Just about everyone who knows me appreciates my passion for the Braille code, and why I think it plays such a crucial role for those who are either well versed in using it, or for those who are starting to learn it. I began to learn Braille as a four-year-old. In my view, the earlier you learn the better because the sensitivity of your fingers reacts more quickly to touch. Well known Braille users in the community such as BBC journalists Peter White and Gary O’Donoghue, and assistive technology advocates and users, Jonathan Mosen and Steve Nutt, have all used Braille for many years which has undoubtedly enhanced their credentials in the employment arena.
In 2016, I decided that it would be really useful to have a publication where all the current Braille displays and note-takers could be discussed in one place, and so Braille On Display 2016 Edition was born. Jonathan Mosen ran his own consultancy business at that time, so agreed to publish and distribute the book on my behalf. He had the means to take payments, while I had the means to publicise it.
Four years later, Braille On Display 2020 Edition followed with more new devices, while others were still retained yet relegated to legacy equipment. Although Jonathan had moved on to pastures new by then, he still published the book for me, and dealt with payments.
But in the last four years, the number of Braille devices has exploded with the introduction of multi-line displays and Braille input only products. When people began asking me when the next iteration of Braille On Display was being released, I knew I had to come up with another edition. This time, however, I wanted to make it freely available in electronic format to anyone who wanted a copy. I also decided to offer publication to the Braillists Foundation as it felt very fitting that in the year celebrating 200 years of Braille, the book should be distributed by the organisation that does so much to promote our beloved code.
I am therefore proud and privileged to announce that Braille On Display 2024 Edition is being launched on Thursday 10th October over Zoom at 7:30 pm UK time. We have a line-up of distinguished guests including: Ron Miller from the company who develops JAWS, Vispero, Jonathan Mosen, Stuart Lawler of Sight and Sound Technology and Braillists Foundation Trustee, and Dave Williams, chair of the Braillists and RNIB Connect Radio Tech Talk host. If you would like to join us for the book launch, where Stuart Lawler will be talking to me about how Braille On Display came about, and what’s in this bumper edition, then please join us by registering at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcuqrrzMsGNDoqTq3vsrBatCD98WQxBF4
You will then be able to find out how to download a copy of the book. Once it has been officially launched, I will make it available to download from the home page of my website too.
I hope as many of you as possible will join us for a celebration of 200 years of Braille on Thursday 10th October at 7:30 pm UK time.