Braille File Formats
Background
Current file formats used for distributing publications to be read in braille have limitations including:
- Limited support for navigation (text based braille formats e.g. BRF, BRA, BRL, and PEF)
- Limited support for transcribed and pre-formatted braille (digital text file formats e.g. DAISY, EPUB, HTML and Word)
- No standardized way for tactile graphics to be encoded for reading on digital devices in either text-based braille or digital text formats
- Limiting braille files to specific regions of the world due fixed braille encoding and formatting.
DAISY member American Printing House for the Blind is on a mission to create a groundbreaking electronic braille text and graphics device to revolutionize braille learning and accessibility. This inspired them to start work on developing a new braille format that would address the issues with existing solutions and will work with new and existing braille displays.
APH has been working collaboratively with international braille authorities and organizations, and several DAISY members expressed interest in the ambitions of the project.
How can I join?
We have more than 100 experts from 20 countries participating in our active working group. If you would like to help shape future braille formats, then consider joining us! Participants are warmly welcomed and encouraged to contribute their expertise and perspectives.
Please complete the application form which will be reviewed by a member of the project team before inviting you to join our working group email list. The email list is where we announce meetings, discuss relevant topics, and share notes. You can leave the mailing list at any time.
Current status
- This page has been created on the DAISY website to explain the project and invite participation.
- An email discussion list is operational.
- A problem statement has been created by the working group.
- The working group is meeting regularly (at the time of writing this is every two weeks).
- A graphics working group has been formed and is meeting monthly.
- A GitHub site is in place to facilitate structured discussion and decision making.
- Reported to the DAISY Board in November 2022.
- Meeting notes are available online.
- Updates on progress are provided in the DAISY Planet newsletter.