Braille Courses

We take the Printed Word and make it Accessible


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Learn about our Braille Courses

With over a century of experience through CNIB, we are one of Canada’s oldest and most experienced producers of accessible materials. In conjunction with Braille Literacy Canada, we are the only certifying body in Canada.

CNIB Beyond Print offers braille courses that are suitable for print readers and braille readers who want to learn the rules of braille.

Our braille courses are designed to be completed at the student’s own pace as they are delivered in a correspondence format, under the guidance of a Certified instructor. Our courses do not teach tactile braille reading, but use SimBraille.

Please enquire for more details about our courses.

A photo of an open SimBraille application.

Reading Uncontracted Braille

Reading Uncontracted braille is a free, self-directed course. It’s geared towards print readers and teaches the basics of the braille alphabet.

Learn more about Reading Uncontracted Braille

Reading and Writing Uncontracted Braille

Reading and Writing Uncontracted Braille is a correspondence course which requires print and braille input. In this course you will learn the braille alphabet, numbers, the basics of punctuation, and more.

Learn more about Reading and Writing Uncontracted Braille

Reading Contracted Braille

This course is suitable for print readers and accomplished braille readers who want to learn the rules for contracted braille. Learn the braille alphabet, numbers, the basics of punctuation, and more.

Learn more about Reading Contracted Braille

Unified English Braille (UEB) Transcription

Looking to become a Certified Transcriber? This course leads to certification in UEB, and the qualifications to transcribe English print materials into contracted braille.

Learn more about Unified English Braille (UEB) Transcription

UEB Technical

The UEB Technical course is intended for those who are already certified in UEB – Unified English Braille. UEB Technical is a comprehensive, self-directed course and provides extensive practice in producing technical material using the Unified English Braille Guidelines for Technical Material.

Learn more about UEB Technical

Music Braille

Are you certified in UEB and have musical skills? This course teaches students how to transcribe music notation into braille.

Learn more about Music Braille

Braille Courses FAQ

Courses are conducted via correspondence.
Students work at their own pace.
The Transcription course must be completed within 12 months of enrolment (due to extenuating circumstances, extensions may be granted).
Course manuals are provided in hard copy: regular print, large print, or braille.
Please indicate if you require the manual in regular print, large print, or braille.
Course manuals are mailed out once payment has been accepted.
Instructors are assigned and available for consultation via email.
Braille assignments are completed using a braille program using a six key entry such as Perky Duck (a free download braille program with six-key entry from Duxbury) or a manual brailler*.
Assignments are sent electronically to Brailleroom@cnib.ca or hard copies are mailed to the Braille Room, CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 3E8
Errors must be corrected before the next lesson’s assignments will be accepted.

How to enroll

Students may enroll in a course at any time of year.
Where applicable, registration and payment are required for enrolment.
To be eligible for the CNIB discount (50% off), include your CNIB client number.
Payment can be made with any major credit card, debit card or money order.
Course fees are non-refundable unless a written notice of withdrawal is received within 30 days of enrolment. A refund will be issued, minus a $30 administration fee and an additional charge for the course material.
Email braille.certification@cnib.ca to submit proof of certification, where required.
Complete the online Registration and Eligibility form to register or email braille.certification@cnib.ca for a course registration form.

Certification and Tests

Test are marked using the demerit marking system out of 100.
Passing grade on tests is 90.
As per test instructions, all test material must be returned/mailed to Braille Certifications as per instructions.
Certification is based on test results.
Prerequisite to writing a test is that all assignments have been completed and corrected.
Pretest results must meet the passing standards (90 minimum).
Tests are issued when the instructor recommends the student to write the test to braille.certification@cnib.ca

Useful Links

If you are living with vision loss and wish to learn more about braille, reach out to your local Vision Loss Rehabilitation
Canada region or call 1 844 887 8572.

Not sure which course you need?

Contact us today