You will experience an issue in Windows 10 after running Narrator if it is set up to access your Braille display. After shutting down Narrator, a Braille message appears, “BRLTTY stopped”, which is normal. But now, JAWS, Fusion, or any other screen reader will not be able to communicate with the Braille display. This problem may occur with many brands or models of Braille displays.
Unfortunately, Narrator does not release access to the Braille display port even when it is not being used. Microsoft has been made aware of the issue and we are awaiting a permanent solution from them.
In the meantime, the only workaround is to remove Narrator’s Braille support. After doing this, your Braille display will not work while using Windows Narrator. But you can now use your Braille display with other screen reader software such as JAWS or Fusion.
Solution Steps for removing Narrator’s Braille support:
* Press WINDOWS key + I to open “Settings”.
* Navigate to “Apps” by pressing TAB once to enter the list box, and then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to “Apps”. Press the SPACEBAR to select it.
* “Apps & Features” will open by default.
* Navigate to “Optional Features”, using the TAB key, and press ENTER to activate the link.
* Navigate to the list box by using the TAB
* “Accessibility Braille Support” will likely be the first in the list, but if it is not, use the DOWN ARROW to locate it.
* Press ENTER on the “Accessibility Braille Support” item to expand it and reveal the actions that can be taken.
* Navigate to the “Remove” button and press ENTER. The item, “Accessibility Braille Support” will almost immediately disappear and will be removed.
* Finally, shut down JAWS or Fusion, then disconnect and reconnect your Braille display from the USB port. This should cause Windows to install the Windows driver for the attached Braille display.
* Restart JAWS or Fusion.
Your Braille display should now work when using JAWS or Fusion but not while using Narrator.