Web-Braille

Louis Braille of France invented Braille, a system of raised dots that is read with the fingers, in the early 1800s. It has historically been embossed on paper but now as a result of new computer technology, Braille readers may now access Web-Braille digital Braille book files with a computer and a refreshable Braille display (see refreshable Braille), or a Braille embosser.

The Library of Congress has launched Web-Braille on the Internet for blind and visually impaired library users (http://lcweb.loc.gov/nls/). 2,700 Braille book titles are available on the Internet for download or online use by eligible individuals, libraries, and schools with a computer and a Braille output device. About 40 new titles per month are released in Braille and immediately available online to users.

For further information contact:
http://www.loc.gov/nls/index.html
Robert E. Fistick
Head, Publications and Media Section
National Library Service for the Blind And Physically Handicapped
The Library of Congress
1291 Taylor Street, NW
Washington, DC 20542
Telephone: (202) 707-9279
e-mail: nls@loc.gov