Braille Technology

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 15, 2025
Advancements in braille technology have significantly enhanced the ability of students who are blind to access, create, and interact with digital and printed information. 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 translates digital text from a computer, tablet, or smartphone into braille characters by raising and lowering pins through small holes in a flat surface. These devices allow students to read one line of braille at a time, which updates or "refreshes" as the user navigates through content.
  • Common display sizes include 20, 32, 40, and 80-cell models.
  • Many displays now support Bluetooth and USB connectivity for use with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver (Apple), and TalkBack (Android).
  • Refreshable braille provides silent, direct access to spelling, punctuation, and formatting—critical for developing strong literacy and editing skills.
Current popular models include:
  • HumanWare Brailliant BI X series
  • APH Mantis Q40 (QWERTY keyboard + braille display)
  • APH Chameleon 20 (designed for students)
  • HIMS BrailleSense 6
  • Orbit Reader 20/40

Braille Embossers (Braille Printers)

Braille embossers are printers that produce hard-copy braille on heavy, specially designed paper. They are often used in combination with braille translation software.
  • Interpoint embossers can print braille on both sides of a page.
  • Embossers vary in size, speed, and price, from desktop models suitable for classroom use to high-volume production units used in schools or transcription centers.
  • Noise-dampening enclosures are often recommended due to the sound output during printing.
Common embossers used in schools:
  • Index Basic-D V5
  • ViewPlus Columbia or EmBraille
  • Enabling Technologies Romeo or Juliet Pro

Braille Translation Software

Braille translation software is required to convert standard print documents into braille, which can then be embossed.
Widely used options include:
  • Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) – The industry standard for braille translation.
  • BrailleBlaster – Free software from APH, especially helpful for textbook formatting and Nemeth (math) support.
  • (Note: MegaDots has been discontinued and replaced in most environments by DBT or BrailleBlaster.)

Electronic Braille Notetaker

Braille notetakers are powerful, portable devices designed specifically for blind users. They combine a refreshable braille display, braille or QWERTY keyboard, speech output, and a suite of productivity tools (e.g., word processor, email, calendar, file manager, web browser, and calculator). Many can sync with cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) and support document editing, math input (Nemeth), and real-time classroom note-taking.
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 ideally be sourced from reputable vendors that specialize in products for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These vendors offer training, warranty support, and accessible customer service. Some examples include:Tip: Avoid general retailers (like Amazon) unless you're purchasing a specific product with full compatibility and support in place.

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