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 support for USB and HID Braille displays. We then explore a range of portable Braille displays under 20 cells, comparing features like storage, connectivity, battery life, and usability.

Highlights include an in-depth look at the Humanware Brailliant BI 20X, APH Chameleon, Focus 14 Blue, Orbit Reader 20 Plus, and Help Tech Actolino, with insights from Scott Davert’s “Keeping It Portable in 2026” series. Each device’s strengths, quirks, and compatibility tips are shared to help you make an informed choice.

To close, we spotlight the Sensational Blackboard, a low-tech, highly creative tool that allows anyone to create tactile line drawings with a simple ballpoint pen—bringing art, maps, and signatures to life for blind and visually impaired users.

Relevant Links

Keeping it Portable in 2026 article 1 by Scott Davert :

https://www.helenkeller.org/keeping-it-portable-in-2026/

Keeping it Portable in 2026 Part 2 by Scott Davert :

https://www.helenkeller.org/keeping-it-portable-in-2026-part-2/

Sensational Blackboard:

https://sensationalbooks.com/products.html

Keyword List

TalkBack 17 Braille, portable Braille displays 2026, Humanware Brailliant BI 20X, APH Chameleon 20, Focus 14 Blue review, Orbit Reader 20 Plus, Help Tech Actolino, tactile graphics tools, Sensational Blackboard, Braille HID support, accessible drawing tools

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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

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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

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