The second webinar in the European Blind Union’s Braille Working Group series focused on consuming information on braille displays, featuring presentations from multiple experts on various aspects of reading with braille technology. Our panellists:
- Oleg Shevkun,
- Reiner Delgado,
- Ute Lutzenberger,
- Matthew Horspool,
- Dave Williams,
- Michal Tkáčik
The session covered topics including braille encoding and file format compatibility, with detailed demonstrations of braille settings in different screen readers (NVDA and JAWS) and braille display configurations. Participants discussed reading techniques, auto-scrolling features, and the importance of proper braille table settings, while sharing practical tips for improving reading fluency and managing different braille file formats. The panel included experts from multiple countries who shared their experiences with braille displays, including discussions about reading circles and the challenges of working with different braille encodings across international borders.
Summary of the second EBU Braille Working Group webinar
The second webinar in the series dedicated to the use of braille displays focused on the topic of consuming information through refreshable braille technology. The session brought together experienced braille users, technology experts and educators to discuss practical approaches to reading, configuring devices and working with digital texts on braille displays.
The webinar followed the concept of the “four C’s” of working with braille displays. After the first session addressed how to connect braille displays to different devices, this meeting explored how users can effectively read and process information once the display is connected. The discussion was structured around three main areas:
- what appears on the Braille display,
- how the braille settings of screen readers work and how available space on the display can be managed,
- and techniques for efficient braille reading on a paper, braille display or multi-lined device.
A substantial part of the webinar focused on working with digital books and file formats. Participants shared practical workflows for converting e-books into formats suitable for braille displays. One example demonstrated how EPUB files can be converted into Word documents and then further processed into braille files using specialised software. This led to a broader discussion about braille encoding and compatibility, as different regions and devices still use various braille formats and tables. Participants highlighted the importance of reliable conversion tools and the ongoing development of new standards such as eBraille, which aims to improve interoperability in the future.
Another important topic was configuration of braille displays within screen readers. The webinar provided an overview of key settings in NVDA, JAWS and VoiceOver, including language tables, cursor behaviour, word wrapping, message notifications and panning options. These settings can significantly influence how information is presented on a braille display and how comfortable reading becomes for users.
The session also addressed practical reading techniques and ergonomics when using braille displays. Participants discussed strategies for developing braille fluency, emphasising that effective braille reading relies not only on speed but also on rhythm, confidence and regular practice. Tips included reading with a light touch, using both hands, positioning the display on a stable surface and adjusting the working position for comfort during longer reading sessions.
Additional discussions explored topics such as auto-scrolling on braille displays, handling BRF files, and the role of braille reading groups in supporting literacy and motivation. Participants shared experiences from different countries and devices, highlighting both the possibilities and current limitations of modern braille technology.
The webinar concluded with a brief outlook on the next sessions in the series, which will focus on controlling devices through braille displays and creating content using braille input.
Related content and resources
Braille Encoding Converter
Does any of the following sound familiar?
You’ve received a Braille-ready file from a source outside your country. However, you can’t read or emboss that file, because the characters are incorrect.
Or, you are sending a perfectly correct Braille file to someone else, but they are complaining that the characters are wrong.
Or, you have a passage of Braille, which you would like to paste into a regular document, so that the Braille dots would be visible on the screen for a sighted reader.
In all of these situations, the issue has to do with the Braille encoding. To put it simply, Braille files may be encoded differently, depending on the country where they have been produced. Changing the encoding will allow you to read or display your file properly, and even to paste it somewhere else as Unicode Braille.
One tool to achieve this goal is the Braille Encoding Converter. Simply select the source format and output format, choose the file to convert, and then download the result.
Note: if your Braille file was produced in a German-speaking country, select EuroBraille as the input format. There are two variants of Braille encoding for North America, as well as several encodings for Russian-speaking countries. And finally, there is Unicode Braille, which works well as a format for file exchange.
To use this tool online, go to the Braille Encoding Converter website.
To download an off-line Windows package, as well as to see the source code or contribute to development, visit Braille Encoding Converter Github project website.
The developer, Andrey Yakuboy, is always eager to hear your input.