News

For our first Masterclass of 2026, we are delighted to be joined once again by James Bowden, RNIB’s Braille Technical Officer and the UK’s representative to the International Council on English Braille.

This time, James will be discussing accent signs in UEB: what are they, how do we write them, and why are they important?

Topics will include:

• An overview of common accents, and why braille readers should care about them
• How to read and write accents in UEB
• How accents affect capitals and contractions
• Accents in non-English braille codes and when we should use them

There will be lots of examples, plenty of time for questions, and possibly the opportunity to sneak in some general UEB topics at the end if there’s time.

Register for Accents in UEB

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 878 0869 6203
• Passcode: 123456

Vispero and Dot Inc. are excited to present an exclusive webinar highlighting Dot Pad X and JAWS, a powerful combination that puts multiline Braille at your fingertips. Discover how this portable, versatile multiline braille display works seamlessly with JAWS to support efficient navigation and productivity.

We’ll demonstrate JAWS braille modes—including wrapped and cropped views—along with working in documents, tables, and spreadsheets, using the status line, Split Braille, and more. Join us to see how JAWS and Dot Pad X together are transforming braille access and expanding opportunities for education, work, and independence.

Dot Inc. Presenters: Tim Hornik and Dave Williams

Vispero Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan

Register for Dot Pad X and JAWS: Expanding Opportunities with Multiline Braille

Software updates for Android and iOS devices have come a long way over the years, especially for braille readers. Whether you want to learn to type more quickly, or practice your braille writing skills, this workshop is for you! Our presenters will go in-depth into the braille features available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, including braille screen input.

Register for Braille Features on iOS and Android Mobile Devices

Webinar promoted by: The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), Alternate Education Resources Ontario (AERO), Braille Literacy Canada (BLC), the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), the CNIB Beyond Print, CNIB Foundation, the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS), and the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI).

Hello from the International Council on English braille (ICEB)!

We are thrilled to announce our next virtual event: Introducing new IPA braille.

Join us for our upcoming presentation on this exciting new document! We will provide an overview of IPA braille, and we’ll discuss the reasons that an update was needed.

Whether you study or work in the field of linguistics, or you just want to learn about another way that braille contributes to literacy and independence, this event is for you.

Please register here to attend this session.

The National Federation of the Blind has long championed the importance of Braille literacy. The ability of a student or adult to possess the reading and writing skills necessary to conducting education or business cannot be overstated.

January is Braille Literacy month, and in the spirit of this important time, the National Federation of the Blind, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, is hosting a Technology Boutique which will briefly explore the refreshable Braille technologies which are driving today’s Braille displays. We will discuss:

• Three technologies used in today’s refreshable Braille hardware
• Pros and cons of each technology
• Examples of displays

Register for What’s Driving Today’s Refreshable Braille Displays on the NFB Website

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.

Our second Braille Brain webinar builds on foundational knowledge and demonstrates how Braille Brain can be used as a dynamic instructional tool across real-world teaching scenarios. Participants will explore advanced features such as Nemeth Code integration, targeted learning paths, embedded assessments, and ways to track learner progress. Through case studies and user scenarios, attendees will learn practical strategies for implementing Braille Brain with diverse learners, including early braille readers, transition-age students, paraprofessionals, and adults new to vision loss.

Register Here for Supporting Braille Literacy with Braille Brain: Advanced, Technical, and Application

do you use a Braille display? Do you still find some of its features daunting? Would you like to get in touch with some of the top-notch Braille display experts in order to get your questions answered?

Now you can.

The Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union invites you to a series of table talks on various aspects of using your Braille display. For each of these talks, we will be joined by members of the Braille Working Group, as well as other renowned experts in the field.

The series is built around four “C”s:

Connect – Untangling the web of possible connections between Braille displays and various devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and even smartwatches.

Control – Driving your device from the Braille display; adjusting commands to meet your personal preferences; building the workspace you need.

Consume – Making the most of your Braille display for reading; understanding multiple Braille codes; optimizing the output you receive on the Braille display.

Create – Using your Braille display to create new content; writing the way you prefer; working smartly and efficiently.

In this first session, we will explore connecting your Braille display to various types of devices. We will examine existing connection methods, discuss their pros and cons, and help you choose the best connection for your specific needs. And, of course, there will be time for questions and answers.

So come join us for our first expert table talk—and use your Braille display like a pro!

Register for Expert Table Talks: Using Your Braille Display Like a Pro

The recording of this session is now available. Watch Now on YOuTube

The funeral of Jim McCafferty is taking place on Tuesday 20 January at noon. It will be streamed live, details of how to join can be obtained from: [email protected]

Are you interested in learning Arabic Braille? Have you ever wanted to experience reading the Quran in the same way that a sighted person would?

Basira Braille Institute is looking for expressions of interest in Arabic Braille classes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned braillist, we want to hear from you.

We are proposing to hold sessions in Birmingham and Bradford, with a session held in each location every fortnight.

We intend to begin with the letters of the Arabic alphabet with the eventual aim of being able to read the Quran and other Arabic material fluently and confidently. We envisage that the course will require around 18 classes, but we would encourage students to work at their own pace. Students will also have the opportunity to solidify their knowledge by remaining with the group after completion of the course and engaging in further practice by reading to teachers out loud. We will also assist students to read Arabic Braille using their chosen Braille display or notetaker.

We anticipate each class will be priced in the region of £10-£15, subject to student numbers, on a “pay as you go” basis. However, we understand the financial pressures which our community is under. If you would find it difficult to pay for classes, we will endeavour to subsidise costs if possible.

We are hoping to begin classes in the summer of 2026, depending on sufficient interest.

Please express your potential interest by filling in this accessible Microsoft form which can be completed using your screen reader of choice.

Alternatively, please send any questions, comments or feedback to [email protected] or call 07759858538.