Enhanced Screen Reader Multiline Braille and Tactile Graphics

Enhanced Multiline Braille & Tactile Graphics

This episode covers major upgrades to multi-line Braille support and tactile graphics capabilities for Windows screen readers, including NVDA and JAWS.

Key Highlights

• NVDA Add-On Release: Developer Bram Duvigneau introduces a new, official NVDA add-on designed for the Dot Pad A320 and Dot Pad X.
• Automatic Detection & Customization: Features seamless Bluetooth/USB auto-detection, customizable line counts to suit user reading preferences, and a single-line text view alongside the multi-line display.
• Tactile Display API: Developer Joe Stephen explains the new API, enabling developers to send direct tactile graphics and multiline Braille to Dot Pad.
• Visual Screen Overlay: A dedicated desktop viewer overlay allows educators, trainers, and sighted colleagues to view the tactile layout on-screen in real time in person or via video conferences.
• Tactile Graphics Capabilities: Users can graph math equations (in Microsoft Word and web browsers), preview Excel bar charts and tables, and feel graphical representations of print characters and emojis.

Getting Started & Resources

• NVDA Add-On Store: Available directly within NVDA 2026.1+ via Tools > Add-on Store.
• Download NVDA Add-On: https://dot-update-us.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/program/DotPad.nvda-addon
• JAWS Tactile Display Scripts: https://dot-update-us.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/program/JAWS-TDA-Setup-x64.exe
• Feedback & Enquiries: Email [email protected] for questions, comments, or technical support.