Braille House

01/10/2026

Calling all teacher aides! Would you feel more confident supporting a braille-reading student if you had a better understanding of braille?

If you are a teachers aid and you would like to learn more about braille, build confidence in supporting a braille-reading student, or be prepared should a braille reader join your classroom in the future, consider joining this upcoming webinar presented by Braille House's Kay Kieu and hosted by Australian Teacher Aide.

Kay will share insights into braille literacy, its importance, and a couple of tips for supporting students who are blind or have low vision.

13 October 2026 | 3:30pm-4:30pm (AEST)

Teacher Aide website (ATA) with resources, professional development and industry information for teachers, teacher aides and RTO. Join your school today. Web Events

29/09/2026

10 Years of the Marrakesh Treaty!

In our latest article, we reflect on what has changed over the past decade and what still needs to happen to end the "book famine".

https://www.braillehouse.org.au/about/news/access-to-information-is-a-right-ten-years-after-the-marrakesh-treaty.html

29/09/2026

Did you hear?

People’s Choice voting is now open for the 105th Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition.

Now is the perfect time to settle in with some wonderful writing from our community and cast your vote.

Voting closes at 8am on Monday 19 October.

Explore this year’s entries and cast your vote here: https://www.braillehouse.org.au/education/dickinson-memorial-literary-competition

28/09/2026

One of our most popular courses is open again for enrolments!

The Braille for Print Users Course has helped teachers, parents, carers, and health professionals gain the skills to read and write Unified English Braille (UEB).

The next intake starts Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

Classes run weekly on Wednesdays 1.30pm – 4.30pm, for 10 weeks, at Braille House or online.

Why join?

✔One of our most in-demand courses – places fill quickly
✔Learn practical skills to support braille readers
✔Certificate of Completion provided
👉Course fee: $595 (includes manual + materials; Perkins machine hire available)

Find out more and enrol here:
https://www.braillehouse.org.au/education/braille-for-print-users-course

Don’t miss out – secure your spot today!

27/09/2026

Today is the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Access to information is not a privilege. It is a right.

Article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises the right of people with disability to access information in accessible formats, including braille, and at no additional cost. Yet for many people who are blind or have low vision, barriers to information remain.

When information is only available in print, or in formats that cannot be accessed independently, people are left relying on others to interpret information on their behalf. True access means being able to read, understand, question and act on information independently.

Braille plays a vital role in making this possible. It provides literacy, independence and direct access to the written word.

At Braille House, we see the impact of accessible information every day. Through our library service and the production of braille books, publications, labels, menus and other accessible materials, we help ensure more people can access information in a format that works for them.

We are also proud to be part of the global More Braille: More Empowerment campaign, which is advocating for greater access to braille instruction, materials and technology around the world.

The commitments exist. The task now is to act on them.

One way you can help is by completing the Global Braille Survey, which will help build a better understanding of how braille is learned, taught and used around the world. The findings will support future advocacy and help strengthen the case for greater investment in braille literacy and access.

👉 Take the survey: https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_77Dg1BuBQDi54RE

By supporting Braille House, you are helping create a world where access to information truly includes everyone.

24/09/2026

New additions to the Library!

Braille House’s Library collection has continued to expand through, with a number of new titles for readers of all ages now available..

There are two reflective pieces that encourage readers to see the world from a new perspective, two children’s titles that transport readers away to magical worlds, and a popular murder mystery with an unusual twist.

A huge thank you to Braille House volunteers, staff and donors. Without you, we would not be able to continue adding such a wide variety of great books to our free collection.

Adult Library
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Children and Young Adults Library
The 113th Assistant Librarian by Stuart Wilson - Author
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

22/09/2026

The people have spoken – and the 105th Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition is once again opening up for you to have your say in the People’s Choice competition.

The People’s Choice category features entries from people of all different ages. It is an exciting contest, and a chance to read the wonderful writing of other members of the Braille House community.

You can access this year’s entries, and voting, at this link: https://www.braillehouse.org.au/education/dickinson-memorial-literary-competition

You can also read the short story written by last year’s winner here: https://www.braillehouse.org.au/about/news/the-discovery-adventure.html

21/09/2026

From Hervey Bay to the Paralymic Games.

One of the highlights of this year's Braille Literacy Challenge was welcoming Raissa Martin, a two-time Australian Paralympian, to share her story with students from across Australia.

As someone who has represented Australia in goalball at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Raissa spoke about resilience, perseverance and the importance of continuing to learn and develop new skills throughout life.

One message particularly resonated:

"You don't know what your future self will decide."

Whether it's braille literacy, assistive technology, mobility skills, education or sport, every skill developed today can create opportunities for tomorrow.

We are proud to provide students with opportunities to hear from inspiring role models like Raissa, helping them see what can be achieved through determination, confidence and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Thank you, Raissa, for sharing your journey and encouraging our students to dream big, keep learning and believe in what is possible. Australian Paralympic Team

17/09/2026

More media coverage for braille!

After last week's SBS News feature, Channel 7 Brisbane has also highlighted the Braille Literacy Challenge and the incredible young people taking part.

Every story shared helps raise awareness of why braille remains as important as ever.

Thank you for helping us champion literacy, independence and opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision.

17/09/2026

Entries are closing today for the Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition, proudly sponsored by Brisbane City Council.

If you haven’t submitted yet, make sure to get your entry in by 4:00 pm AEST.

Voting for the People’s Choice competition will open very soon!

Thank you to everyone who has participated for sharing your amazing stories, both fictional and real. Braille House is proud to be the custodian of this unique competition that has been highlighting the talents of writers who are blind or have low vision for 105 years.

To submit your entry online, or for more information on competition details, visit https://www.braillehouse.org.au/education/dickinson-memorial-literary-competition

Or, call the team on 07 3848 5257.