in the Braille Working Group look forward to sharing our impressions and answering your questions. We hope you will join us this Wednesday for an informal conversation about the latest developments in the world of Braille technology.
Please, register for the Table Talk (Google form) to get the link for joining us. We will send the link to the registered participants on Wednesday.
Participants, who have been receiving our e-mails after the registration to our previous sessions, will get the link to join us automatically.
We hope to see you this Wednesday. Because Braille matters.
You’re cordially invited to celebrate National Braille Press’ accomplishments over the past year at our 99th Annual Meeting.
Date: Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Location: Northeastern University Fenway Center
77 Saint Stephen Street
Boston, MA 02115
Join us for a special evening of community, appreciation, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and updates from National Braille Press.
The evening will include:
Let’s gather to celebrate the people who power our mission. We hope to see you there!
You can join us in person or via Zoom.