Braille basics
Braille is the tactile system of reading and writing used by blind people. Braille characters are composed of combinations of dots from a matrix of three rows and two columns. Braille was invented by a Frenchman, Louis Braille (1809-1852). Here is a short article about Louis Braille and the Braille system.
Braille codes in Australia
Australia is currently transitioning from a set of braille codes specific to Australia, to Unified English Braille, which will be the official braille code for usage in Australia from 2010.
Refer to the UEB page for information, documentation and resources relating to the Unified English Braille code.
The braille code for music is a separate, international standard.
Braille specifications
This .pdf document gives basic information about the Braille characters for letters and numbers
Download Braille specifications (pdf 20 kb)
The ABA receives a steady stream of queries about the physical specifications for the size and spacing between Braille dots. Information about Braille cell dimensions has been compiled by John Gill and published on his Tiresias website.
Tactile signs
Those wishing to commission a tactile sign should find a signmaker and ask them for evidence that their product complies with the Building Code Australia standard D3.8.
Signmakers should use grade one (uncontracted) braille and follow this specification for braille dimension on signs (rtf 71 kb). More details are available in the Australian Standard for Design for access and mobility: Tactile Indicators. Please contact us at leona.holloway@visionaustralia.org for information on how your signs can be proofread for accuracy.
Braille resources in Australia
Libraries that loan braille books in Australia
- Vision Australia Information Library Service
- Queensland Braille Writing Association
- Association for the Blind of Western Australia
- National Braille Reserve Collection (interlibrary loan only)
Producers of Braille music in Australia
- Queensland Braille Writing Association
- Queensland Education Department Vision Support Unit: Penny.Heath@qed.qld.gov.au
- South Australian School for Vision Impaired: kathy.riessen@sasvi.sa.edu.au
- Vision Australia Braille Music
Vision Australia Information Library Service will conduct searches for music braille already produced by any of the above organisations on behalf of its members. Email library@visionaustralia.org or phone 1300 654 656.
Braille Authorities in other countries
BANA is the Braille Authority of North America, representing member organizations from the United States and Canada.
BAUK is the Braille Authority of the United Kingdom.
CBA is the Canadian Braille Authority.