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At Your Fingertips - Braille Then and Now

At Your Fingertips - Braille Then and Now

Written by: Chris Cooke
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Whether you’re just dipping your fingers into Braille study for the very first time, or you’ve been reading dots for decades, this show has something for you. We’ll chat about everything from simple, low tech tools to the latest high tech devices, explore great places to find Braille books and materials, and even take a trip through history to remember the gadgets and devices we loved—or maybe forgot about. So come along for the journey, and check out at Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now. There's something here for everyone! Biological Sciences Economics Management Management & Leadership Science
Episodes
  • Crafting in Braille: Patterns, Resources, and New Tools

    Crafting in Braille: Patterns, Resources, and New Tools
    Apr 13 2026
    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 HumanWare Braille Note Evolve, Orbit Research’s Strata and Flow displays, Selvis BrailleSense 7, and the innovative Mnemonic Braille Labeller. For creative listeners, Chris shares where to find accessible knitting and crochet patterns, including resources like Blind Mice Mega Mall, Accessible Patterns Index, and the Braille Authority of North America’s hobby guidelines. The episode also includes a hands-on walkthrough of the PAIGE Braille learning app, exploring its strengths, quirks, and how it can support both beginners and advanced learners with or without a Braille display. Relevant Links Blind Mice Mega Mall: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com Accessible Patterns Index: https://accessiblepatternsindex.com/category/using-the-index Braille Authority of North America – Crafts & Hobbies: https://brailleauthority.org/crafts-and-hobbies PAIGE Braille App: https://paigebraille.com Keyword List Braille learning app, PAIGE Braille, Braille displays 2026, HumanWare Braille Note Evolve, Orbit Research Strata, Selvis BrailleSense 7, Mnemonic Braille Labeller, accessible knitting patterns, crochet Braille patterns, Blind Mice Mega Mall, Accessible Patterns Index, Braille teaching tools, assistive technology podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Braille Bridge: Mastering Braille for Adults

    Braille Bridge: Mastering Braille for Adults
    Mar 14 2026
    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 for the Blind (APH) created for adults and young people seeking to refresh or improve their Braille skills. Unlike children’s books or overly simplistic texts, Braille Bridge offers short, relevant, and practical reading materials—covering household labels, recipes, jokes, riddles, and even short letters like one from Helen Keller. Chris also shares a step-by-step guide for creating a tactile Braille heart design using a Perkins Brailler or slate and stylus. The episode highlights ways to integrate Braille into everyday activities, from labelling household items to enjoying games like Scrabble, Uno, or Monopoly. Discover how consistent, practical Braille use can help learners gain confidence, independence, and joy in reading. Relevant Links APH Braille Bridge: https://www.aph.org Paths to Literacy Braille Designs: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/braille-designs-valentines-day/ Keyword List Braille Bridge, APH Braille resources, adult Braille learners, tactile graphics, Perkins Brailler activities, Braille fluency practice, accessible learning tools, BRF files, Paths to Literacy, Braille heart design Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Jonathan Mosen on the Legacy and Future of Braille

    Jonathan Mosen on the Legacy and Future of Braille
    Jan 23 2026
    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, Chris welcomes Braille advocate and technology leader Jonathan Mosen to reflect on the impact of Louis Braille’s invention and the ongoing journey of Braille literacy. Jonathan shares stories from his lifelong relationship with Braille, from reading under the covers as a child to using early devices like the VersaBraille in the 1980s. Listeners will hear about the challenges and breakthroughs in Braille technology, including the rise of refreshable Braille, the promise of multi-line displays, and the transformative potential of tactile graphics for education and STEM learning. Jonathan also recounts his emotional visit to Louis Braille’s birthplace, reflecting on the profound legacy of a system that continues to empower blind people around the globe. Together, Chris and Jonathan discuss practical ways to encourage more people to learn Braille, the myths surrounding technology replacing literacy, and the exciting future of devices like the Dot Pad and Monarch. [Relevant Links] National Federation of the Blind: https://www.nfb.org NFB Centre of Excellence in Non-visual Accessibility (CENA): https://nfb.org/cena Access On Podcast: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/technology/access-on [Keyword List] Louis Braille legacy, Braille technology, Jonathan Mosen interview, refreshable Braille displays, Monarch Braille display, Dot Pad tactile graphics, VersaBraille history, Braille literacy advocacy, National Federation of the Blind, accessible technology podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
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