Information About Braille Courses

CNIB's Braille Courses 

Courses are available for print and braille readers unless otherwise indicated*. 

CNIB clients and family are eligible for 50% reduction in the course fee. Visit our course page to enroll.

How the courses work:

• Courses are conducted via correspondence
• Students work at their own pace
• There is a recommended completion time for each course although exceptions may be considered
• Course material in print or braille is provided in hardcopy or via download 
• Course material is mailed out once payment has been accepted
• Please indicate if you require the material in regular print, braille or large print
• Instructors are available for consultation via email
• Braille assignments are completed using Perky Duck (a free download braille program with six-key entry) or a manual brailler* 
• Assignments are sent electronically to BrailleCertification@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:

• Enroll in a course any time of year, by visiting our course page.
• Registration and payment is required for enrolment
• Include CNIB client number for the discount
• Payment can be made by credit card or money order
• Course fees are non-refundable unless written notice of withdrawal is received within 30 days of enrolment. A refund will be issue, 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 registration form to begin the enrolment process for the courses and tests
• Test are marked using the demerit marking system out of 100
• Passing grade on tests is 90
• Certification is based on test results
• Prerequisite to writing a test is that all assignments have been completed and corrected
• The Transcribers test is issued when the instructor recommends the candidate to write the test

Equipment required:

• Computer with Windows operating software
• Braille software with six-key entry, available for free download
• OR a manual brailler with 40 cells per line and 25 lines per page

Contact Information:

Email: BrailleCertification@cnib.ca
Mail: Braille certification, 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3E8