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Announcement

Version 1.60 is now available for Download.

This is a vast improvement with a lot of updates from the previous version. Take a look through the change log and a better description of the parts that were added on this page.

Why This Guide?

While the population who reads Braille is small, the need to still be literate and to keep learning whole enjoying reading is something that needs to be preserved. I love to read, I became Legally Blind suddenly because of a stroke that effected the optical part of my brain. I have just a slight bit of vision (less than 1% of my visual field and at 20/800 in my better eye it isn’t really great), but I want others to be helped who have lost their sight to have a chance to learn.  The Braille Dictionary is licensed under the Creative Commons License – you can use the materials, but not sell them, or use them in a commercial work, and yes give credit where it is due.

What’s Inside the Braille Dictionary?

What’s Inside the Braille Dictionary?

Illustrations Explanation
Screen shot of the "Alphabet Page" - A-Z showing the Braille for each letter and includes the numbers 1-9 and zero (A to J).

Braille Alphabet

This page has the Braille Alphabet, Numbers (Over the corresponding letters and a Key showing what a Braille cell looks like. Starting from the Left side – Top to Bottom we have cells 1(top),2 and 3 – On the Right side we have cells 4 (Top), 5 and 6. The numbers under the letters represents the cells. “A” is the number 1, while “T” is 2345. This makes it easy to figure out.

The Numbers are written over the letters “A” to “I” – one to nine, with the letter “J” being Zero.
Screen shot of the "Braille practice page" for Low Vision students.

Practice Page

This page is designed for Low-Vision or sighted students to practice their Braille skills. There are three pages included in the Braille Dictionary but you can make as many as you wish. This helps to build practice and confidence.
A sample page of the Dictionary - The word or word part, the Braille Level 2 symbols, the cell numbers that are used and then what type of symbol is it (e.g: 46 Word)

Braille Dictionary Pages

The Braille Dictionary is done alphabetically (A-Z) in UEB (Unified English Braille). The English words are on the Right Hand column, Then the Braille Level 2 word for it. Next column is the cell numbers used. The Last column on the right is they type of word. These are color coded for easy deciphering  by someone who is Low-vision or sighted (such as a teacher). There are also sections on: Braille Punctuation, Basic Braille Math Symbols, and Braille Currency Symbols.
Short form example (visual) showing neon pink for the "er" in her (Level2 Braille) - this is a close up so visual learners can see.

Note on the method used for Short Forms

Some of the short Form words in Level 2 Braille use parts of words plus letters. The individual letters are in Lighter Blue, the word parts are shown in Neon Pink. So “hers” in Level 2 braille is “H+ER+S“.
Braille Punctuation Page

Punctuation

NewSpecial symbols for characters in UEB. Symbols that are common are the ampersand &, At symbol that is used in email addresses @, and many more.
Numbers and math Symbols

Numbers and Math Symbols

NewThe first is a List of numbers from 1 to 20. The page after that is Basic math symbols. Addition, subtraction and others.
Currency Symbols

Currency Symbols

The first is a List of numbers from 1 to 20. The page after that is Basic math symbols. Addition, subtraction and others.
Braille Restroom Signs - Shows the Word and the Braille that is encountered.

Braille Restroom Signs

Some of the most common restroom signs and the Braille that goes along with them. These are all of the most common signs and they are all in UEB level 2.
Braille Elevator Buttons - special pictographs of the button, the word it represents, the Braille, Dot values and the form of the letters (MA-IN for main)

Braille Elevator Buttons

Some of the most common elevator buttons (open, close, alarm, etc). This gives a picture of the button and Braille, English Word, Braille, Cell numbers, and The Dot numbers.
How to fold money so you know which denomination it is.

Folding Money

United States Currency is difficult for someone who is totally blind. It is the same shape and texture for all of the bills. Folding it is an easy Low-Tech solution to this problem. From $1 to $20 are shown.
Guiding the Blind

Guiding the Blind

Updated ContentMany people want to help but are unsure of how to do it properly. This is a good guide for a sighted helper, so they can help guide you safely and effectively. You can show this to a sighted person and they will learn how.
Agencies to Get Support

Agencies to Get Support

New

There are many national agencies to get help and guidance. These are nation agencies in the US to help out.
Veteran's Administration Blind Rehab Centers List.

List of VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers

Where to get help. All of the VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers are included: Name of the facility, address, and phone numbers are included.
Apps for the Blind

Apps for the Blind

New
Apps for the Blind includes a list of various apps for IOS/I-Pad and Android phones. The App name and brief information so you can make the choices and see which will help you out the most.
Screen Reader Programs with cheat sheets

Screen Reader Programs & Cheat Sheets

NewWindows screen reader programs (Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS) along with basic cheat sheets are gone over. Linux Orca screen reader and cheat sheet is also included.
Old Braille

Translating Older Braille

NewMany books that are in the library system are in an older style of Braille called EBAE (English Braille American Edition) which as symbols that are not used in UEB, so a handy chart is included to help out.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Braille Dictionary Project

Can I Get a Tactile Braille Version?

The first milestone of the Braille Dictionary Project was to get an accurate and checked version of the existing document that I put together for myself. The “Visual Printed” portion is completed and ready for review. I am sending it out to the various Veteran’s Administration Blind Rehabilitation Centers and I am looking forward to getting feedback from them and the Veteran’s themselves. In the final iteration the Braille Dictionary becomes tactile. This can be printed separately or “on top” of the printed visual. I am currently working on this. Once completed we need to get a copy to all Vets who need it. The printing and distribution will be the final stages and fundraising will be involved to accomplish those goals.

Updates

Version 1.60 is now available with Updates and many additions.

Is it really FREE?

Yes. You are free to copy, distribute and use the Braille dictionary in accordance with the Creative Commons License.

Note: This is still a Beta Release.

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