A Privilege to Take Part: Braille Literacy Workshop in Pittsburgh

It was a genuine privilege to be among the group of researchers, educators and braille leaders from Canada, the United States and Australia who gathered near the University of Pittsburgh in June 2026, for a workshop on the science of braille reading.

Convened by Robert Englebretson and Simon Fischer-Baum of Rice University, the meeting brought together collaborators spanning neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, linguists, teacher educators, classroom teachers, curriculum developers and leaders from organizations serving blind and low vision communities. Led by Robert and Simon, the meetings broke down disciplinary silos and set shared, braille-centred research priorities. Rice News covered the workshop.

My sincere thanks to Robert, Simon and everyone who made the two days and the collaborations that stem from it possible!