Web Braille offers access to thousands of electronic braille books on the Internet for the use of eligible braille readers by the Library of Congress National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

Braille, a system of raised dots that is read with the fingers, has historically been embossed on paper. The system was invented by Louis Braille of France
in the early 1800's. As a result of new computer technology, braille readers who were approved by their regional library, were able to access Web Braille digital braille book files with a computer and a refreshable braille display (electronic device that raises or lowers an array of pins to create a line of braille characters) or a braille embosser. These braille book titles were available on the Internet for download or on-line for use by eligible individuals, libraries and schools with a computer and a braille-output device.

Copyright laws require that access to Web Braille be limited to NLS patrons and eligible institutions. Access outside the United States, except to eligible
American citizens, is not permitted.

On May 11th of this year, NLS made the following announcement on the Web Braille website:

"Because of technical and security difficulties, Web Braille will be unavailable in the near future. NLS regrets the inconvenience and will provide further
information as soon as possible."

I respectfully request NLS to restore the Web Braille service immediately while continuing to implement procedures that will enhance the Web Braille website.

Each day that the Web Braille website is down, blind children and adults are being denied access to a service that has been available to approved library users, who have used the Web Braille service in good faith.