Braille Literacy Canada / Littératie braille Canada is a national charitable organization that is dedicated to the promotion of braille as the primary medium of literacy for those who are blind or visually impaired and is recognized by the International Council on English Braille as the authority for the development and adoption of standards relating to braille in Canada. Our organization is comprised of educators, braille transcribers, braille producers, parents of braille users and braille users.

Our Activities

• The Edie Mourre Scholarship provides funding to those pursuing braille courses and certification
• The Brailler Bounce Initiative helps recycle Perkins braillewriters to those in need
• The UEB listserv provides a place to discuss questions related to UEB and the code
• Our bi-monthly teleconference workshops explore a variety of topics relating to braille to help keep members up-to-date on the latest braille developments and technologies
• Our website and bi-monthly newsletter provide information on braille-related resources, events, and publications

Our Accomplishments

Since its inception in 1990, BLC has made many noteworthy accomplishments such as:

• Coordinated a forum on the Code braille français uniformisé
• Developed a survey on educational services in Canada for children who use braille
• Established a directory of Canadian braille producers
• Participated in the Unified English Braille Code Research Project
• Assisted in the organization of the 2014 All Hands on Braille summer camp for children in Canada
• Produced a French translation of The Rules of Unified English Braille, 2nd Edition 2013
• Participated in Canada’s consultation on new disability legislation to bring attention to the needs of braille users
• Developed multiple guidelines and standards for braille transcription and production, including:
  • Automated Braille Transaction Guidelines
  • Accessible Signage Guidelines
  • Canadian Braille Teaching Standards
  • Tactile Graphics Guidelines (in collaboration with BANA)