News

The “old-fashioned Perkins” is a term we hear (and perhaps use) a lot. Whilst it is true that it was invented over fifty years ago, the evolution in braille writing in the period leading up to the first Perkins Brailler being sold was immense, with dozens of braille writers coming to market. Some of them survived; some of them have been almost completely forgotten; but all of them have a story to tell.

In this Masterclass, we are delighted to be joined by Alan Thorpe, Perkins repair expert and owner of the largest known private collection of heritage braille equipment in the world. We will explore how ideas around braille writing evolved over time, from stylus to Stainsby and beyond, and discover afresh why the Perkins Brailler is considered by many to be a timeless treasure.

Register for the Masterclass here.

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 878 2641 0908
• Passcode: 123456

Vispero and HumanWare invite you to an exclusive webinar showcasing the future of braille access with Monarch and JAWS. Together, we’ll demonstrate how multiline braille and split braille open new possibilities for education, productivity, and independence.

Discover how cursor routing on multiline displays provides faster, more intuitive navigation across multiple lines of text, bringing braille access closer than ever to the experience of print. Learn how JAWS and the Monarch work hand-in-hand to deliver a powerful, seamless solution for braille users of all levels.

Join us to see firsthand how this groundbreaking collaboration is transforming braille access and empowering users worldwide.

Register for Monarch Meets JAWS

SuperNova 24 Now Supports More Braille Displays

Recent updates to SuperNova version 24 now allow refreshable Braille users to access over 60 braille displays.

Layered Hotkeys

In Layered Hotkey mode, the Braille layer gives you over twenty easy-to-remember commands at your fingertips, making it simple to get more done with fewer keystrokes. For example, pressing CAPS LOCK + SPACEBAR, then B, then O will quickly toggle Braille on and off.

You can also simulate multiple keypresses directly from your HumanWare or Focus Braille display, letting you input Windows commands without moving away from your device.

Automatic Detection

SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader will automatically detect your Braille display when it is connected to your computer.

Braille Output Support

SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader supports two forms of Braille output: Computer Braille and Literary Braille.

Easy Navigation

Learning how to navigate content from a display as well as simulating common Windows commands can help you work more efficiently as it stops you having to move your hands away from your display to the keyboard to perform popular tasks.

Training Course

To find more information about various hotkeys, or for more information about multiple keypresses, visit the Dolphin Braille course.

Free 30-Day Trial

If you’re new to SuperNova or you’re running an older version, you are welcome to try this and other new SuperNova 24 enhancements free for 30 days.

SuperNova Free Trial

Friend of the Braillists Scott Davert has updated his article on AppleVis: Using a Braille Display on iOS: an Introduction.

The update reflects some changes to iOS 26, including Braille Access, and removes some obsolete information.

HumanWare is proud and thrilled to share that the Monarch has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 in the Accessibility category. This global recognition celebrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of braille innovation and inclusion.

Read the full article

Calling all braille readers and braille providers! Bookshare is conducting an anonymous survey of both Bookshare members and non-members to learn more about how digital braille is used and how we can better support braille readers through Bookshare improvements.

Complete the survey and help us improve Bookshare

Sound Without Sight are excited to announce their next Monthly Meet-up and Q&A, featuring the radio producer and musician, Kevin Satizabal.

Kevin is an Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 3. His debut radio feature, Joining the dots – 200 years of Braille Music, aired on 28 September. The documentary explored the impact that braille music has had over the last 200 years.

Kevin himself is a composer and pianist, and also a trustee at Paraorchestra.

During the meeting, Kevin will share:

• The process of producing the documentary.
• The initial inspiration for the documentary.
• How he went about the research process, and selecting people to interview.
• The impact of using sound design to engage the listener, and technical aspects such as methods used to record and edit material.

The session will last 60 to 90 minutes, including Q&A. This will be a relaxed, informal event and audience participation is encouraged. We really want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to ask a question if they would like to. Submitting questions in advance enables us to ensure that they get answered.

Please note that this session will be recorded and published on podcasting platforms, so if you contribute during the session, you are consenting to appearing in the recording.

Register for the Meet-Up

We hope to see you there!

Plymouth Central Library
Saturday 11 October, 11am to 3pm

Join us for a special event in partnership with Plymouth Advisory Team for Sensory Support (PATSS).

We mark 200 years since the invention of Braille – a revolutionary system that continues to empower and connect people with visual impairments.

Take part in hands-on demonstrations of tactile resources and assistive technology, including a Lego Braille kit, braille books and games.

Whether you’re curious about braille or supporting someone with a visual impairment, everyone is welcome.

Coventry Vision Hub, the new name for Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, will be holding an open day in recognition of World Sight Day. HumanWare and other assistive technology companies will be part of a small exhibition, and we are promised that there will be a Monarch!

Entry is free on Thursday 9 October between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. No registration required.

Coventry Vision Hub, 33-35 Earlsdon Avenue South, Coventry, CV5 6Th
024 7671 7522
[email protected]

Apple recently released the latest versions of its flagship operating systems, including iOS and iPad 26 for the popular iPhone and iPad product lines. Amongst the many new features are a significant number of improvements to VoiceOver, the built-in screen reader, including a new notataker-like feature called Braille Access.

In the second part of this two-part series on iOS 26, Matthew Horspool will talk about:

• Launching apps and items
• Taking, reading and managing braille notes
• Reading and transferring BRF files
• The braille clock and calculator
• Live braille captions
• Braille Access settings
• Configuring braille keyboard commands for Braille Access

Register for the Masterclass here.

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 890 9440 0482
• Passcode: 123456