UEB

Unified English Braille (UEB) is a braille code intended to unify the English braille systems used in different countries for literary and technical material. It was developed in the early 2000s by the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) in collaboration with national braille authorities, notably the Braille Authority of North America, to create a single, standardized code that would be used across borders and reduce the need to relearn multiple systems.

UEB covers standard literary braille and provides an integrated approach to mathematics, science, and technical notation. It introduces standardized punctuation, formatting indicators, and a streamlined set of contractions intended to improve readability and ease of transcription for learners. The code supports digital transcription workflows and is designed to be compatible with computer braille output and refreshable displays.

Adoption of UEB has varied by country. Many English-speaking nations have moved toward UEB for new publications and education materials, while some institutions and older literature continue to use legacy English braille codes during a transition period. Ongoing updates and training materials support users, teachers, and translators as regions complete their transitions.

UEB aims to simplify learning, translation, and accessibility of literary and technical content, reducing ambiguity and enabling more consistent access to braille across borders. Some jurisdictions maintain separate conventions for specialized material or retain alternative codes for historical reasons.