In celebration of World Braille Day, Braille Literacy Canada (BLC), the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), the CNIB Foundation, the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS), and the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) organized a series of online events.
All sessions are concluded. The sessions have been recorded and are available below.
For more information, please contact braille@nnels.ca
Looking Through the Crystal Ball: Innovations in Braille Technology for the 21st Century and Beyond
This session has already taken place. Please find the Looking Through the Crystal Ball webinar recording on Braille Literacy Canada's YouTube Channel.
Description: The evolution of braille technology tells the story of innovation and tremendous progress. Where not long ago braille was only available on paper, we have gone from early single-line braille displays to multi-line devices, electronic files, tablets that can produce tactile graphics, and more. Which early braille devices would surprise you today? Which ones do you think should return to the market? What are the most promising current innovations and how will they change the game? Why do some technologies not last? As we look to the future, what gaps remain in the industry and what do braille users want to see on the horizon? Join us as users share their opinions on innovations in braille technology, their wishes for the future, and things designers should know. If you love braille and are excited about technology, this event is for you!
Building Braille Inclusion in Libraries
This session has already taken place. Please find the Building Braille Inclusion in Libraries webinar recording on Braille Literacy Canada's YouTube Channel.
Description: This event will begin with a live reading of a print-braille book. We will then explore strategies for libraries to create inclusive programs such as storytime, story boxes or literature kits, STEAM programming, makerspaces, 3D printing, games, and accessible book clubs. A live demonstration of a refreshable braille display will be followed by a discussion of which digital content in your library can be accessed using this type of assistive technology. Information on how libraries and braille users can access braille resources from services such as CELA, NNELS, and BAnQ, as well as a question-and-answer period, will conclude the event.
You can download the presentation slides here:
Tools for Your Toolbox: Braille Resources for French Speakers of All Ages
This session has already taken place. Please find the Tools for Your Toolbox: Braille Resources for French Speakers of All Ages (French) webinar recording on Braille Literacy Canada's YouTube Channel.
Description: Are you a TVI, an educator, or a parent of a braille reader? Have you been searching for books and other braille-related resources in French? In honour of World Braille Day, we invite you to this workshop, which will focus on resources for French speakers across the country. Whether you are looking for educational material, leisure reading or games, or you just want to learn the basics of the braille code, it can be a challenge to find these resources in French. Come and join us to learn what is available and how you can access it.
You can dowload the presentation slides here:Refreshing and Rethinking Braille Awareness Presentations with a Focus on Equity and Accessibility
This session has already taken place. Please find the Refreshing and Rethinking Braille Awareness Presentations with a Focus on Equity and Accessibility webinar recording on Braille Literacy Canada's YouTube Channel.
Description: This session will emphasize both braille awareness activities and the importance of braille in accessible design. Strategies will focus on the process of co-designing a classroom or community-based presentation with braille users. TVIs and members of students’ educational teams will learn a variety of methods to introduce the braille code to classroom audiences as well as strategies for engaging students in a broader conversation around accessibility, equity, and inclusion at school and in their communities.
You can dowload the presentation slides here: