Braille Formation

Introduction to Braille and use of Computer Keyboard for Braille Letters

About Braille

Braille is a tactile method of reading and writing for visually impaired people developed by Louis Braille (1809–1852), a blind Frenchman. The Braille system uses six raised dots in a systematic arrangement with two columns of three dots, known as a Braille cell. By convention, the dots in the left column are numbered 1, 2 and 3 from top to bottom and the dots in the right column are numbered 4, 5 and 6 from top to bottom. Below is the figure showing the Braille Cell.

The six dots of the Braille cell are configured in 64 possible combinations. Let us see the Braille dot formation in the following order.

Computer Keys for Braille Dot

On a standard computer keyboard, the ‘f’ and ‘j’ keys have more raised dots/bar to help visually impaired users to get oriented with Braille keys using their hands.

The computer keys ‘F’, ‘D’, ‘S’ indicate corresponding braille dots 1-2-3, and the ‘J’,’K’,’L’ computer keys indicate braille dots 4-5-6.

The 6 dots of Braille use 6 keys on the computer keyboard when it is given in the digital format.

The following order shows the computer keys corresponding to Braille dots.

Software Activation – Screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, etc., support the input method. 

Simultaneous Pressing (Chording) – Learners must press the keys at the same time for getting the braille characters. 

For example:
1. To type letter “a” (dot 1), press “F”.
2. To type letter “b” (dots 1–2), Press “F” and “D” simultaneously. 

Finger Placement

Let us examine the following image of a computer keyboard to see how the keys are used for Braille dots and the combination of keys required to produce Braille letters.

1. Use the left-hand index finger to press letter F for dot 1 of the Braille cell, and use the 2^nd and 3^rd fingers of the left hand to press letters D and S for dots 2 and 3.
2. Use the right-hand index finger to press letter J for dot 4, and use the 2^nd and 3^rd fingers of the right hand to press letters K and L for dots 5 and 6.
3. For deleting, press the “Delete” key if a MAC keyboard is used, or press the “Backspace” key when a PC keyboard is used.
4. For entering a new line, press the “Enter” key.

Computer Keys used for Braille Input

Braille Formation

Braille Formation

Video – About Braille

Video – Keyboard finger placement

Worksheet – Braille formation

Finger Placement for Alphabets

Finger Placement for Numbers

Teacher Resource Document – Braille Formation