Using the Embosser

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Accessing the Printer

The use of the printer/embosser requires users to navigate a computer and be able to use a mouse or keyboard. Users will also need to open and close a cabinet door and reach the top of the printer to grasp and slide a handle to cut the paper. The top of the cabinet is 24 inches above standard height table. The computer attached to the printer is on a height adjustable desk. The keyboard has high-contrast, large print characters and Braille characters. 

The station is equipped with JAWS 2021, Zoomtext 2021, and Windows Narrator.  While the JAWS Voice Assistant can be enabled with this station, there are limitations to its functionality during the steps to print. Use of the keyboard and mouse will still be needed. 

The printing procedure requires users to open and print their document in a program called BrailleBlaster. To learn more about this Braille transcription software, visit BrailleBlaster. BrailleBlaster translates text into UEB (Unified English Braille).

If this is the first time you are using our Braille embosser, or require assistance to print, please email libinclusion@kpu.ca. During your appointment, library staff can provide one-on-one assistance to print and orient you to the space, computer, and embosser in-person. 

Users must also have a KPU Card or Community Borrower Card. To obtain a free Community Borrower Card, visit the service desk with proper ID (government issued ID with current address and proof of date of birth). 

Paying for Printing

The cost of printing per page is 0.25 cents per page.

We ask for users to bring the pages they produce and pay at the Service Counter. Cash and debit and Visa/Mastercard are accepted forms of payment. 

Are you a KPU Employee? Visit Interdepartmental Requests. 

How to Print/Emboss

1. Ask at the Service Counter to be logged into the Braille Station. We encourage users to have a KPU Card or a Community Borrower’s card. A free Community Borrower's Card can be obtained from the Service Counter with government issued ID (with date of birth, current address) and an email address. 
2. A Library Staff member or Librarian will turn on the embosser and computer and log you onto the Braille Station.
3. Open BrailleBlaster from the Start Menu or icon on the desktop.
4. Open your document in BrailleBlaster by selecting File / Open / [navigate to your file's location]. 
5. Your document will open with a side-by-side view of the original text and Braille translation. Edit your document as needed.
6. Select File / Braille Preview to review your document if needed. Note the number of pages you intend to print and remember that the cost is .25 per page. 
7. Select File / Emboss to send your document to the printer if you accept the cost of printing and wish to proceed.
   1. The selected printer should be "Braille Station"
8. After the printer finishes embossing, the paper needs to be cut. At the top of the printer's acoustic cabinet, slide the oval handle to the opposite side of the cabinet. 
9. Open the front of the acoustic cabinet. Your printouts will be at the bottom of the cabinet. You may need to tug gently at your printout for the page to release from the top of the cabinet.
10. Once you have completed your print jobs, exit Braille Blaster and delete any files you downloaded to the computer.
11. Count the number of pages you have printed and bring them to the Library Service Counter. The price per page is 0.25 cents.  
    1. If you are a KPU employee printing work related material, there may be exceptions. Please record the number of pages in the electronic log file on the desktop of the Braille station. Visit Interdepartmental Requests for more info.

A user manual in print and in Braille is also available and kept beside the computer. 

Need help or have questions while using the printer? Ask at the Service Desk or Research Help Desk. Troubleshooting assistance may be limited outside of appointments but our staff and employees will do our best to help!

About the Braille Embosser

KPU Library's Braille embosser is the Juliet 120 double-sided embosser. It is set up within an acoustic hood, a cabinet designed specifically for the printer to help dampen the noise while printing. Accessing the printed paper requires the ability to reach the top of the acoustic housing, which is roughly 24 inches high off a standard-height table. 

The default settings and features of the printer is as follows: 

• Single-sided 
• Tractor-fed paper, measuring 11 inches high x11.5 inches wide each sheet. The tractor-feed edges are removable after printing.
• Paper is pre-punched on the left-hand side with 19 holes to accommodate standard binding combs

The embosser only prints on paper made for the embosser; no specialty paper can be substituted.