Minutes of the First London Braillists Meeting, 20/01/2017

[Laurent Cadet de Fontenay]

Dear all

FYI, here are the minutes of the first London Braillists group held
last Friday, pasted below. Thanks to all who attended and made it a
success. Thanks particularly to Ed and Dave who travelled a long way
to be there. I'm looking forward to much further fruitful
collaboration with all of you.

All the best
Laurent

% 1st London Braillists meeting: Report
% Laurent de Fontenay w/ Ed Rogers
% Meeting 20th of January, 2017

Laurent de Fontenay (LdF): Welcome and thanks to all attendees. We are
all excited about Canute. Also want to look at how to ensure Braille
relevant for 21st century. Therefore will look at how to help Bristol
Braille Technology (BBT) and wider advocacy/research/awareness.

# Introductions

 - LdF: Braillist from 6 year of age (YOA). Chairing the group.

 - Chris Edwards (CE): Braillist from 20YOA.

 - Graham Page (GP): Braillist from 5YOA. During presentations, finds
reading Braille better than speach synthesis in ear whilst speaking.

 - Ed Green (EG): Braillist from childhood.

 - Kelvin Duncan (CD): Went to school w/ LdF. Reluctant Braillist from
8YOA. Hated it but glad parents forced him to do it. Now with Blazie.

 - Colin Palgrave (CP): From Blackheath. Amazed when people say
Braille redundant. Braillist from 6YOA.

 - Wayne Chapman (WC): Braillist from childhood. Went to school for
blind. Braille has been lifeline. Uses it in Church. Canute could be
used for Church
service sheets.

 - Ed Rogers (ER): Sighted. Grade 1 Braillist from ~25YOA. MD of BBT.
Working on refreshable Braille prototypes since 2008.

 - Dave Williams (DW): Independent Access. Consultant. Tested Canute
since 2014. Braille had become top down, mainstream educ. means less
Braille using
heros for blind children to look up to. Hence interest in Braillists.
Thanks to LdF for London group.

 - Barry Dix (BD): Progressive sight loss from 16YOA. Braillists in 10
days crash course when 68YOA. Bought 2nd hand machine for £500.

 - Lee Kumutat (LK): Braillist from 4YOA. Freelance journo and radio
presenter. Don't love Braille (sighted people don't love print)--- it
is simply intrinsic.

 - Darren Pascale (DP): Braillist from childhood. Excited for Braille
e-reader future and want to help.

# Items

 - ER (w/ DW): Describes Canute's spec, user interface, history and
relationship with the Braillists. Takes questions.

 - Canute demos begin in twos whilst meeting continues.

 - DW: Explains history and motives of the Braillists. Takes questions.

 - LdF: Question for the group--- what does London group want to
concentrate on as projects? Discussed...

 - Group interested in working with Hammersmith Academy.

 - Group interested in research into correct no. of Braille users in
UK (sceptical of 20k figure often used by RNIB).

 - Group interested in defining use-cases for the Canute.

 - Group interested in demonstrations of other new Braille technology
and exploring new Braille use-cases.

 - Group will meet in person once clear projects and aims have been
set on the Braillists forum.

# Actions

 - ER: Send minutes to LdF. DONE.

 - ER and LdF: Arrange short testing routine in LdF's office until
Reading group meeting. ON GOING.

 - LdF: Start conversation on Braillists Forum about projects and aims
for group.
TO DO.

 - All: Go to pub. DONE.