At Your Fingertips - Braille Then and Now

Explore the latest in portable Braille displays, updates in TalkBack 17, and a brilliant low-tech solution for creating tactile graphics at home. Learn how to choose the right device and enhance accessible reading and writing in 2026.   This episode dives into the evolving world of Braille technology, starting with TalkBack 17 and its upcoming integration with Samsung devices, including enhanced s...

Explore the latest Braille technology, accessible crafting resources, and the PAIGE Braille learning app in this in-depth episode. From new Braille displays to tools for learners and creative crafters, here’s what you need to know.   Chris Cooke takes a deep dive into the evolving world of Braille in 2026, highlighting new devices announced at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Discover the...

Discover Braille Bridge, a new APH resource designed for adult learners and transition-aged readers who want to build practical Braille fluency. Learn how to integrate Braille into daily life through engaging exercises, tactile graphics, and fun activities.   In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille, Then and Now, Chris introduces Braille Bridge, a resource from the American Printing House f...

Celebrate the legacy of Louis Braille and explore the past, present, and future of Braille with Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence at the National Federation of the Blind. Learn how Braille technology evolved from the VersaBraille to multi-line displays like the Monarch, and why literacy through Braille is still life-changing today.   In this engaging conversation, Chr...

Discover how multi-line Braille displays like Dot Pad X and Monarch are transforming accessibility, education, and tactile literacy. Jackie Brown shares her lifelong Braille journey, from Perkins Braillers to cutting-edge digital Braille technology.   In this engaging conversation, Chris speaks with Jackie Brown, a digital skills officer at RNIB and founder of Strive Ability, about the evolution o...

Discover what’s new in Braille accessibility with Apple’s latest updates. From iOS 26’s “Braille Access” mode to creative uses of BRF files and multi-line displays like the Monarch, this episode of At Your Fingertips explores how technology continues to shape modern Braille literacy and why it still matters in 2025. This episode dives deep into Apple’s new Braille Access feature in iOS 26 and macO...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, Chris dives into the world of tactile literacy with highlights from the Braille 200 Project at livingbraille.eu, sharing fascinating finds like Braille art, adapted games, accessible kitchen tools, and thoughtful articles on Braille display selection. You’ll also hear about: A hands-on filming experience with The Blind Kitchen, where eve...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we take a moment to celebrate Helen Keller's legacy, just in time for her June 27th birthday. We reflect on her impact, not just as a trailblazer for deafblind individuals, but also as a fierce advocate for Braille as a standard reading code. Next, we shift gears to explore Jumbo Braille. Yes, it's a real thing. Learn when it’s useful, how it’s different, and...

In this relaxed May edition of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, we explore fun, low- to mid-tech tools that bring joy and progress to Braille learners. From Braille keychains and swing cells to the increasingly popular Braille Doodle and LEGO Braille sets, discover how fidget-friendly tools can reinforce literacy in a hands-on way. We also take a deeper look at input devices like the NLS...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, Chris shares practical strategies for increasing your Braille reading speed. Drawing from research by the American Foundation for the Blind and insights from Judy Dixon, the discussion covers why finger positioning matters, how a light touch can improve accuracy, and how bottom-dot recognition may slow some readers down. Chris explains t...

At Your Fingertips: Creative Braille, Birthday Surprises, and the VersaSlate In this episode, we explore creative ways to make Braille, from edible treats like M&Ms and marshmallows to unique methods like puff paint. Hear about a heartfelt birthday surprise, where a friend crafted a Braille birthday card, and a humorous college memory involving a cake with backwards Braille. We also dive into the...

At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now – The Braille Doodle In this episode, Chris takes a look at the Braille Doodle, a tool designed for both Braille learning and tactile drawing. This device has been a valuable addition to teaching and makes it easier to practice Braille while also exploring visual concepts. What is the Braille Doodle? The Braille Doodle is a tablet-sized device with two surf...

Show Notes for "At Your Fingertips: Braille Buffet November 2024" In this episode, we dive into a mix of Braille tech tips, childhood reading memories, and holiday gift ideas for Braille enthusiasts. Explore tips for Braille display troubleshooting, nostalgic resources, global Braille charities, and unique gift suggestions for the giving season. Highlights Braille Tech Tips - Topic: Troubleshootin...

In this episode of Unmute, we dive into the world of Braille signage, labeling solutions, and tips for everyday tasks for those who use Braille. Here’s a breakdown of the topics discussed: Podcast Schedule Update We’re expanding our schedule! Starting in November, we’ll be live on the first Saturday of every month. Visit unmute.show for more details and updates. Braille Signage Adventures Ever had...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, host Chris reminisces about a childhood experience that shaped her sense of normalcy as a blind child. Her mother helped her label all 64 Crayola crayons in Braille, enabling her to enjoy coloring books despite being blind. This fostered a sense of inclusion and helped her feel like any other child. Chris also discusses modern tactile co...

In this episode, we delve into the historical development of Braille, focusing on the significance of the Unified English Braille Code. Wediscuss the evolution of Braille from 1932 to the adoption of the Unified English Braille in 2014, highlighting challenges and advancements in creating a unified code for English speakers. Moving on to the practical aspects of learning Braille in the modern era,...

We delve into the history of Braille, from its inception to its role in education and employment opportunities for the visually impaired. Exploring the legacy of institutions like the Hadley Institute, we highlight the evolution of Braille education and its relevance in the digital age. Through personal experiences and historical context, I emphasize the ongoing importance of Braille literacy and...

In this episode, we discuss the transition to Unified English Braille (UEB) and the challenges faced by longtime Braille readers. We explore the resistance to change, the importance of learning new codes while honoring legacy ones, and the significance of standardization in the Braille community. Shifting focus, we delve into summer reading initiatives, highlighting the National Library Service's...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we discuss the world of Braille games, emphasizing their role in enhancing Braille skills through fun gameplay. We share insights on specific games like Scrabble and Monopoly, highlighting their educational value. Exploring resources from NFB Independence Marketplace, APH, and MaxiAids, we showcase Braille games like alphabet blocks and Sudoku boards. We touc...

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, Braille Then and Now Chris delves into the significance of Braille accessibility through exploration of Braille business cards and innovative products. Insights are shared on finding Braille business cards via platforms like Etsy and the Braille Superstore, underlining their affordability and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Unique Braille pro...

Join us as we explore Braille greeting cards and grade three Braille in this episode of "At Your Fingertips, Braille Then and Now." Discover DIY tips for creating Braille cards, sources for purchasing them, and the efficiency of grade three Braille in note-taking. Stay connected for more insightful discussions on Braille. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss Braille education with our guest Kay. We cover topics such as using a slate and stylus for writing, accessing Braille books, personal experiences with Braille, the importance of Braille literacy, and the practicality of labeling things using Braille. We invite listeners to join the conversation and provide feedback for future episodes. Read transcript Learn more about y...