I have a thought that's a sort of question and I hope I can express it well. Specifically for my #Blind friends, since we have greater access to books in other formats such as ePUB, Daisy and means through which to read in #Braille and the like, are #AudioBooks as important or necessary as they once were? Do people find themselves as a result less willing to embrace any narration human or otherwise merely to have the book in an auditory format as they might have in earlier times when that was more likely to have been our only means of access? I hope my question makes sense. It's just something I'm thinking about as I listen to samples of Audible books and think do I really want to listen to that narration; and would I have been as prone to such a thought in earlier times when it might have been that narration or no access at all.
Just a quick note for the archives and for those of us who have hearing issues and need easy youtube transcripts with #a11y to #screenreaders. I've generally used downsub.com to produce text, but it's becoming less usable, often saying "waiting" for a minute or two before giving an error with no specifics as to what the problem is. I wanted something else and found something similar, if not slightly better, at youtube-transcript.io/ It allows 25 transcripts a month free, though I'm not sure how it tracks usage since I didn't have to sign in. Anyhow, it's quite simple, paste in your link, hit enter, and it comes back with a transcript in English for English videos. It appears to use the captions YT itself generates, since I compared the results with what I got from downsub and saw no difference. You can read the transcript on the page or copy it to the clipboard with a button, again on the page. It has 30 second timing markers by default when it's on the page, but doesn't when you copy it, at least by default. I'm still after an easy local transcript grabber, but this is a step forward when downsub doesn't work for me and I thought people might like to have it. #blind #braille
Generate YouTube transcripts instantly with our free tool. Extract and download video transcripts effortlessly. Perfect for accessibility, SEO, and content creation.
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.
After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.
I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.
I cover: iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment. macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep. Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics. Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use. Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.
Concrete goals I can help you achieve: Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer Send and manage email independently Browse the web safely and efficiently Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Manage files and cloud storage Use social media accessibly Work with Braille displays and keyboards Install and configure accessible software across platforms Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use
I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.
Remote training is available worldwide.
Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.
Contact: UK: 07447 931232 US: 772-766-7331 If these don’t work for you, email me at aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.
After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.
I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.
I cover: iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment. macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep. Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics. Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use. Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.
Concrete goals I can help you achieve: Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer Send and manage email independently Browse the web safely and efficiently Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Manage files and cloud storage Use social media accessibly Work with Braille displays and keyboards Install and configure accessible software across platforms Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use
I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.
Remote training is available worldwide.
Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.
Contact: UK: 07447 931232 US: 772-766-7331 If these don’t work for you, email me at aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.
Yes, you can indeed plug in a HDMi cable to the Monarch, and have all of its output sent to a HDMI Monitor including audio output.
Just plug in a HDMI cable to the port on the right hand side at the front of the Monarch, other end in to your TV, select the correct HDMI channel, and off you go. Woody #a11y #Braille #Monarch
Monarch tip 15 and the final one in this initial tip post series
If you have ever used any of the Braille devices from Humanware, then you know how to use the Monarch overall. This is because the Monarch, like all other Braille devices in the main from Humanware are or were all based on KeySoft which has been around since 1990. As with all Braille devices from HW, you will find the User Guide on the device. In the Monarch, and depending on how you have your main menu customised, you will either find the User Guide on the Main Menu or under All Applications. Enjoy Woody #a11y #Braille #Monarch
Blind Android users, are you able to type into the calculator app with Braille? Like, can you type numbers and operators and press enter to have them calculated? #braille #android #blind
BudgetBraillerBlog: BudgetBraillerBlog Intro. “A manual brailler costs a little under $1,000 and electric braillers cost significantly more. Given that I was just at a 3D printing festival and you can build a 3D printer for under $200, I decided to try to design one.”
Add tech to a manual Perkin's Braille writer with Paige Connect! Great for teachers and students- It's a board with optical sensors that attaches via USB-A for power. Connects to smart devices (phones, tablets, laptops) via Bluetooth, enabling instant digital output & audio feedback
An innovative way to turn your traditional braille writer into so much more, Paige Connect is a physical board with optical sensors that screws into the bot ...
Wanted to test NVDA 2025 DotPad support. But I didn't see DotPad in the list of Braille Displays combo box. Using NVDA 2025.1.2 here. CC @NVAccess #NVDA #ScreenReader #Braille #Accessibility.
Please boost for reach, for any OnePlus users or staff:
I wrote a review of my OnePlus 13 on OnePlus' community site. If you're a member there, please like it to show support for the accessibility issues I brought up. I'd really like to get these fixed, since this is a powerful phone that's got Google's TalkBack, not Samsung's moldy fork, and is great overall, besides the accessibility issues. I'd love to be able to recommend this phone as an all-around great phone for blind people.
Ooo lookie! Not sure when this version will be released, but...
The topic for the Tuesday, May 27, That All May eRead online program will be NLS Braille eReader software Version 3.0. In the remaining time, we will answer any questions you have about the NLS Braille eReader.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time and will last for one hour. The meeting will be recorded. To access the meeting, go to loc.zoomgov.com/j/1609330620?p…
yes,,,, #braille, the main problem with a braille display is that such devices are quite expensive and quite niche. Therefore there will be little to no developers for that device.
It bothers me quite a lot that in the `ariaNotify` explainer, relating to a more robust mechanism for web apps to fire #screenReader messages, #braille is demoted to a "future consideration". Even there, it's listed under a heading of "Braille and speech markup", as though it doesn't even warrant a devoted section of its own.
Braille being treated with the same priority of speech is long overdue. We're clearly not there yet.
Technology expert Scott Davert from Helen Keller National Center reports on the latest assistive technologies showcased at CSUN 2025, offering insights on innovations for blind and DeafBlind users.
Anyone who is blind, or who has worked with the blind, knows how expensive our technology can be. This couldn't be more true with relation to braille displays. Even the cheapest costs at least $799, and it's already behind the newest in that line, at $899. This is the Orbit Reader 20 and 20+. Now, a student in India wants to change that by creating a display that is truly affordable (under $50)! Please pass this on, so that we can give him greater recognition within the blind community. Even if it costs a bit more than he initially suspected it would, there is no excuse for the $2,000 to $5,000 average price of such technology when cheaper alternatives can be designed! He is determined to bring this to market, so let's help him do it and show our appreciation for his hard work on this life-changing project!
iOS Game. If you like Braille and a challenge then you will like the game Brailliance! Its like a Braille Wordle. Each word is made up of so many total dots and so many letters; like 5 letters with 13 dots. So for this word, the dots from each letter will add up to be a total of 13 dots. And of coarse its totally accessible with Voiceover. So give it a try. Here is the link to it in the app store... apps.apple.com/us/app/braillia… #ios #game #Braille #Blind #Accessible #Brailliance
Brailliance is a puzzle game where you guess the word by adding up braille dots.
This game has been carefully crafted to be playable by everyone, and it includes multiple accessibility features for people with blindness and other disabilities.
Hmm, encoding #braille into music tones has recently been featured in the #braille200. I think it's nice for fun. Still I'm wondering if some of you might be able to understand it in real time.
If anyone uses Android with TalkBack and the onscreen Braille keyboard, please try to reproduce and report this issue:
In Talkback, if onscreen keyboard echo is set to words, and a word with punctuation after it is typed, TalkBack does not read the word when Space is typed. Similarly, if an emoticon is typed, like ":)" nothing is spoken when Space is typed.
Steps to reproduce:
• Turn on TalkBack, and open TalkBack settings by tapping once with three fingers. Set up the TalkBack Braille keyboard under the Braille section. • Go to Verbosity settings, then the keyboard echo option for onscreen keyboards, and set it to "words." Now, open a text box, turn on the TalkBack Braille Keyboard, and type something like "this is a test." Note the period after test. Then, swipe right with one finger to enter a space.
Expected results:
TalkBack should read "this" "is" "a" "test period."
Actual results:
TalkBack reads "this" "is" "a" and is silent after test is written.
I also put it up on Google's issue tracker if anyone wants to start it.
⏰ What time is it? For Braille users, checking the time can be a breeze with JAWS! 🧑🦯 In this episode, we break down how to use JAWS with Braille displays to keep track of time effortlessly. 🎧 Tune in now: unmute.show #JAWS #Braille #Accessibility
Welcome to Unmute Presents Where Technology Meets Community At Unmute Presents, we connect blind and sight-impaired individuals through engaging podcasts and live discussions.
My first contribution to #NoonScrolling: the 200th birthday of Louis Braille is being celebrated this year. On that occasion, the Braille working group of the European Blind Union hosts a year-long project, where each day a Braille-related piece is featured. Want to learn about a German man who's learnt 400 poems by heart by reading them in Braille first? They've got you covered! Looking for that Spanish summer hit of 2018 with millions of Youtube displays that references Braille? OK, that one is a bit far-fetched but still meets the filter so right you are. I love the advent calendar style of this, there is one new story to discover every day. I don't think they would say no to your contribution if you had one still: livingbraille.eu/ #Braille #Blind #Accessibility
200 years ago, a #Blind French teenager took six little dots and opened up the world of literacy for himself and generations to come. Merci Louis. Without the code that bears your name, I wouldn't have gotten through school or found success at work. I definitely wouldn't love to read as much as I do. #Braille is independence, dignity, resourcefulness, pride. #Braille is beautiful!! Happy #WorldBrailleDay
2/2 But today, we really wanted to put the focus on YOU, our dedicated Braille users, for all YOU do spreading awareness, and promoting use of Braille, not just with NVDA on the PC, but in all aspects of life.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
It's World Braille Day! Braille is an important part of literacy for blind people around the world. We are proud to keep NVDA's Braille support top-notch.
This time around, we wanted to put the spotlight on Braille. We have a very enthusiastic community of Braille users, and we wanted to share where we’re at, what we’ve added recently, and importantl…
Celebrate Braille Literacy Month! Join us on Thursday, January 16 at Noon ET for the live webinar, Ten Power Tips for Using Braille with JAWS. We'll walk you through setting up your braille display, discuss important commands, and demonstrate valuable features designed to help you be more productive when using braille and JAWS.
Celebrate Braille Literacy Month with us as we show you ten power tips for using braille with JAWS. We'll walk you through setting up your braille display, discuss important commands, and demonstrate valuable features designed to help you be more pro…
We have no affiliation and make no endorsements herein but we share this because one of our friends in the BITS chat had recently been discussing #BrailleEmbosser products. As such we make mention of the Boxing Week sale at #Humanware on magnifiers, audio products and some of their #Braille displays and embossers. store.humanware.com/hus/promot…
HumanWare specializes in the design and manufacture of highly intuitive and intelligent solutions for people living with vision loss or visual impairment.
A recent discussion on social media about the fact that I enjoy doing #Tactile (#Braille) #puzzles on #paper prompted a thought about producing them to share more widely. #Crosswords, #wordsearches, #Sudoku and so forth.
If anyone is interested, please feel free to fill and share my expression of interest form below.
So they did not mention it but a ton of the google apps have actions now, I keep finding them without a hint they are there. Also not sure why you have issues with it speaking over voice recording, that stopped for me ages ago, like #TalkBack 12.1 ages ago, though this does seem to break with third party tts engines, also the #braille support if you did not know is currently on #Humanware to push a firmware update because even if the HID bluetooth had been released those devices would not work, so people need to pester Humanware about that. Also as of the last month or two Lookout appears as an accessibility app and can be mapped to a shortcut.
As it has been a while and I could have done this better last time here’s my #introduction. I’m a #blind #parent, #braille user, and #musician. I have been blind for 5 years, learned braille over the last 3 years, and spend most of my time juggling being a stay at home dad, and staff for #OurBlind, mainly on our Discord and the r/blind subreddit. I also read a lot, mainly fantasy, mostly on my #kindle with the #voiceview #screenreader, though also read on a #Brailledisplay.
Welcome to OurBlind Join Us Reddit Discord Lemmy Who We Are OurBlind is a community of blind and visually impaired people, their family and friends, and allies, from around the world.
It was my great honour to have been asked to speak earlier today at the launch of “Braille On Display Third Edition”. #Braille is the most priceless, life-changing gift blind people have ever been given. It was invented by one of us, for all of us. Despite some predictions when talking computers came on the scene that Braille would be rendered obsolete, technology has made Braille more relevant and abundant than ever. There’s no getting away from it, hardcopy Braille books are bulky. But with a Braille display that connects to a smartphone or contains its own storage, we can have hundreds of volumes of Braille at our fingertips. The cost of manufacture of Braille displays must be spread across a small number of units, so they are expensive, even though their price in real terms has declined significantly. During my time in the Braille product management field, the thing I am proudest of is delivering on two separate 40% reductions in the cost of refreshable Braille display technology. If you’re going to buy a Braille display, or you have been allocated funding for one, naturally you want to make sure you’re getting the one that will best meet your needs. Finding objective information about all the choices out there is very difficult. Some agencies recommend what they know, and, understandably, distributors recommend what they distribute. When I ran Mosen Consulting, I was proud and honoured to publish two editions of Jackie Brown’s book, “Braille On Display”. Now, it’s back for a third edition, and it is available free from the Braillists Foundation. This book begins with the basic concepts and not only covers Braille displays, but Braille-only input devices as well. The Braille display market is vibrant, with plenty of competition and innovation occurring. The line between Braille displays that only function in terminal mode and the more fully-fledged notetaker is blurring, and that means there is more functionality available to the user at a lower price. Then there is the new category of multiline devices that can display tactile graphics. With Jackie around to cover it all, we are in good hands to ensure that our hands are on the display that suits us best. So, pick up your free copy of “Braille On Display” today, and read objective evaluations of a wide range of Braille devices. braillists.org/brailleondispla…
Sincere thanks and appreciation to Jackie for the huge effort she has put into this, and to the Braillists Foundation for being such epic Braille champions.
Reading WITHOUT Sight: Challenging the Ableist Assumptions of Non-Visual Literacy
In today’s world, where accessibility is supposedly ever-expanding, comments on how blind people read – or rather, whether we “really” read – reveal a significant amount of latent ableism. When someone remarks, “You’re not really reading because you have to listen to it,” they are unwittingly touching on deep-seated biases that marginalize blind people and our experience. For me, as a blind person, these comments feel aggressive, like a slur that undermines not only my intellect but my very existence within a literate society. The underlying suggestion that my method of consuming literature is somehow less legitimate than traditional reading reflects a lack of understanding and a failure to appreciate the richness of alternative literacy.
At its core, this statement implies that visual reading is the only valid form of reading – an attitude deeply rooted in ableist assumptions. Just as the sighted world learns and adapts to new ways of accessing information, blind people, too, use technology to bridge gaps that were once insurmountable. By suggesting that listening to an audiobook or using a screen reader is inferior to reading with one’s eyes, the speaker perpetuates a narrow view of literacy that excludes anyone who does not fit their narrow definition of a reader.
The Emotional Impact of Dismissive Comments
Hearing such remarks can be hurtful. When someone tells me I’m not “really reading,” they trivialize the effort, love, and passion I pour into every book. Reading, in any form, is more than just a mechanical process; it’s an engagement with ideas, narratives, and emotions. Denying my capacity to “really” read is akin to erasing my agency in choosing to explore literature. It dismisses my experience and can feel like a personal attack, minimizing my intelligence and curiosity.
Moreover, these comments strip away the nuances of my identity and life experience as a blind person. They ignore the reality that many of us navigate systems not designed with us in mind, yet we adapt with resilience and creativity. Listening to a book, for me, is as much an engagement with its content as sighted reading is for others. This medium allows me to dive into narratives, to imagine worlds, and to connect with characters just as vividly as if I were reading visually. Such a remark does not just invalidate my experience, but it also points to a societal failure to recognize and celebrate the diverse ways people interact with literature.
Understanding the Roots of Ableism
Ableism, at its core, stems from a belief that certain abilities, like sight, are inherently superior. This mindset manifests in the way sighted people sometimes view adaptations like screen readers or braille as substitutes, rather than as equally valid methods of accessing information. This thought pattern diminishes the lived experiences of blind individuals and subtly implies that we’re only half-participating in the world of literature. The comment reflects an ideology that upholds one mode of experiencing the world as ideal, while relegating others to second-class status.
Furthermore, literacy is a concept that should not be defined by sensory modality. Whether through braille, audio, or screen readers, blind readers engage in the same cognitive processes of understanding and analying text. These methods are not merely compensatory but rather alternate pathways that lead to the same destination.
Responding Constructively
Addressing this kind of ableism requires a blend of assertiveness and education. In responding to these comments, I could say something like, “When you suggest that I’m not really reading, it feels as if you’re diminishing my engagement with the text. For me, listening to a book offers the same intellectual and emotional journey as sighted reading does for you. It’s not about the method; it’s about the experience of connecting with the material. I’d appreciate it if we could acknowledge that there are many valid ways to be a reader.”
By framing the response in this way, I affirm my own experience while gently inviting the person to reconsider their assumptions. Another approach could be to highlight the diversity of literacy methods available today: “There’s a wide range of ways people can read now, whether through audio, braille, or text-to-speech technology. These methods open up the world of literature to more people and should be celebrated rather than diminished.”
My hope is that, in responding to these comments, I can foster a moment of reflection for others. Reading is about engaging with ideas and stories, not about the medium through which we access them. Ableist remarks about non-visual reading, though sometimes spoken thoughtlessly, present an opportunity to open minds and broaden perspectives. By sharing my experience, I contribute to a more inclusive understanding of literacy and help to dismantle the harmful stereotypes that still persist.
Conclusion
Reading is not an act confined to the eyes; it is an intellectual and emotional endeavour that transcends sensory modality. For many blind people, it is the ultimate expression of our love for stories, our curiosity, and our intellect. When someone diminishes my experience as “not really reading,” they underscore a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be a reader. As we continue to expand our understanding of accessibility, it is crucial to challenge and reframe such biases. Only by doing so can we begin to recognize and respect the many ways in which people interact with the written word, enriching our collective experience of literature in all its forms.
Huge props to the #NVDAsr team for recognizing this and taking the steps to make #Braille a priority. Will be filling out their survey and hope other #Windows #ScreenReader users will do the same.
One of the themes which came through from the NVDA Satisfaction Survey earlier this year, was to improve Braille support. To help us target the most needed improvements, we have created a short survey. If you use NVDA with braille at least some of the time, please consider completing this survey.
This fun little test scene is using #SVG textPath elements to make an arching caterpillar, some bees, and a trail of ants coming out of an anthill. Except all the bugs are made out of #braille that spells out the type of bug it's making up. Using the Braille36 Tiger font and using Unicode Braille Pattern characters for the braille itself to be visifle and embossable. It's really fun reading the braille in a non-standard way around the paper! #Blind #TactileGraphics #BlindSVG
To my last boost. Please boost this for wide spread. This is an opportunity for #braille dice sets to enter the realm of #mainstream and mass manufacturing. I haven't been able to read of full set of #dice as a #TTRPG player in 20 years since I went #blind. It would be beautiful for something like this to be added to life and make me feel like I'm right up there with everyone else. Thank you!
