Braille Technology

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated September 7, 2025
Advancements in braille technology have dramatically expanded how students who are blind access, create, and interact with both digital and printed information. Modern devices now provide multiple ways to support literacy, independence, and full participation in the classroom. Below is an overview of the most current braille tools and devices used in educational settings.

Refreshable Braille Display

A refreshable braille display is an electronic device that converts digital text from a computer, tablet, or smartphone into tactile braille. Small pins move up and down through holes on a flat surface to form braille characters. Students read one line at a time, which updates or refreshes as they navigate through content.
Key Features:
  • Available in common sizes of 20, 32, 40, and 80 braille cells.
  • Connect via Bluetooth or USB to screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver (Apple), and TalkBack (Android).
  • Provide direct access to spelling, punctuation, and formatting—critical for literacy and editing skills.
  • Offer silent reading, making them ideal for classroom use.
Popular Models:
  • HumanWare Brailliant BI X series
  • APH Mantis Q40 (QWERTY keyboard + braille display) – Available with quota funds
  • APH Chameleon 20 (student-friendly model) – Available with quota funds
  • HIMS BrailleSense 6
  • Orbit Reader 20/40 – Previously available with quota funds

Braille Embossers (Braille Printers)

A braille embosser is a printer that produces hard-copy braille on thick, specially designed paper. Embossers are often paired with braille translation software to convert text before printing.
Key Features:
  • Interpoint embossers print braille on both sides of the page, saving paper.
  • Range from small desktop models for classroom use to high-volume machines for schools or transcription centers.
  • Often require noise-dampening enclosures to reduce sound output.
Common embossers used in schools:

Braille Translation Software

Braille translation software converts print documents into braille for use with embossers or digital devices. Teachers and students rely on these tools to prepare accessible materials.
Widely used options:
  • Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) – The industry standard for braille translation.
  • BrailleBlaster – Free software from APH, especially helpful for textbook formatting and Nemeth (math) support.

Electronic Braille Notetaker

Braille notetakers are portable, all-in-one devices designed specifically for blind users. They combine a refreshable braille display, braille or QWERTY keyboard, and speech output with built-in productivity tools.
Key Features:
  • Functions include word processing, email, calendar, file management, web browsing, and calculator.
  • Support cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox for document storage and sharing.
  • Allow real-time note-taking in class and input of Nemeth code for math.
Current braille notetakers in use:
  • HumanWare BrailleNote Touch Plus
  • HIMS BrailleSense 6 or BrailleSense 6 Mini
  • APH Mantis Q40 (combo QWERTY keyboard + braille display)
  • Orbit Writer (paired with a smartphone or tablet)

Where to Purchase

Braille technology should be purchased through vendors that specialize in products for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These companies provide training, warranty support, and accessible customer service.
Examples include:Tip: Avoid general retailers unless you're purchasing a specific product with full compatibility and support in place.

​Why Braille Technology Matters

Integrating braille technology into classrooms ensures that students who are blind can:
  • Develop strong literacy skills.
  • Access the same digital resources as their peers.
  • Participate independently in classwork and homework.
  • Gain confidence in using technology that mirrors workplace tools.

VI Assistive Technology

Basic Use
  • Properly cares for AT tools​
  • Stores and retrieves device when needed
  • Use appropriate tool for the task
  • Reports how to acquire, repair, maintain tool
Problem solve
  • Check cable connections
  • Reboot
  • Call tech support
  • Recharge device
  • Know when to ask adult for help
  • Change batteries (if applicable)
Braille Notetaker
  • Turn device on/off
  • Orient to braille keypad/QWERTY
  • Locate keys (previous, back, forward, next, etc.)
  • Locate braille display
  • Locate ports: serial, parallel, and power
  • Connect device to printer, embosser, power
  • Use navigational commands
  • Use reading commands
  • Use general commands
iOS/Tablet
  • Use of accessibility features
  • Access digital print
  • Downloading e-books
  • Communicating with device
  • Pairing with braille notetaker
Audio
  • Adjust speed
  • Adjust volume
  • Go to specific page
  • Move throughout the document
  • Set heading level navigation
  • Place a bookmark
  • Move between bookmarks
Video Magnifier
  • Bring various size print “in focus”
  • Change image size for various tasks
  • Move x-y tray horizontally to scan row
  • Move x-y tray vertically to scan rows
  • Locate requested items on a page.
  • Self-initiate preferred features
  • Use line markers to maintain place
  • Draw lines to connect pictures in 2 columns
  • Use video magnifier to complete reading tasks
  • Use video magnifier to complete writing tasks
Basic Computer Use
  • Basic computer use (ie shutting down, etc.)
  • Touch type all letters
  • Use shift key for capitalization
  • Touch type numbers and symbols
  • Type with increased accuracy
  • Type with increased speed
  • Use of standard printer
  • Use of braille embosser + translation software
  • Use of scanner
Access
  • Built in Accessibility Features
  • Use Screen Magnification Program
  • Navigate the windows to locate desired information
  • Use Screen Reader Program
  • Activate/deactivate and minimize program
Windows Keystrokes
  • Move between start button, desktop, taskbar (F6 or tab)
  • Open start menu (Windows key or CTRL+ESC)
  • Use start menu/desktop icon to open programs
  • Display contents of drop-down list (Alt + â)
  • Select choice on an icon or drop down list (enter)
  • Mark or clear radio buttons (spacebar)
  • Close a dialog box or drop down menu (Escape)
  • Activate an application menu bar (F10 or Alt)
  • Close applications (Alt + F4)
  • Maximize a window (shift + windows + M)
  • Minimize a window (Windows + M)
  • Switch between applications (Alt + tab)
  • Get help (F1)
  • Use additional keystrokes
Word Processing
  • Create a new document
  • Move to menu and select from drop-down boxes
  • Name and save a document
  • Print a document
  • Open and close a document
  • Move to beginning of line or document
  • Move to end of line or document
  • Select text
  • Cut, copy and paste text
  • Undo a previous action
  • Use spell check
  • Proofread and edit document
  • Change character format: font, size, typeface
  • Change paragraph alignment
  • Format bullets and numbering
  • Create a table
Productivity
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheets
  • PowerPoint
  • Produce assignments in variety of formats
  • Microsoft Keystroke commands
Online
  • Email
  • Open a web browser
  • Read a web page
  • Activate a link
  • Utilize the search command in search engine
  • Type in an internet address
  • Move forward and back
  • Locate a page in the favorites
  • Social Media Access
  • Download eBooks