Braille

Braille is a well known format for reading by touch.

What is braille used for?

Blind and partially sighted people use braille for:

accessing the printed word - documents, books, signs
labelling
writing
accessing a computer with a braille display

Where to get braille

RNIB is the main provider of braille in the UK. The RNIB National Library Service has a large collection of braille books for loan by post. It is also possible to buy books in braille through the RNIB.

ClearVision provides a postal lending service of books that incorporate braille with normal print and illustrations for younger readers.

Grade 1 and grade 2 braille

Braille comes in different versions: uncontracted (grade 1) and contracted (grade 2). Contracted braille is used by more experienced braille users. It uses the same letters, punctuation and numbers as uncontracted braille, but also uses a shorthand system where groups of letters are combined to save space and make it quicker to read.

Almost all books and magazines are printed in contracted braille. Uncontracted braille is used for labelling and signs.

Writing braille

There are several ways to write braille:

frame and stylus - simplest way to make braille using a pointed stylus to push dots into paper
mechanical braillers - sturdy desktop machines or light weight portable versions, like typewriters
embossers or braille printers - print braille output from a computer by punching dots onto paper
electronic notetakers - portable computers that can give speech feedback and can also have an integrated braille display.