Braille

Did you know everything you read in print can be produced in braille? Braille is a vital literacy tool for blind and partially sighted people. Its uses range from labelling of everyday items, to reading books and using computers with a refreshable braille display.

Braille may take time to learn, but it's a skill for life. It was created in 1824 but the system doesn't date. In fact today braille works with, and enhances, technology. Braille makes everyday tasks like writing lists or reading food labels easy.

How does braille work?

Braille consists of arrangements of raised dots that stand for individual letters, combinations of letters (contractions), punctuation signs and other print symbols.  By using a six-dot cell, 63 different patterns can be formed. Uncontracted braille uses 26 of these symbols to stand for the letters of the alphabet, while contracted braille makes use of all 63 symbols to represent whole words, combinations of two or more letters and punctuation marks. Contracted braille may sound complex but it can make reading quicker and easier, and it saves space!

Find out how braille was invented.

If you'd like to give reading braille a try, you can see your name written in braille.

Learn some facts about braille or read our braille FAQs.

The RNZFB and braille

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) teaches members to read and write braille, and our library stocks braille books. We are New Zealand's leading braille producer.

The Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust (BANZAT) is the national body responsible for setting and maintaining braille standards in New Zealand.

The Braille Mail is a newsletter which gives braille news from the RNZFB, produced by the Braille Awareness Consultant. The Braille Mail is available in braille, via email or on our Telephone Information Service TIS at option 351.

Whether you are a braille reader, a professional or simply interested in braille news, you can subscribe by contacting the braille awareness consultant. To subscribe to Braille Mail or to find out more about braille, please phone 0800 24 33 33 or email braille@rnzfb.org.nz

Purchase the RNZFB's new braille teaching programme

Simply Touch and Read (STAR) is the RNZFB's new braille teaching course for adults. STAR uses the Unified English Braille Code to teach reading and writing of braille to adults by touch. Learn more about this programme and how you can purchase it.

Braille Bookmarks

A pack of 30 braille alphabet bookmarks is available for $15.00 plus $3.00 postage and packaging. They are aimed at children but suitable for adults also. To order or for more information contact Lisette Wesseling lwesseling@rnzfb.org.nz or 0800 24 33 33 ext. 2139