Accessible Outputs: Braille (CommonLook Edu)

Accessible Braille in CommonLook Edu

Using CommonLook Edu, organizations can remediate source PDFs and export them as Braille files that preserve content structure and reading order while supporting accessibility for Braille readers.

What and Why? Understanding Braille

Braille output is a tactile document format that translates written content into Braille characters, enabling individuals who are blind or have low vision to read documents through embossed print or refreshable Braille displays.

Braille remains a critical literacy format for blind individuals, and unlike visual document formats, Braille output prioritizes linear reading flow and accurate translation of text, structure, and specialized notation (such as math and chemistry) into Braille-specific codes.

Input File Types for Accessible PDF Output

To create a Braille output using CommonLook Edu, the input file can be a PDF, a Word document, NIMAS, or ePub. Other file types must first be converted to one of those before being processed if the intended output is Braille.

Steps to Create an Accessible PDF

While specific workflows may vary depending on document complexity, the general process for creating a Braille file in CommonLook Edu includes:

1. Upload the input document
   • Upload the source file (PDF, Word, NIMAS, or ePub) into CommonLook Edu.
2. Provide Additional Details
   • For documents containing math, ensure the toggle is active.
3. Choose Accessible Format
   • Select "Braille UEB (.brf)."
   • Additional Details
     • Uncontracted Braille - Used most commonly for lower grades. Every letter has its own Braille symbol, rather than Contracted Braille, which uses shortened words or faster reading and navigation.
     • Braille Double Spacing - Adds additional spacing, especially helpful for printed files
     • Use Nameth Code - Used to convert STEM material into Braille. If you previously toggled on "Document contains math content," this should be toggled on automatically. 
4. Navigate through the Simplified Editor
   • Simplified Editor: A streamlined, AI-assisted workflow that allows a remediator to verify or adjust page elements and reading order. If you want CommonLook to automatically generate math or chemistry descriptions, this is your only option. File size is limited to 200mb or 150 pages. This is the recommended pathway for newer remediators. 
5. Validate and Export
   1. Confirm that required accessibility issues have been resolved.
   2. Export the Braille UEB file.

Math and Chemistry Content in Accessible PDF Output

Math

When uploading a document in CommonLook Edu, you will be prompted to toggle an option indicating that your file contains math content. If math is detected in the document, you should notice that Nemeth Code is toggled on. When Clarifying Page Elements within the Simplified Editor, you can add new or verify existing Equation containers, either independently or within another container, where necessary. Once created, the Equation container will be given an "Equation description," which will be used as Alternate text for the Equation tag. Users can edit these descriptions as they see fit. 

For more detailed information on working with math equations in CommonLook Edu, please explore our Knowledge Base article titled "Working with Math Equations (CL Edu)."

Chemistry

When uploading a document in CommonLook Edu, you will be prompted to toggle an option indicating that your file contains math content. If math is detected in the document, you should notice that Nemeth Code is toggled on. When Clarifying Page Elements within the Simplified Editor, you can add new containers, automatically generating formula descriptions and equations.

For more information on working with chemistry content in CommonLook Edu, please explore our Knowledge Base article titled "Working with Chemistry (CL Edu)."