News

Over the past few months I have written a set of 6 lessons as a thorough overview of the basics of getting started with MuseScore using a screen reader.  The lessons assume basic general computer skills using a screen reader, but no previous knowledge of MuseScore.  They are designed for those who have found it hard to get started from the tutorial videos and info in the handbook.

The lessons give step by step instructions that you can work through using the supplied sample files to give you a thorough knowledge of how navigation works around the interface and in the score as well as basic note input and editing.  They are aimed at an introductory level, but if people find them very useful I could write some more on other topics as needed.

Download the files

If you are not already a member of the MuseScoreAccessibility group on groups.io, you can Find out more and subscribe here.

You will find there are 3 formats of the main Guided Lessons document (Word Doc, PDF and BRF).  In the introductory topic of that document it explains how to use the Sample files (MuseScore and BRF) and work through the lessons.

If you find any errors or things that are not clear in these lessons please let me know by e-mailing [email protected]

I’d also love some feedback from anyone who finds these useful.

New: Abacus

Plastic abacus with case: $12.00

This 15-digit soraban abacus features a 1:4 bead layout (one bead worth 5 on the top deck, and four beads each worth 1 on the bottom deck). The orange plastic beads are laid on top of a black velvet background, which holds them firmly in place. The abacus is 6⅜″×3⅝″, and comes with a white plastic case (7¾″×4″).

Also new: How to Use an Abacus

In braille or BRF: $10.00

An abacus is a deceptively simple calculating tool that has been used for thousands of years. This short booklet has instructions on how to use an abacus to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers.

This is a shameless plug for an email group I set up a few years ago.  The BrailleBookSwap email list exists to allow people to pass on braille books which they no longer require.  It was launched following the changes made by RNIB to the braille library service, meaning that books could no longer be returned to the library, but should simply be consigned to the recycling bin.

The group has been running successfully for the past few years currently having approximately 100 members.  Changes to the administration of the list mean that it is now open to new members, so if anyone would like to join the list they can post a blank message to [email protected].

Anyone having problems signing up should contact me at [email protected].

We invite you to join the new Blazie Technologies Community group on Facebook!

This group is a place for BT Speak and BT Braille users, prospective customers, family members, educators, and anyone interested in Blazie Technologies to connect and learn from one another.

Use this group to ask questions, share tips and experiences, discuss BT Speak and BT Braille, learn about new features and updates, and connect with other members of the Blazie community.

The Blazie Technologies team will also be active in the group to answer questions, provide helpful information, and keep you informed about our products.

Whether you’ve been using Blazie products for years or are just getting started, you’re welcome here.

A recording of HumanWare’s recent webinar about the BrailleNote Evolve is now available.

Watch on YouTube

For the first time on a tactile graphics device, digital tactile street maps are here!

Developed by accessibility innovator Dr. Josh Miele, TMAP makes it possible to generate tactile street maps from a ZIP code or postcode.

We recently joined Dr. Josh Miele for a special session demonstrating TMAP on Dot Pad.

Josh takes you through how to create a tactile map and explore a location, followed by a detailed Q&A about the technology and what could come next.

Learn more about TMAP on Dot Pad

Listen to Josh on Raising The Dots podcast:
Tactile Street Maps on Dot Pad

Access TMAP for Dot Pad:

Dot TMAP — Tactile Street Maps for Dot Pad

Watch the Webinar Recording

Watch The Recording

Recent developments in braille technology have shone a particular spotlight on NVDA, but what is its braille support really like? In this two-part series, we will explore the braille features available to NVDA users and how well they work in the real world.

In part 1, we will introduce NVDA’s braille support, describe NVDA’s braille settings, and discuss NVDA’s braille output. In particular, we will cover:

• Which braille displays and braille codes are supported
• NVDA’s braille settings and what they do
• Getting used to NVDA’s braille output
• Auto scroll
• Braille typeforms
• Using configuration profiles to optimise braille output
• Using braille without speech

In part 2, we will concentrate on NVDA’s braille input, including:

• Entering text using the braille keyboard
• Correcting mistakes
• Navigating using the braille keyboard
• Strategies for quickly changing braille tables
• Controlling the computer using the braille keyboard

Register for NVDA and Braille

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 811 6921 7374
• Passcode: 123456

Meet the Future of Accessible Coding

Blazie Technologies are excited to invite you to an upcoming presentation featuring Dr. Stephen Blazie as he showcases BT Code, a one-of-a-kind Braille-first platform designed to help blind learners go from their first lines of Python to building and sharing real applications.

A New Way to Learn, Build, and Share

BT Code was designed to make learning programming accessible, engaging, and hands-on. Built around the PRIMM learning framework, BT Code combines guided lessons with coding challenges that encourage students to predict, run, explore, modify, and create programs of their own.

Meet Cody, Your AI Coding Assistant

You’ll also meet Cody, BT Code’s entertaining and colorful AI coding assistant. Cody helps learners evaluate code, get helpful hints, understand errors, ask Python questions, and get unstuck as they develop their skills.

See BT Code in Action

During the presentation, Stephen will demonstrate:

• BT Code’s Learning Workflow featuring Cody
• Build Mode: a Braille-first IDE
• Code Store: a place to share projects, discover what others have created, and connect with a growing community of blind coders.

Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, technology professional, or simply interested in the future of accessible programming, we invite you to join us and see what BT Code can do.

Come discover how BT Code is opening a pathway from learning Python to developing career-ready coding skills.

We hope to see you there!

Register here to attend

Get your carry case now at a 10% pre-order discount.‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­

By popular demand, it is finally here: the Hable Carry Case! With this, you can safely take your Hable One or Hable Easy with you wherever you go.

The Hable Carry Case is a durable, lightweight case designed to give your device optimal protection. It features a tactile hard shell, a soft protective lining, and a smooth zipper for easy access. It keeps your Hable safe and easy to bring along on the move. At the bottom of this article, we have also included a visual description of the case.

The first batch is currently in production. We want to give you the first opportunity to pre-order the carry case with a 10% discount.

Here are all the details at a glance:

• Pre-order now and receive a 10% discount.
• Shipping: Mid-October for Europe, and end of November for the US and the rest of the world.
• Fits both the Hable One and Hable Easy. Please note: this case is designed strictly for safe storage and transport, and your device must be removed from the case to be operated.

Order and view the Hable Carry Case directly on our website here.

Prefer to order via email? Simply email [email protected] with your details, and we will place the order for you.

Visual description: A compact, hard-shell black protective case with rounded corners and a finely woven fabric exterior. On the front cover, there is a tactile, white oval Hable logo in the shape of a speech bubble. A black zipper along three sides opens the case clamshell-style. The interior features a soft, dark fabric contoured to hold the device flat and snug in place, keeping the Hable and its white buttons securely protected.

We are excited to announce that the Orbit Flow 40 will begin shipping on Monday, September 7, 2026!

The Orbit Flow 40 is a compact 40-cell braille display with cursor routing keys and instant USB-C plug and play. It connects smoothly with computers and mobile devices across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Linux, for natural, comfortable braille reading.

Orders are now open, and we encourage you to place yours early to ensure timely delivery from our initial batches.

Please note that initial production batches are limited and expected to sell out quickly. We recommend placing your order as soon as possible. Shipments will be fulfilled in the order they are received, with priority given to customers on the pre-order list.

You can place your order online here:

Or call us at 888-606-7248 to order by phone.

Thank you again for your continued support.