eBraille Workflow
Creating and distributing digital braille files.
Workflow Steps
1. Source Acquisition
- Purpose: Obtain digital source
- Tasks:
- Receive file from teacher/student
- Verify file format (DOCX, PDF, TXT, etc.)
- Check for DRM or restrictions
- Supported Formats:
- Microsoft Word (.docx)
- PDF (.pdf)
- Plain text (.txt)
- EPUB (.epub)
- HTML (.html)
- Purpose: Convert to editable text
- Tasks:
- Extract text from PDFs
- Clean up formatting
- Remove images or convert to descriptions
- Tools: Pandoc, Adobe Acrobat
3. Braille Translation
- Purpose: Convert text to braille
- Tasks:
- Select braille code
- Configure translation settings
- Run translation
- Tools: LibLouis
- Purpose: Structure braille output
- Tasks:
- Add page numbers
- Configure headers/footers
- Set up volume structure (for multi-volume)
- Add navigation markers
- Output: .brf (Braille Ready Format)
5. Validation
- Purpose: Ensure quality
- Tasks:
- Check for translation errors
- Verify formatting
- Test with braille display
- Tools: BRLTTY, braille display
6. Distribution
- Purpose: Deliver to student
- Tasks:
- Select delivery method
- Package files
- Send via email/portal
- Delivery Methods:
- Email attachment
- Learning management system
- USB drive
- Cloud storage link
| Format |
Extension |
Description |
Use Case |
| BRF |
.brf |
Braille Ready Format |
Standard digital braille |
| BRF (Grade 2) |
.brf |
Contracted braille |
Most common |
| BRF (Computer) |
.brf |
8-dot braille |
Computing |
| PEF |
.pef |
Portable Embosser Format |
Embosser-ready |
| DTB |
.dtb |
DAISY Digital Talking Book |
Audio + braille |
| EPUB |
.epub |
EPUB with braille |
Accessible e-books |
Device Compatibility
Braille Displays
| Device |
BRF Support |
Notes |
| Focus (Freedom Scientific) |
Yes |
All models |
| JAWS Braille Display |
Yes |
All models |
| BrailleNote (HumanWare) |
Yes |
Requires conversion |
| Orbit Reader (APH) |
Yes |
Native support |
| Brailliant (APH) |
Yes |
All models |
| Esys/Eurobraille |
Yes |
Requires plugin |
Reading Apps
| App |
Platform |
BRF Support |
| BrailleBack |
iOS |
Yes |
| Braille Screen Input |
Android |
Yes |
| BRLTTY |
Linux |
Yes |
| NVDA |
Windows |
Yes (with plugin) |
| JAWS |
Windows |
Yes |
| VoiceOver |
macOS/iOS |
Yes |
Quality Checklist
Before distribution, verify:
- [ ] All text is properly translated
- [ ] No untranslated symbols
- [ ] Correct braille code used
- [ ] Proper page breaks
- [ ] Headers/footers present
- [ ] Volume structure correct (if multi-volume)
- [ ] File opens in target device/app
- [ ] No formatting errors
- [ ] All special characters handled