The perceptual, linguistic and cognitive processes involved in sighted reading have been widely studied, but the use of touch raises new issues. Drawing on her research with novice and fluent braille readers, Susanna Millar examines how people initially process braille and how skill with sounds, words, meaning and spelling patterns influence processing. The main focus is on braille, but findings on the "Moon" script, vibrotactile devices, maps and icons are also considered in the context of their practical implications and access to omputer technology.