Braille Changes Ahead....

Unified English Braille Code
You may have heard in the news recently that the United Kingdom Association for Accessible Formats has agreed to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) as an official Braille code in the UK.

UEB aims to unite the different literary, technical and language codes into a single Braille code, making it easier to learn. Its’ adoption will also eliminate differences in how the code is used in other English-speaking countries, which will help people to share resources internationally.

Use of this code should also simplify electronic ‘text to Braille’ translation – such as that used by our Transcription Department - thus improving accuracy, and potentially increasing the availability of Braille materials.

What does it mean for Braille Readers?
People already familiar with Grade 2 Braille should notice only small differences in UEB. No new contractions will be added, but nine commonly used contractions will be dropped. Braille characters will no longer have different meanings depending on the context. However, use of UEB will cause a slight increase in the length of documents, meaning they will take longer to read and to produce.

It is expected that there will be a long period of transition as UEB is being introduced, during which Standard English Braille will continue to be used widely.

Whilst keeping abreast of these changes, at KAB we’ll continue to offer Braille to suit the needs of the individual.

Braille Tuition on KAB’s Foundation DegreeOur Foundation Degree trains people to become qualified Rehabilitation Workers. The course includes a Braille module that equips staff to be able to teach basic Braille to sight impaired clients, and we are amending the module content to include the new methods allowing them to keep up to date of the forthcoming changes.

Need to Know More?
For any KAB Braille transcription queries please contact Marten at KAB on 01622 691357 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For information about KAB’s Foundation Degree please contact Avril Chapman on 01622 691357 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are sight impaired and want to know more about learning Braille, please contact your local rehab team or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

For frequently asked questions about the changes, follow this link to the UK Association For Accessible Formats website at  http://www.ukaaf.org/formats-and-guidance/177.