First-time keyboard guide
Use this short routine before following the BrailleNote Touch Plus Manual procedures. It explains exactly how the keyboard directions in this manual work.
Press a single key
- Find the named key without pressing it if possible.
- Press and release the key one time. Do not hold it unless the step specifically says to hold it.
- Stop and listen to the full screen-reader announcement before pressing another key.
Press a keyboard combination
- When a command contains a plus sign, such as Ctrl+S, hold down the first key.
- While continuing to hold the first key, press and release the final key once.
- Release the first key. The plus sign is not a key and should not be pressed.
- Listen for the expected result described in the procedure. If nothing changes, verify that the correct application or webpage has focus and try the command once more.
Press a sequence of keys
- When keys are separated by commas or the word “then,” press and release them in order instead of holding them together.
- After each key, listen for a menu, tab, control, or new screen before continuing.
- If the announcement does not match the step, press Escape once to close the current menu or dialog and restart that procedure.
Know which navigation key to try
- Tab and Shift+Tab: move forward and backward among buttons, links, fields, and other controls.
- Arrow keys: move inside menus, lists, groups of choices, text, and many screen-reader reading views.
- Enter: opens the selected item or activates the focused command.
- Space: activates many buttons and checks or clears checkboxes. In a text field, Space types a space.
- Escape: cancels or closes the current menu, list, or dialog without intentionally accepting a change.
Verify before moving on
- Listen for the window, page, or application name so you know where focus is.
- Perform only one numbered step.
- Compare what the screen reader announces with the “What should happen” information in the procedure.
- If the result is wrong, stop. Use the procedure’s recovery directions, Escape to cancel, or Ctrl+Z to undo when that command is supported.
- Continue only after you can identify the result. Save completed work with Ctrl+S whenever the application supports saving.
First complete independent workflow
This rehearsal joins existing procedures into one uninterrupted session without repeating their directions. Follow the linked procedure when a step names it, then return here for the next verification.
Safety check: Confirm the exact device model, firmware or software version, active connection, battery level, and storage location before using a command.
- Open BrailleNote Touch Plus Manual and wait until its name, starting screen, or connected-device status is announced.
- Choose a fictional, public, disposable, or instructor-provided practice item. Do not use private client, student, medical, financial, or account-recovery information.
- Open 2.1 Top Face. Read its “What you will learn,” “Before you begin,” keyboard-command, and expected-result information before pressing anything.
- Complete that procedure one numbered action at a time. After each key, stop and identify what changed before continuing.
- State the result aloud or record it in a practice note. If it differs from “What should happen,” use that procedure’s recovery directions before advancing.
- Continue directly to 2.2 Front Edge - Seven Buttons, Left to Right without closing the application or device session. First confirm that focus, account, file, book, conversation, or project context is still correct.
- Complete the second procedure and verify the resulting name, state, location, permission, value, or content. Do not rely only on a success sound.
- Save or synchronize when the product supports it. Wait for the completed state before disconnecting a device, closing a browser, or switching accounts.
- Continue to 2.3 Left Edge - Top to Bottom. Use the exact command listed there; if the command varies by model or version, use Keyboard Help, the product’s shortcut list, or the linked official reference instead of guessing.
- Introduce one harmless recoverable error, such as opening the wrong menu or moving focus away. Press Escape once, identify the active window or device area, and return to the correct step.
- Review the finished practice item from its beginning. Confirm its title or filename, structure, content, destination, sharing state, and saved or synchronized status as applicable.
- Close and reopen the item or return to it from the product’s main screen. The workflow is complete only when you can locate it and verify the same result independently.
Success standard: Complete all three linked tasks, explain the commands used, recover from the practice error, and locate the finished result without another person directing the next key.
Purpose: This manual teaches the BrailleNote Touch Plus from the beginning. It assumes no prior experience and provides physical orientation, exact braille-keyboard commands, expected speech/braille feedback, troubleshooting, practice, and independence checks.
Current reference: HumanWare's current support page lists BrailleNote Touch Plus User Guide version 6. The command model in this guide follows HumanWare's current KeySoft documentation and current support materials.
Important product note: The BrailleNote Touch Plus is an Android-based braille notetaker with HumanWare's KeySoft accessibility layer. It can also work as a braille display for a computer or mobile device through Braille Terminal.
How to Use This Manual
First learn the physical controls and KeySoft navigation pattern before using email, web, or third-party apps.
Main Menu: Home button or Space with dots 1-2-3-4-5-6.
Next item: Next thumb key or Space. Previous item: Previous thumb key or Backspace.
Activate selected item: Enter (dot 8) or a cursor-routing key.
Back/exit current screen: Back button or Space with E.
Contextual Help: Space with H. Context menu: Space with M or press and hold Recent apps.
Braille panning: Left and Right thumb keys.
Use first-letter navigation in lists and menus whenever KeySoft supports it.
Do not change Android accessibility settings casually; KeySoft is the accessibility layer that makes the Touch Plus usable.
Before connecting the Touch Plus as an external braille display, first pair/connect it, then configure the host screen reader, then test braille output, input, and routing.
Part 1 - What the BrailleNote Touch Plus Is
The BrailleNote Touch Plus combines a touchscreen Android tablet, KeySoft applications, speech, a 32-cell refreshable braille display, and a removable physical braille-keyboard cover.
KeySoft Main Menu: the primary accessible home screen.
KeyWord: word processing.
KeyMail: email.
KeyList: contacts.
KeyPlan: calendar/planner.
KeyFiles: file manager.
EasyReader Plus: accessible book-reading app.
Google Chrome: web browser.
Braille Terminal: turns the Touch Plus into an external braille display for another device.
All Applications: access to installed Android and Google Play apps.
Part 2 - Physical Orientation
2.1 Top Face
Place the device flat with the touchscreen and braille display facing up and the seven front-edge buttons closest to you.
The touchscreen occupies the upper portion of the top face.
Directly below the touchscreen is the 32-cell refreshable braille display.
Above each braille cell is a cursor-routing key. Pressing a routing key moves the cursor or activates an item depending on context.
Internal stereo speakers are positioned to the left and right of the braille cells.
An internal microphone is located to the right of the braille display, below the right speaker.
The removable braille keyboard cover sits over the touchscreen when attached and provides Perkins-style braille input.
2.2 Front Edge - Seven Buttons, Left to Right
| Position | Control |
|---|---|
| 1 | Previous thumb key |
| 2 | Left thumb key |
| 3 | Triangle Back button |
| 4 | Round Home button |
| 5 | Square Recent apps button |
| 6 | Right thumb key |
| 7 | Next thumb key |
Front-edge functions: Previous/Next move through items; Left/Right pan braille. Back returns to the previous screen. Home returns to KeySoft Main Menu. Recent apps shows running apps; press and hold it for the context menu.
2.3 Left Edge - Top to Bottom
| Location | Control |
|---|---|
| Near top corner | USB-C port for charging and computer connection |
| Below USB-C | Green LED indicator |
| Below LED | Oval Power button |
| Below Power | Volume Up button |
| Below Volume Up | Volume Down button |
2.4 Right Edge - Top to Bottom
| Location | Control |
|---|---|
| Near top corner | Microphone / line-in jack |
| Below microphone jack | Headphone / audio-out jack |
| Below headphone jack | Action button for recording, camera snapshots, and Play/Stop in supported contexts |
2.5 Rear Edge - Left to Right
| Location | Port |
|---|---|
| Near left corner | Full-size USB port for flash drives and other supported USB storage/devices |
| Next | SDHC card slot |
| Next | High-resolution video output port for external display/TV |
| Rightmost | Braille-keyboard-cover connector |
Safety: Do not force USB, SD, or keyboard-cover connectors. Eject removable storage through KeySoft before physically removing it.
Part 3 - Power, Charging, Locking, and Unlocking
3.1 Charge the Touch Plus
What you will learn: Connect power safely.
Before you begin: Use the supplied USB-C charging cable and suitable adapter.
Exactly how to do it
Locate the USB-C port at the upper-left edge.
Insert the reversible USB-C plug.
Connect the other end to the power adapter.
Plug the adapter into AC power.
Allow the battery to charge.
What should happen: The LED and/or spoken/braille status indicate charging.
If that does not happen: If it does not charge, try the supplied cable/adapter and another outlet. Charging from a computer can be slower.
Practice: Locate the port and connect/disconnect the cable.
3.2 Power On
What you will learn: Start KeySoft.
Before you begin: The battery has charge.
Exactly how to do it
Press and hold the oval Power button on the left edge.
Feel for the startup vibration.
Wait for 'Starting KeySoft' or equivalent braille/speech feedback.
Allow the Main Menu to finish loading.
What should happen: The Touch Plus starts and KeySoft becomes available.
If that does not happen: If startup stalls, connect AC power and retry before attempting a reset.
Practice: Power on from fully off and wait for Main Menu.
3.3 Return to Main Menu and Unlock
What you will learn: Recover from an unfamiliar screen.
Before you begin: The Touch Plus is on.
Exactly how to do it
Press the round Home button to return to Main Menu.
If the lock screen is active, press Space with U.
Alternatively navigate to the Unlock control with thumb keys and activate it.
What should happen: The KeySoft Main Menu is available.
If that does not happen: If the device asks for a PIN/password, enter the configured lock credential.
Practice: Practice Home and unlock commands.
Part 4 - Braille Keyboard and Thumb Keys
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Enter | Dot 8 |
| Backspace | Dot 7 |
| Next item | Space or Next thumb |
| Previous item | Backspace or Previous thumb |
| Pan braille left | Left thumb |
| Pan braille right | Right thumb |
| Activate item | Enter or routing key |
| Back | Space+E or triangle Back button |
| Main Menu | Space+dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 or Home |
Command notation: 'Space with H' means hold Space and press the braille letter H. 'Enter with dot 4' means hold Enter (dot 8) while pressing dot 4.
4.1 Navigate a Menu
What you will learn: Use the universal KeySoft pattern.
Before you begin: Open Main Menu.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space or Next thumb.
Listen/read the next item.
Press Backspace or Previous thumb.
Move to the item you want.
Press Enter or a cursor-routing key.
What should happen: The selected item opens.
If that does not happen: If typing letters appears instead of moving, you may be in an edit field rather than a menu.
Practice: Navigate to three apps and open one.
Part 5 - Main Menu and General Navigation
5.1 Open an App from Main Menu
What you will learn: Launch KeySoft applications efficiently.
Before you begin: Return to Main Menu.
Exactly how to do it
Press Home or Space with dots 1-2-3-4-5-6.
Type the first letter of the desired app when first-letter navigation is supported, or use Previous/Next.
Listen/read the selected application name.
Press Enter or a routing key.
What should happen: The chosen application opens.
If that does not happen: If several items begin with the same letter, repeat the letter or use thumb keys.
Practice: Open KeyWord, return Home, then open KeyFiles.
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| KeySoft Options | Space+O |
| System information from Main Menu | Space+I |
| Repeat last speech | Space+R |
| Stop speech | Backspace+Enter |
| Android Settings | Enter+Q |
| Notification shade | Enter+N |
| Running apps | Space+dots 2-3-5 |
| Toggle speech | Space+Previous thumb |
| Toggle visual display | Space+Next thumb |
| Toggle braille grade | Backspace+G |
| Eject removable media | Enter+E |
Part 6 - Contextual Help and Context Menu
6.1 Use Contextual Help
What you will learn: Learn commands for the current location.
Before you begin: Be anywhere in a KeySoft app/menu.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with H.
Listen/read 'Contextual help'.
Use Previous/Next to move through help topics.
Read the commands relevant to your current location.
Press Back or Space with E to leave help.
What should happen: You receive context-specific instructions without leaving the task permanently.
If that does not happen: If Help does not open, the current third-party Android app may not support KeySoft contextual help.
Practice: Use Help in Main Menu, KeyWord, and Chrome.
6.2 Use the Context Menu
What you will learn: Find current actions like a right-click menu.
Before you begin: Focus an item.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with M, or press and hold the square Recent apps button.
Use Previous/Next through available actions.
Press Enter on the intended action.
Press Back to cancel.
What should happen: Actions relevant to the selected item appear.
If that does not happen: Not every screen/app has a KeySoft context menu.
Practice: Open the context menu on a Main Menu app and cancel.
Part 7 - Speech, Braille, and Visual Display
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Accessibility volume up/down | Enter+dot 4 / Enter+dot 1 |
| Media/music volume up/down | Enter+dot 5 / Enter+dot 2 |
| Speech rate up/down | Enter+dot 6 / Enter+dot 3 |
| Toggle speech | Space+Previous thumb |
| Toggle visual display | Space+Next thumb |
| Repeat | Space+R |
7.1 Adjust Speech Without Opening Settings
What you will learn: Change volume or rate quickly.
Before you begin: Speech is on.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with dot 4 several times to raise accessibility volume.
Press Enter with dot 1 to lower it.
Press Enter with dot 6 to increase speech rate.
Press Enter with dot 3 to decrease speech rate.
Set comfortable levels.
What should happen: Speech changes immediately.
If that does not happen: If media volume changes instead, verify you used the correct dot command.
Practice: Practice all four commands.
Part 8 - Notification Shade and Android Settings
8.1 Open Notifications
What you will learn: Check battery, Wi-Fi, downloads, and system notices.
Before you begin: The Touch Plus is running.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with N.
Use Previous/Next through notification items.
Open a notification only if you recognize it.
Press Back to return.
What should happen: The Android notification shade becomes accessible through KeySoft.
If that does not happen: If you hear no notifications, the shade may be empty.
Practice: Check battery/Wi-Fi status.
8.2 Open Android Settings
What you will learn: Change system-level settings carefully.
Before you begin: Know which setting you need.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with Q.
Navigate with Previous/Next and first-letter navigation.
Open the desired category.
Change one setting at a time.
Press Back to return.
What should happen: Android settings open while KeySoft continues providing accessibility.
If that does not happen: Do not turn off accessibility/KeySoft unless intentionally handing the device to a sighted user.
Practice: Locate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Storage without changing them.
Part 9 - KeyWord Word Processor
9.1 Create and Save a Document
What you will learn: Write a basic document.
Before you begin: Open KeyWord from Main Menu.
Exactly how to do it
Choose Create/New document.
Type a short title and paragraph using braille input.
Press Space with S to save.
Enter a filename/location if prompted.
Confirm the save.
Press Space with E to leave the file when finished.
What should happen: The document is stored and can be reopened.
If that does not happen: If Save opens 'Save As,' provide a unique filename and confirm the folder.
Practice: Create, save, close, and reopen a practice document.
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Save | Space+S |
| Save As | Backspace+S |
| Find | Space+F |
| Find previous | Space+P |
| Find next | Space+N |
| Exit file | Space+E |
Part 10 - KeyFiles File Manager
10.1 Browse Files and Folders
What you will learn: Find stored documents without using the touchscreen.
Before you begin: Open KeyFiles.
Exactly how to do it
Use Previous/Next to move through drives, folders, and files.
Use first-letter navigation for a known filename/folder.
Press Enter/routing key to open a folder or file.
Use Back to go to the parent/previous view.
Use Space with M for file actions when available.
What should happen: You can identify storage location and file before opening it.
If that does not happen: If an external file will not open directly, copy it to internal storage first; third-party apps can have external-storage permission limits.
Practice: Navigate internal storage and one folder.
10.2 Safely Eject SD or USB Storage
What you will learn: Prevent corruption before physical removal.
Before you begin: An SD card or USB drive is connected.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with E.
Select the storage device to eject.
Press Enter.
Wait for the safe-removal confirmation.
Physically remove the card/drive only after confirmation.
What should happen: The media is unmounted safely.
If that does not happen: If no storage is listed, verify it is actually connected.
Practice: Practice reaching the eject menu without removing media.
Part 11 - KeyMail and Email
KeyMail provides an accessible email workflow. Account-provider security requirements can change, so follow current HumanWare/account-provider sign-in instructions rather than old 'less secure app' procedures.
11.1 Compose a Basic Email
What you will learn: Send a message only after verifying recipient and content.
Before you begin: An email account is configured.
Exactly how to do it
Open KeyMail.
Choose Compose/New message.
Enter the recipient address and verify it.
Move to Subject and type a concise subject.
Move to the message body and type the message.
Use the context menu/help to locate Attach when needed.
Review recipient, subject, attachment, and body.
Activate Send.
What should happen: The message is sent through the configured account.
If that does not happen: If sign-in fails, check current OAuth/account-provider requirements and HumanWare support rather than repeatedly changing password/security settings.
Practice: Compose a draft to yourself before sending.
Part 12 - Google Chrome and Web Navigation
KeySoft provides HTML/web-view quick-navigation commands in Chrome and other HTML content.
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Next heading | H |
| Next link | L |
| Next editable field | E |
| Next control | C |
| Next list | O |
| Next table | T |
| Heading level 1-6 | Dots 1 through 6 |
| Next web view | Enter+W |
| Next section/web view | Right thumb + Next thumb |
| Previous section/web view | Previous thumb + Left thumb |
Reverse navigation: Many HTML commands can be reversed by adding Backspace+Enter with the shortcut, as described by HumanWare's command model.
12.1 Browse a Webpage
What you will learn: Move by structure instead of one item at a time.
Before you begin: Open Chrome and a safe webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Use E to find the address/edit field.
Type a web address or search and press Enter.
Press H to move through headings.
Press L through links.
Press E through edit fields.
Press T through tables when present.
Press Space with H whenever you need current web commands.
What should happen: Braille and speech move through webpage structure.
If that does not happen: If shortcuts type characters into a field, leave the edit field or switch navigation context.
Practice: Navigate a page by headings, links, and edit fields.
Part 13 - EasyReader Plus
EasyReader Plus is HumanWare's accessible reading app for supported DAISY/EPUB/audio libraries and book services.
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Jump to book content | Enter+B |
| Side menu | Space+B |
| Search | Space+F |
| Bookmark | Enter+M |
| Sleep timer | Space+S |
| Book navigation | Backspace+B |
| Audio settings | Backspace+A |
| Previous | Space+dots 1-3 |
| Play/Pause | Space+G or Action button |
| Next | Space+dots 4-6 |
| Navigation settings | Space+T |
13.1 Read and Navigate a Book
What you will learn: Use EasyReader without relying on touchscreen exploration.
Before you begin: Open a downloaded safe book.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with G to play/pause.
Press Space with T to review navigation settings.
Use Space+dots 1-3 and Space+dots 4-6 to move previous/next at the selected navigation level.
Press Enter with M to add a bookmark.
Use Space with S to set a sleep timer if desired.
What should happen: Reading and structural navigation work from the braille keyboard.
If that does not happen: If the book lacks headings/pages, only the navigation levels present in that title will be available.
Practice: Play, navigate, bookmark, and pause a book.
Part 14 - KeyList, KeyPlan, and KeyCalc
KeyList stores and searches contacts. Use first-letter navigation and contextual help for fields/actions.
KeyPlan provides calendar/planner functions. Verify date, time, recurrence, and reminder before saving appointments.
KeyCalc provides calculator functions. Use contextual help for mode-specific commands.
These apps use the same KeySoft pattern: Previous/Next, Enter, Back, first-letter navigation, Space+H help, Space+M context menu.
Part 15 - SD Cards, USB Drives, and External Storage
SDHC slot: rear edge, immediately to the right of the full-size USB port.
USB storage port: rear edge near the left corner.
USB-C computer/charging port: upper-left side, not the rear USB host port.
HumanWare recommends copying files to internal storage when a third-party app cannot open content directly from USB/SD storage.
Always eject with Enter+E before physical removal.
Part 16 - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
16.1 Connect to Wi-Fi
What you will learn: Join a trusted wireless network.
Before you begin: Know the network name and password.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with Q.
Open Wi-Fi settings.
Turn Wi-Fi on if needed.
Select the trusted network.
Enter the password carefully.
Activate Connect.
Use Enter with dots 3-4 to hear connectivity information when supported.
What should happen: The device connects and online apps can use the network.
If that does not happen: If it fails, verify password case and network restrictions.
Practice: Connect to a known network.
16.2 Pair a Bluetooth Device
What you will learn: Connect headphones/keyboard/host device.
Before you begin: Bluetooth device is in pairing mode.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter with Q.
Open Bluetooth settings.
Turn Bluetooth on.
Find the intended device by name.
Activate Pair and confirm pairing prompts.
What should happen: The device appears as connected/paired.
If that does not happen: Verify names carefully in public areas to avoid pairing with the wrong device.
Practice: Pair and unpair a harmless device.
Part 17 - Braille Terminal
Braille Terminal makes the Touch Plus act as a braille display/controller for another computer or mobile device.
17.1 Start Braille Terminal
What you will learn: Choose Bluetooth or USB connection mode.
Before you begin: The host device is ready.
Exactly how to do it
Return to Main Menu.
Type B until Braille Terminal is selected.
Press Enter.
Choose Bluetooth or USB.
Press Enter.
Complete pairing/connection on the host device.
Turn on/configure the host screen reader's braille support.
What should happen: The Touch Plus begins displaying the host screen reader's braille output.
If that does not happen: While Braille Terminal is active, normal KeySoft keyboard shortcuts are forwarded to the host. Use the physical Home button to leave Braille Terminal without necessarily breaking the connection.
Practice: Start Braille Terminal and return Home.
Connection rule: Pair/connect first, configure the host screen reader second, then test OUTPUT, INPUT, and ROUTING.
Part 18 - Connect to iPhone/iPad
18.1 Pair with VoiceOver
What you will learn: Use the Touch Plus as an Apple braille display.
Before you begin: Bluetooth is on and Braille Terminal is set to Bluetooth.
Exactly how to do it
On the Touch Plus, open Braille Terminal and choose Bluetooth.
On iPhone/iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Braille.
Move to the list of detected braille displays.
Choose the Brailliant/BrailleNote Touch Plus entry.
Confirm Pair on both devices if prompted.
Return to an iPhone/iPad app.
Test that VoiceOver text appears on the Touch Plus.
Type with the braille keyboard and test a routing key.
What should happen: VoiceOver uses the Touch Plus for braille input/output.
If that does not happen: Apple's settings paths can shift by iOS version; stay within VoiceOver > Braille and select the detected display.
Practice: Test output, input, and routing.
Part 19 - Connect to Windows with JAWS/NVDA/Narrator
19.1 Windows Connection Workflow
What you will learn: Use Bluetooth or USB without mixing KeySoft and host commands.
Before you begin: Braille Terminal is open.
Exactly how to do it
Choose Bluetooth or USB in Braille Terminal.
Complete Windows pairing or connect the USB-C cable as appropriate.
Start the screen reader.
Open that screen reader's braille/display settings.
Choose a HumanWare/Brailliant/BrailleNote-compatible display driver if required.
Verify COM/USB/Bluetooth connection when the screen reader asks.
Test host text on the braille display.
Type from the Touch Plus.
Use a routing key.
What should happen: The host screen reader controls braille output and interprets input commands.
If that does not happen: Exact screen-reader driver menus change. Use HumanWare's current connection guides and the screen reader's current braille settings.
Practice: Perform the three-part output/input/routing test.
Part 20 - Connect to Mac and Android
Mac: put Braille Terminal in Bluetooth, pair in macOS/VoiceOver braille settings, then test output/input/routing.
Android: put Braille Terminal in Bluetooth and pair the display in TalkBack braille-display settings/current Android accessibility workflow.
Do not assume commands are identical across VoiceOver, TalkBack, JAWS, NVDA, and Narrator; once in Braille Terminal, the host screen reader's command set controls behavior.
Part 21 - Running Apps and Multitasking
21.1 Switch Running Apps
What you will learn: Return to a recent app without reopening it from Main Menu.
Before you begin: At least two apps have been opened.
Exactly how to do it
Press the square Recent apps button, or Space with dots 2-3-5.
Use thumb keys through running apps.
Press Enter/routing key to return to one.
Double-press Recent apps to switch quickly between the last two apps when supported.
What should happen: The running app returns with its state preserved.
If that does not happen: Exiting with Back does not always close an app. Use Recent apps and Dismiss/Clear all when you truly need to close it.
Practice: Open KeyWord and KeyFiles and switch between them.
21.2 Close a Running App
What you will learn: Dismiss an app intentionally.
Before you begin: Recent apps is open.
Exactly how to do it
Move to the app.
Move to its Dismiss item/action.
Activate Dismiss.
Use Clear All only when you intend to close all running apps.
What should happen: The selected application is fully closed.
If that does not happen: Closing Braille Terminal ends its host connection; leaving it with Home can preserve the connection.
Practice: Close a disposable app and reopen it.
Part 22 - Google Play and Third-Party Apps
All Applications contains KeySoft apps plus Android apps installed from Google Play.
Third-party apps may be less accessible than KeySoft apps and may not support Contextual Help.
Before installing an app, review developer, permissions, account requirements, and whether its current Android version supports the Touch Plus.
Do not grant camera, microphone, contacts, storage, or accessibility permissions unless needed.
KeySoft remains the system accessibility service; a poorly designed app can still have unlabeled or unreachable controls.
Part 23 - Updates and System Information
23.1 Check Device/App Information
What you will learn: Identify versions before troubleshooting.
Before you begin: Return to Main Menu.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with I for system information.
Listen/read device and software information.
To inspect one app, focus it on Main Menu/All Applications.
Open the context menu with Space+M or long-press Recent apps.
Choose Information/App info.
What should happen: You can identify software/app versions without guessing.
If that does not happen: If version information differs from an old tutorial, rely on current HumanWare support materials.
Practice: Record the KeySoft/user-guide version used for your unit.
KeyUpdater: HumanWare provides KeyUpdater for KeySoft/app updates. After an update, the device may need to restart to finish installation.
Part 24 - Security, Privacy, and Backups
Use a lock-screen credential if the Touch Plus contains email, contacts, school/work documents, or cloud accounts.
Do not disable KeySoft accessibility accidentally by holding both volume buttons unless a sighted-access workflow intentionally requires it.
Use current OAuth/sign-in methods for email and Google accounts; do not follow obsolete instructions to weaken account security.
Safely eject SD/USB storage before removal.
Back up important documents to an approved external/cloud location.
Third-party apps can request broad permissions; grant only what is necessary.
Braille Terminal can expose host-device screen content on the Touch Plus, so treat both devices as part of the same privacy boundary.
Part 25 - Troubleshooting
25.1 You Are Lost in a Menu/App
What you will learn: Return to a known KeySoft location.
Before you begin: The Touch Plus is responsive.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with H and listen to contextual help.
Press Back or Space with E once or more.
Press the physical Home button.
At Main Menu, use first-letter navigation to reopen the needed app.
What should happen: You return to a predictable location.
If that does not happen: If the Home button does not respond, try Recent apps or a power restart only after simpler recovery.
Practice: Practice recovery from three apps.
25.2 No Speech but Braille Works
What you will learn: Restore speech without changing accessibility service.
Before you begin: The device is responsive in braille.
Exactly how to do it
Press Space with Previous thumb to toggle speech.
Press Enter+dot 4 to raise accessibility volume.
Press Space+R to repeat.
What should happen: Speech returns.
If that does not happen: If speech remains silent, check Android sound output/headphones/Bluetooth.
Practice: Toggle speech off/on deliberately.
25.3 Braille Does Not Update
What you will learn: Check application/focus before hardware assumptions.
Before you begin: Speech is working.
Exactly how to do it
Pan Left/Right.
Move to Main Menu with Home.
Move Next/Previous and see whether cells update.
If using Braille Terminal, verify the host screen reader is connected and braille is enabled.
Restart Braille Terminal or the host screen reader before restarting the whole Touch Plus.
What should happen: Braille resumes or the failure is isolated to host connection/app.
If that does not happen: If cells never change even in Main Menu, use HumanWare hardware support.
Practice: Test internal KeySoft braille before host braille.
25.4 External Storage Will Not Open
What you will learn: Use internal-copy workflow and permissions awareness.
Before you begin: USB/SD is detected.
Exactly how to do it
Open KeyFiles.
Find the file.
Use Context menu to copy it to internal storage.
Open the internal copy.
Safely eject media afterward.
What should happen: KeySoft/third-party app can access the copied file more reliably.
If that does not happen: Some third-party apps lack external-storage permission; this is not necessarily file corruption.
Practice: Copy/open one harmless file.
25.5 Braille Terminal Will Not Connect
What you will learn: Use the connection rule instead of random pairing retries.
Before you begin: Host and Touch Plus are nearby.
Exactly how to do it
Close any stale host braille connection.
Open Braille Terminal and choose the intended connection type.
Pair/connect the devices.
Then open/configure the host screen reader's braille settings.
Test OUTPUT first, then INPUT, then ROUTING.
Only remove/re-pair the Bluetooth device if simpler reconnection fails.
What should happen: The connection is restored or the failure stage is identified.
If that does not happen: Do not troubleshoot Touch Plus KeySoft shortcuts while Braille Terminal is forwarding keys to the host.
Practice: Practice identifying whether failure is pairing, screen-reader config, or routing.
Part 26 - Independent Practice Course
Level 1 - Physical Orientation
☐ Locate touchscreen/braille display.
☐ Identify seven front buttons.
☐ Identify left/right/rear ports.
☐ Locate routing keys.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 2 - Core Navigation
☐ Home/Main Menu.
☐ Previous/Next.
☐ Activate.
☐ Back.
☐ Pan braille.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 3 - Help and Status
☐ Contextual Help.
☐ Context menu.
☐ Notification shade.
☐ System information.
☐ Speech rate/volume.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 4 - Word Processing
☐ Create KeyWord document.
☐ Edit.
☐ Save.
☐ Close.
☐ Reopen.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 5 - Files
☐ Open KeyFiles.
☐ Create/find folder.
☐ Copy file.
☐ Safely eject external storage.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 6 - Web
☐ Open Chrome.
☐ Address/search field.
☐ Navigate headings.
☐ Navigate links.
☐ Return Main Menu.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 7 - Reading
☐ Open EasyReader Plus.
☐ Play/pause.
☐ Navigate.
☐ Bookmark.
☐ Sleep timer.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 8 - Wireless
☐ Connect Wi-Fi.
☐ Review Bluetooth.
☐ Pair harmless device.
☐ Check connectivity.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 9 - Braille Terminal
☐ Start Terminal.
☐ Connect host.
☐ Test output.
☐ Test input.
☐ Test routing.
☐ Return Home.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 10 - Multitasking
☐ Open two apps.
☐ Recent apps.
☐ Switch.
☐ Dismiss one.
☐ Return Main Menu.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 11 - Security
☐ Lock/unlock.
☐ Review permissions concept.
☐ Explain why broad account/storage sharing is risky.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 12 - Independent Workflow
☐ Power on.
☐ Write/save note.
☐ Find file.
☐ Browse web.
☐ Read book.
☐ Connect to host device.
☐ Return and shut down.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Part 27 - Quick Reference
Core KeySoft Commands
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Main Menu | Home or Space+dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Back | Triangle Back or Space+E |
| Enter / activate | Dot 8 / routing key |
| Next / previous | Space or Next thumb / Backspace or Previous thumb |
| Pan left / right | Left thumb / Right thumb |
| Options | Space+O |
| Contextual Help | Space+H |
| Context menu | Space+M or hold Recent apps |
| Running apps | Space+dots 2-3-5 |
| Notification shade | Enter+N |
| Android Settings | Enter+Q |
| System information | Space+I |
| Repeat | Space+R |
| Toggle speech | Space+Previous thumb |
| Toggle visual display | Space+Next thumb |
| Toggle braille grade | Backspace+G |
| Eject media | Enter+E |
HTML Navigation
| Task | Command / Control |
|---|---|
| Heading | H |
| Link | L |
| Editable field | E |
| Control | C |
| List | O |
| Table | T |
| Heading level 1-6 | Dots 1-6 |
| Next webview | Enter+W |
Braille Terminal Rule
1. Pair/connect. 2. Configure host screen reader. 3. Test braille OUTPUT. 4. Test braille INPUT. 5. Test ROUTING. While Terminal is active, host-screen-reader commands take precedence over KeySoft keyboard shortcuts.
Part 28 - Official HumanWare Resources
BrailleNote Touch Plus Support
BrailleNote Touch Plus User Guide v.6 - available from the support page
BrailleNote Touch Plus Command Summary - available from the support page
Using BrailleNote Touch Plus as a Braille Display - available from the support page
Most important habit: When lost, press Space+H for context help, then Back if needed, then Home. When connecting to another device, always separate the three domains: Touch Plus connection, host screen-reader configuration, and host screen-reader braille commands.
Final Independence Checklist
☐ I can orient the device and identify every major control/port.
☐ I can power, charge, lock, unlock, and return Home.
☐ I can use Previous/Next, Enter, Back, routing, and braille panning.
☐ I can use Contextual Help and the Context menu.
☐ I can control speech rate/volume and understand braille/visual toggles.
☐ I can use KeyWord and save a file.
☐ I can use KeyFiles and safely eject storage.
☐ I can use basic KeyMail and verify recipients before sending.
☐ I can navigate Chrome by headings, links, controls, and fields.
☐ I can read and navigate a book in EasyReader Plus.
☐ I can connect Wi-Fi and pair Bluetooth devices.
☐ I can use Braille Terminal and distinguish KeySoft commands from host screen-reader commands.
☐ I can connect to iPhone/iPad, Windows, Mac, or Android using the pair-configure-test method.
☐ I can switch/close running apps.
☐ I can identify software/app versions and update paths.
☐ I understand important privacy/security risks.
☐ I can troubleshoot lost focus, speech, braille, external storage, and Braille Terminal.