EBU Braille Working Group presents the third roundtable discussion about controlling devices using Braille displays, hosted by the European Blind Union’s Braille Working Group.
Watch the recording of our third table talk on @livingbraille YouTube channel.
The session focused on controlling mobile devices and computers with Braille displays, with presentations from two German manufacturers, Help Tech and Papenmeier, about their respective display technologies. The third table talk speakers covered iOS and Android device control methods, including specific key combinations for navigation and text editing, shared detailed information about customizing JAWS commands through Keyboard Manager, demonstrating how users can assign specific Braille display keys to perform various functions.
The session also addressed challenges with different screen readers and Braille display compatibility, with participants discussing the varying support levels between JAWS, NVDA, and iOS/Android systems.
Summary
Braille Display iOS Navigation Techniques
Reiner Delgado from the Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union led a discussion on controlling devices using Braille displays, focusing on iOS devices and their features. He explained various key combinations and gestures on Braille displays to navigate and control iPhone functions, including scrolling, using the rotor, editing text, and performing actions like copy, paste, and marking text.
In the short discussion, Reiner mentioned how to use a Braille display with an iPhone, explaining key combinations and the helpful “keyboard help” mode that speaks commands when activated. Oleg shared his frequent use of Braille displays with phones for controlling devices and browsing without speech, while Rudolf raised concerns about the lack of block selection operations in VoiceOver on iOS, which Reiner confirmed doesn’t exist on iOS and suggested submitting feedback to Apple. Felix explained the benefits of using Braille displays over touchscreens, including discretion in public settings and the tactile literacy benefits for reading books on devices.
Braille Displays on Android Devices
Michal Tkáčik from the Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union discussed the improved Braille support in Android devices, particularly since Android versions 14-15, noting that while Braille support has significantly improved, there are still some limitations compared to iOS. He explained how to connect and configure a Braille display with TalkBack, including settings for language, Braille code, and basic customization options. Michal also described the gesture controls using 8-dot input methods with different Braille displays, though he noted some challenges with navigation in menus and suggested workarounds for scrolling through long lists.
The discussion focused on using Braille displays with Android phones, particularly regarding navigation and text input methods. Michal Tkáčik shared his experience with different Android interfaces and noted challenges with consistent Braille display support across platforms. Lielle Ben Simon reported successful Bluetooth connection using the Bluetooth ID protocol with their Braille display, while Felix noted that HID protocol works in the latest Android beta versions. James Bowden highlighted the importance of text input capabilities for Braille displays, particularly for users who find on-screen keyboards or dictation less convenient. Reiner mentioned using a regular QWERTZ keyboard with a Braille display for a more computer-like experience.
Braille Display Configuration Techniques
Oleg Shevkun from the Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union shared his experience with Braille displays and screen readers, emphasizing the importance of customizing commands to suit individual needs rather than memorizing generic tables. He explained the use of JAWS’s Keyboard Manager as a tool for configuring and editing Braille display settings, demonstrating how to access and navigate this feature. Oleg highlighted that while different screen readers and Braille displays may require learning new commands, configuring them to align with personal preferences can enhance productivity and convenience.
Braille Display Customization Demonstration.
Oleg demonstrated how to customize Braille display key assignments using JAWS Keyboard Manager, showing the process of assigning specific keys to various functions like accepting phone calls and adjusting Braille options. He emphasized the importance of configuring the Braille display to personal preferences, noting that users should not be afraid to override existing keyboard combinations for frequently used commands. Oleg also mentioned that more advanced customization options exist through Braille In, which can simulate keyboard commands from a Perkins Braille display, and offered his email for further assistance with specific Braille display models.
Braille Display and Keyboard Management
The meeting focused on discussing Braille display commands and keyboard management in screen readers. Debbie asked about searching and resetting commands in the Braille table and keyboard manager, to which Oleg explained that changes are saved to the user folder and suggested using Notepad to view and modify commands. Matthew advised backing up settings before making significant changes, especially when using third-party tools like Lisey. Liam inquired about similar functionality in NVDA, and Reiner explained that while NVDA has a keyboard manager, it may be less intuitive for beginners, suggesting consulting experts for complex configurations.
The meeting focused on challenges with Braille display usage and control in NVDA. Matthew and Vivian discussed difficulties in identifying key functions on Braille displays.
Braille Display Product Presentation
Help Tech Braille Displays
Felix Grutzmacher from Help Tech GmbH (external link) presented on the company’s Braille display products, focusing on the Activator (40-cell) and Activator Pro (64 and 80-cell) models. He explained key features including multi-device connectivity via USB and Bluetooth, active split functionality, and ATC (active tactile control) for automatic text scrolling. The discussion included details about macro recording capabilities, with James asking about key press timing and Matthew inquiring about editing existing macros, to which Felix confirmed pauses can be added and an editor is planned for future release.
Papenmeier Braille Displays Presentation
The session started with Reiner beginning to ask about the company’s history and philosophy regarding Braille displays. Matthias Schafer from Papenmeier Rehartechnik (external link) presented their new Braillex Flow model, which features a navigation bar with 6 function keys and supports Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity with the HID standard. The company plans to update all their Braille displays (40 and 80 cell models) with USB-C and HID standard by the end of the year.
During the Q&A, it was revealed that a previous QWERTY version of the Braillex line was discontinued due to lack of customer interest despite being well-received internally. The conversation ended with information about the next session on April 29th focused on creating content with Braille displays.
Resources
- All Voiceover commands for controlling your device with the braille display can be found at Common Braille commands for VoiceOver on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (external link). On the bottom of the site you can switch to any language you prefer.
- All inquiries regarding the Apple products functionality, you can contact the Apple Accessibility Support (external link).
- The link in the official addon store for the NVDA addon: Braille extender by André-Abush Clause and other contributors (external link)
- German braille table with extended information of rarely used letters with diacritics Detail (external link)
Contact us at team(at)livingbraille.eu if you are interested in more information on the topics we discussed, or briefly mentioned, such as :braille in: function of JAWS.