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Literacy and Braille

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Literacy and Braille

Literacy at its simplest means the ability to read and write, but it starts with comprehension and encompasses many media and formats, including listening, speaking, and object communication. Most children aim for basic or academic literacy, which is the ability to use reading as a tool to gain more knowledge. Others will strive to attain functional literacy, which supports the activities of daily life. This section offers an introduction to the forms of literacy for children who are blind and visually impaired, ranging from tactile symbols and calendar boxes to print and braille.

Every Child is a Potential Reader, Perkins School for the Blind
http://www.perkins.org/literacy/
Perkins examines literacy as a powerful communication tool, much more than just the ability to read and write. Included are a look at the motivating function of literacy, literacy kits, assistive technology, and additional literacy resources.

Tools for Literacy, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
http://www.familyconnect.org/parentsite.asp?SectionID=79&TopicID=365&DocumentID=4038
This article introduces the range of literacy options for children with visual impairments, including print, braille, and symbol systems.

Impact of Literacy on the Expanded Core Curriculum, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
http://www.tsbvi.edu/agenda/literacy.htm
Phil Hatlin, former Superintendent of Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, advocates for a broad definition of literacy that encompasses tactile symbols, calendar boxes, listening, braille, and print. He examines the implications for the Expanded Core Curriculum.

Literacy Fact Sheets for the Learner who is Blind/Visually Impaired, Colorado Department of Education
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/SD-BLV.aspReaching literacy goals for students with blindness or visual impairment calls for a team approach. These information sheets provide guidelines for each member of the education team, and help parents understand their own integral role.

Web-Based Organizations and Internet Resources

Literacy and Communication Skills, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
http://www.tsbvi.edu/recc/literacy.htm
TSBVI's resource list includes a wide range of materials in various formats, some of which are accessible electronically. Topics include braille instruction, curricula, and family resources.

Getting in Touch with Literacy Presentations, Project Emerge
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~emerge/#resources
Project Emerge offers five presentations on various aspects of literacy, including emergent literacy, promoting literacy for students with multiple disabilities, and practical applications of research for highly literate individuals with visual impairments.