Uncontracted braille translates each print character into a braille character or cell. It is great for basic labelling of objects like CDs, canned food in the cupboard.
Uncontracted braille was previously known as Grade 1 braille.
A detailed description of how uncontracted braille works (including using numbers, capitalisation and punctuation) is found in our
everyday braille factsheet
Who learns and uses uncontracted braille?
Due to its relatively simple design, uncontracted braille is easier to learn than contracted (grade 2) braille.
Many learners start by studying the basic dot combinations for the letters of the alphabet; the main punctuation symbols and the numbering system. They don't learn the word forms, short forms or contractions that make up contracted braille, because they may only be using braille for labelling or accessing small portions of text.
Many blind and partially sighted people who learn uncontracted braille later learn contracted braille.
Uncontracted braille and contracted braille is produced in most countries. Over recent years there has been increased production of uncontracted braille in several European countries. This is to increase readership and encourage more blind and partially sighted people to learn it.
Reading material
RNIB has a programme to increase the range of
books and magazines in uncontracted braille.