Explore the latest accessibility-focused apps featured in the July 2026 edition of AppleVis Unlimited. Discover Whisper Notes, BookCraft Audio, Eden Qibla, and more.
Whisper Notes has been named July 2026's App Pick by AnonyMouse on AppleVis. This transcription tool offers on-device processing, VoiceOver accessibility, and a one-time purchase option.
NV Access has released Beta 9 of NVDA 2026.2, the latest test build of its free screen reader, and is calling on users to download it and report bugs before the final release. The beta gives NVDA users an early look at the next version while helping shape its stability ahead of launch.
Apple has released version 26.6 across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, focused on bug fixes, security updates, and behind-the-scenes prep for the next major "27" releases. AppleVis confirmed one meaningful accessibility fix: VoiceOver on Apple Watch now correctly focuses on the time when waking the device instead of jumping to the first complication.
The Braillists Foundation is hosting another session of its Braille Bar this Tuesday at 7:30 PM, offering live help from braille experts on everything from equipment to code. Attendees can join by Zoom registration or dial in by phone using a provided meeting ID and passcode.
ICEVI and the World Blind Union are launching a global braille survey through their More Braille: More Empowerment campaign, aiming to test common claims about braille literacy. The Braillists Foundation is hosting two launch sessions on August 7 and August 11 to accommodate people across time zones.
NV Access has released Beta8 of NVDA 2026.2, inviting screen reader users to test the upcoming version and report feedback before its official launch. The beta is available now for download through NV Access's website.
The Braillists Foundation is hosting a Tuesday 7:30 PM session on using braille displays with Apple's Mac computers, shifting focus from its usual iPhone and iPad coverage to VoiceOver's long-running desktop braille support.
Sight and Sound Technology is now offering the new Focus 40 Blue 6th Generation braille display from Vispero, according to the Braillists Foundation. The display joins a long-running product line popular among blind and low vision computer and smartphone users.
Selvas says a recent Windows update disabled its legacy USB Braille display drivers due to outdated security certificates, breaking connectivity for some users. The company is working with Microsoft on a fix but has not given a timeline yet.
Orbit Research has released firmware version A1.xx.00.09r62 for the Orbit Reader 20 Plus, bringing new features and improvements. Users on older firmware versions should check specific update instructions before installing.
Developer Harri Pasanen has refreshed MBraille Desktop for Windows, making the free notetaking and typing app fully self-voicing after NVDA and JAWS struggled to navigate it. Users are advised to suspend their screen readers while running the updated software.
Developer André Polykanine has released SharpLouis, a .NET wrapper for the LibLouis Braille translation library, giving C# developers an easier way to add Braille translation to desktop software. The tool, now at version 2.0, bundles LibLouis directly so developers don't need to manage a separate installation.
BBC's In Touch program examines the future of braille as it adapts alongside modern assistive technology, featuring young braillists from St Vincent's School in Liverpool and three experienced braille users. The episode is available now on the BBC website.
Richard Turner has published the recording and full transcript from the July 2026 Orbit Research Zoom meeting on his website. Both files join his growing archive of past Orbit Research meeting recordings, giving the blind and low vision community easy access to company updates and discussions.
NV Access's weekly blog update opens with news of the passing of community figure Rui Fontes, followed by the release of NVDA 2026.2 Beta 7 and introductions of a new Access Point System and Accessibility Repair Tool. Voice of the Blind breaks down what was announced in this week's roundup.
NV Access has released Beta 7 of NVDA 2026.2, giving screen reader users an early look at the next version before its official launch. NV Access is encouraging testers to download the build and report issues through its official feedback process.
The International Council on English Braille will hold its Mid-Term Executive Committee meeting virtually over five days in August, running nightly from 20:00 to 23:00 UTC. The Braillists Foundation reports that individual and organisational observers are welcome to attend the Zoom sessions.
A2I Transcription is surveying Braille readers about their document layout preferences, aiming to make Braille materials easier to read and navigate. The Braillists Foundation shared the call for participation, urging the community to weigh in on formatting choices that shape everyday accessible documents.
WebAIM has opened its eleventh Screen Reader User Survey, and the Braillists Foundation is urging screen reader users, especially those who pair their screen reader with a braille display, to respond before the August 31 deadline. The data collected helps shape how developers and companies approach screen reader accessibility going forward.
The National Federation of the Blind's Braille Monitor is now available in the eBraille format, with three issues released so far. The Braillists Foundation highlighted the move, which brings structured, navigable braille content to readers using braille displays and note-takers.
The classic Perkins Brailler is getting a digital upgrade that converts mechanical typing into digital text, aimed at helping blind students move into STEM careers and access online content. The news comes from a recent episode of the Eyes On Success podcast featuring Kim Charlson and a Perkins representative named Megan.
The EBU Braille Working Group has posted a recording of its Table Talk Extra session covering braille technology news from this year's SightCity exhibition in Frankfurt. The Braillists Foundation shared details on where to find the recording and a companion article on the livingbraille portal.
Blazie Technologies has published the recording of its June training session covering desktop mode for BT Speak and BT Braille users, complete with a direct download link on the company's website.
Blazie Technologies has posted the recording of its July webinar, which covered contracted Braille in desktop mode and chapter navigation in the Podcasts app. The video is now available on the company's website and YouTube for anyone who missed the live session.
NV Access has released Beta 6 of NVDA 2026.2, inviting users to test the upcoming version of the free screen reader and submit feedback ahead of its official launch. Community testing at this stage helps the development team catch and fix issues before the final release.
Explore four low-cost braille devices at the Braille Revival League event during the ACB National Convention. Learn about the Braille Doodle, VersaSlate, Hable, and Braille Legos.
APH will unveil new braille products and teaching tools at the ACB National Convention, highlighting innovations aimed at enhancing braille literacy and communication.
Orbit Research releases firmware version vB0.00.00.01r12 for the Orbit Writer, enhancing functionality with new features. Update available on their website.
Nicholas Adams has developed a tool that converts a regular keyboard into a Braille keyboard using Unified English Braille. Available on the Microsoft Store, this software works across all Windows applications.
Microsoft's Narrator in Windows 11 now enhances HID Braille support, allowing devices to connect instantly, even during setup. This update improves accessibility for deaf-blind users.
The Liblouis 3.38.0 release introduces updates, including a new Norwegian grade 3 table, expanded Swedish support, and Malayalam compliance with 2026 standards.
The upcoming SightCity 2026 event is generating buzz around myBraille, a customizable braille display by Helptech. This innovative product offers flexibility to cater to diverse user needs, and its unveiling at the event is highly anticipated.
Jonathan Mosen sheds light on the Monarch and Dot Pad Braille displays in the May 2026 Braille Monitor. These advancements promise to enhance accessibility for blind users.
Humanware offers comprehensive guides for the BrailleNote Evolve, covering setup and features to enhance user experience for the blind and low vision community.
The American Council of the Blind has created the ACB Braille Forum, a dedicated online space for braille users to connect, share tips, and discuss reading techniques and equipment.
"Wake Up, Groundhog!" is now available for borrowing through Share Braille's free library service. The children's book adds to the platform's collection of tactile and braille materials shipped directly to readers' homes.
Share Braille has added the popular children's book "Clifford Takes a Trip" to its free digital library. The title joins thousands of other braille books available for immediate download or physical delivery.
Share Braille has made Beverly Cleary's "Ramona and Her Mother" available for digital borrowing. The free service provides braille books to readers worldwide through their accessible online platform.
Orbit Research has announced two new braille display product families called Strata and Flow. The company promises more ways to experience braille but has not yet released detailed specifications or pricing information.
Orbit Research has announced two new braille displays, the Q20 and Q40, expanding their affordable Reader product line. Specific details about features and availability have not yet been released.
NV Access has released NVDA 2026.2 Beta 2 with OCR improvements and enhanced utterance repetition features. The team also showcased developments at Sight City 2026.
NV Access has released NVDA 2026.2 Beta 2 for public testing. Users can download the beta to try new features and report feedback before the official release.
The Braillists Foundation is resurfacing an RNIB article about Dave Williams and how braille changed his life, calling it still worth reading months after it first appeared. The brief post serves as a pointer to the original piece rather than a full retelling.
zEdit, an accessible video and audio editing app for iPhone, wins AnonyMouse's App Pick for June 2026. Ideal for the VoiceOver community, it simplifies media editing.
Join the Braillists Foundation online program to learn typing special characters using your NLS eReader. The session includes time for questions about the eReader.
Seedlings Braille Books for Children provides affordable, accessible books to inspire visually impaired kids. Discover their mission to spread literacy and joy.