The Braille Blaster logo, shown in place of a product photo.

BrailleBlaster

by American Printing House for the Blind

Contact vendor for pricing

Professional guidance helps The software is free and installs like any other program, but good results depend on knowing braille formatting rules and how to prepare the source files. A TVI or braille transcriber can help you get accurate, standards-compliant output, and the tool is aimed at braille producers, not casual users. Most people can learn the basics alone, so expert help is recommended rather than required.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 1, 2026

BrailleBlaster is free software that turns files like NIMAS, EPUB, and DOCX into formatted braille, so braille producers can get textbooks ready for students on the first day of class. It reads the structure already built into those files to automate much of the translation and layout. It is aimed mainly at textbooks that follow Braille Authority of North America (BANA) standards. It also works for everyday items like tests, worksheets, and reading passages. It uses the open-source Liblouis translator for the braille itself. This is a tool for the person making the braille, not for the student reading it, and you'll still need a way to emboss or display the finished files.

Getting it

Try before you buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Find your state's lending program →

Where to get it

American Printing House for the Blind Visit
Contact vendor for pricing

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

How to fund this

These are common places to ask about paying for equipment like this. Each one decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so start by asking them.

All funding programs, state by state →

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Professional guidance helps
Price
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Out of pocket
  • School district
  • Vocational rehab

What setup looks like

  • Out of the box
    Download and install the software on your computer, then open a sample file to see how the translation and formatting work.
  • With a guide
    1. Open a textbook or worksheet file and review the automatic translation and formatting.
    2. Edit the braille as needed to meet BANA standards, then save or send it to your embosser. Expect an hour or more to learn the workflow.
  • With professional help
    A teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) or an experienced braille transcriber can help set up your workflow. They can also check that the finished materials follow BANA formatting rules. Plan on a short session or two.

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from American Printing House for the Blind — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked November 1, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 1, 2026 · confidence: medium. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

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