The WinBraille Approach to Producing Braille Quickly and Effectively

Abstract

With WinBraille it is possible to emboss directly from a word processor like Microsoft Word on any of Index Braille’s embossers, and on-the-fly contract the document into grade 2 Braille. The benefit of WinBraille is that it has a simple interface for the novice, but is still powerful for the advanced user. WinBraille contains Windows drivers for Index Braille’s embossers, the WinBraille application, contraction rules for more than 20 languages, a contraction rule editor, predefined profiles and templates for immediate access, and macros to directly emboss from Microsoft Word. The combination of Word macros, drivers, predefined contraction rules, profiles and templates makes the system suitable for the user with no or limited knowledge of Braille and Braille printing. We describe how the WinBraille’s approach can facilitate the daily work for people who normally do not print Braille, but occasionally have to produce materials to be read by blind or visually impaired people. We also explore some of WinBraile’s less advanced features, like Braille formatting and how to select different profiles and templates.