How braille works
Braille uses a system of raised dots which allow people to read by feeling with their fingertips. Braille isn’t a new language but is a code which can be used to translate any language into written form for the blind. This means braille is a worldwide standard used in languages all over the world. The braille code was invented by Louis Braille who was born in 1809. The RNIB is celebrating the Louis Braille bicentenary throughout 2009.
The braille code
Braille is a code based on six dots, arranged in two columns of three dots.
The code used variations of the six dots to represent all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks and commonly-occurring groups of letters. There are 63 possible combinations of the six dots.
There are different types of braille codes but the main ones are Grade 1 and Grade2. Grade 2 is the most commonly used for reading books.
Grade 1 braille
- Grade 1 braille is the easiest form of braille to learn.
- Grade 1 uses each braille character (composed of the six dots) to stand for individual letters of the alphabet.
- Grade 1 braille is useful for labelling items such as CD cases but is not really suitable for reading long books.
Grade 2 braille
- Grade 2 braille uses the same system as grade 1 but adds a shorthand for groups of letters or words making it quicker to read and less bulky.
- Most braille books are produced in Grade 2.
Reading braille
Blind people read from left to right across the page with a light touch, using one or both hands.
The soft pads of the fingers are used to feel the raised dots, as these are more sensitive than the fingertips.
Braille books take up considerably more space than standard print books. An average book or novel will be made up of five volumes of braille.
Braille technology
Computers are increasingly used to produce braille.
Computers can also translate standard text into braille using special translation programmes. The braille can then be embossed using special braille embossers or read directly using a braille display.
A refreshable braille display produces braille by raising and lowering pins in response to an electronic signal. As you read through different sections of text the braille display constantly updates the braille.
Apart from making it easier to convert this also makes braille far more portable.
Digital braille can also be used with ‘synthetic speech’ screen readers.
Other braille codes
There are special braille codes for specific purposes for example: computer braille code, braille maths, braille music and braille chess.
Braille is also used for many international languages.
Producing braille
- Date: May 2009