Braille in 2025: A Digital Perspective
Braille has helped people who are blind and low-vision access information and communicate for 200 years. Invented by Louis Braille in 1824, this tactile writing system has empowered generations. Fast forward to 2025, the core principles of Braille remain unchanged, But, its use has evolved thanks to advancements in digital technology.
Braille Basics
Braille is a tactile writing system that uses a pattern of raised dots to represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and even entire words or phrases (in contracted Braille). Each Braille cell consists of six dots arranged in a 2x3 grid. Different combinations of these dots form specific characters.
Take the dots in our logo for example. We use two Braille letters, A and X, and Ax is an abbreviation for Accessibility. One dot in the top-left corner represents the letter A, and two dots at the bottom and two at the top represent the letter X.
Braille enables direct access through touch to written information, fostering literacy, independence, and inclusion for many who cannot see the text.
But, learning Braille can be challenging. It requires tactile sensitivity, patience, and practice. These are skills that not everyone develops easily, especially those who lose vision later in life. The physical documents can also be large and take time to produce.
Braille Remains Essential
In New Z
ealand, fewer than 10% of blind people are fluent in Braille. This is largely because far fewer people are educated using Braille books, with a heavier reliance on technology. There is a resurgence on encouraging Braille education, but progress is slow.
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, Braille is still irreplaceable. Many Braille users, especially those who avoid tech or who are deafblind, still need Braille. For many, it’s the key to literacy and independence. Traditional Braille books and signs are still widely used, but digital tools are expanding Braille's reach and functionality.
In the past creating Braille was often a long process using tech like a Perkins Brailler. These portable typewriters allow users to write Braille manually. Now they are used when digital tools aren’t practical, or when physical Braille is needed. Larger Braille embossers can also create physical Braille documents, ideal for books, labels, and instructions.
Screen Readers and Braille
Combining traditional Braille with modern technology, users can access a world of information that was once out of reach. Screen readers and digital Braille devices offer new possibilities for education, work, and daily life for many.
Screen reader software converts digital content into speech, basically reading aloud what is on the screen. This is great for people who are blind or have low vision. But for those who are deafblind hearing the content may not be the best solution. The great thing is that screen readers can also pass the information to a refreshable Braille display.
Plugin Refreshable Braille displays translate digital text into tactile Braille in real time, making them perfect for reading emails, navigating spreadsheets, and browsing the web. The device displays dynamic Braille, using plastic ‘pins’ that replicate the text being processed by the screen reader software. So, instead of reading the text visually, or hearing the text auditorily, refreshable Braille users process the text haptically running their fingers along the line of text.
There are also separate Braille devices that include Braille input keys to write, and refreshable Braille text to read the dynamic Braille.
Best Practices for Digital Accessibility
Digital technology has revolutionised the use of Braille. But it isn’t just about the technology, it’s about thoughtful design and development. Screen reader software relies heavily on properly coded websites and apps to function effectively.
Websites and apps that aren’t coded correctly create barriers. For instance, if a button is coded as <div> instead of <button>, a screen reader may not recognise it as interactive. Accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 ensure digital platforms are usable by everyone, including Braille users.
The Future of Braille and Digital Accessibility
Braille and digital tools are no longer separate, now working hand in hand. By combining traditional methods with modern innovations, we’re bridging gaps and opening doors.
Whether you’d like help optimising websites for screen readers or ensuring compatibility with Braille devices, reach out as we’re here to help. To us and many users, Braille isn’t just dots on a page. It’s empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
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