Braille and Assistive Devices

By Dr.G.Victoria Naomi | Avianshilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641043

Learners enrolled: 775

Braille, the embossed system of reading and writing for the blind along with its inventor, Louis Braille (1809-1852), has opened a wide range of avenues and opportunities for effective mainstreaming and empowerment for Persons with Visual Impairment. In addition, a number of devices are now available which help the visually impaired to access meaningful education in all school-subjects as also skills of independent living and economic activities. This course familiarizes the learners with the importance and operational aspects of Braille, which has stood the test of time and competition for the last about 185 years. It also introduces them to basic devices used for teaching blind and low vision children. It is hoped that through the study of the course, the learners will be motivated to know more about these and various other devices and technologies and be in a position to help children with visual impairment/their parents to procure the needed devices with ease and speed.

Summary

Course Status :	Completed
Course Type :	Core
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	8 weeks
Category :	Teacher Education
Credit Points :	2
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	13 Jul 2022
End Date :	31 Oct 2022
Enrollment Ends :	15 Sep 2022
Exam Date :

Page Visits

Course layout

Week - I

1. Louis Braille and the Evolution of Braille

2. Continuing Relevance of Braille vis-a-vis Audio Material

3. Braille Signs, Contractions and Abbreviations--English Braille

Week - II

4. Braille Signs and Symbols-Hindi/Regional Language

5. Braille Reading and Writing Processes

6. Slate and Stylus & Braille Writer

Week -III

7. Learning media assessment

8. Braille reading readiness

9. Techniques of teaching Braille

Week - IV

10. Techniques of Teaching print to children with low vision

11. Braille aids and devices, optical devices for print reading and writing

12. Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities

Week - V

13. Screen Readers with Special Reference to Indian Languages; Magnifying Software, and Open Source Software.

14. Braille Notetakers and Stand-alone Reading Machines

15. Braille Translation Software with Particular reference to Indian Languages and Braille Embossers

Week - VI

16. On-Line Libraries and Bookshare

17. Daisy Books, Recordings, and Smart Phones.

18. Thermoform and Swell Paper technology and Softwares for developing tactile diagrams

Week - VII

19. Mathematical Devices: Taylor Frame and Types, Abacus, Geometry Kit, Algebra Types

20. Geography: Maps-Relief, Embossed, Models

21. Science Material

Week - VIII

22. Low Vision Aids-Optical, Non-Optical, Vision Training Material

23. Electronic Devices- Note takers and Refreshable Braille Displays, Braille Embossers & Braille Translation Software

24. Schemes and Sources of Availability

Books and references

1.Blake, S.J (2000). Emergent literacy and the young blind child.

2.Castellano, Carol. (1994). Making whole language work. Future reflections; fall.

3.Curran, Eileen P (1988). Just enough to know better: A braille primer. Boston: National Braille Press.

4.Erin, J. N.; Sumranveth, P (1995). Teaching reading to students who are adventitiously blind. Review; (89)27(3) 103-111.

5.Garber, M. (2000). Where to find braille books for children.

6.Gillette, Jean Wallace (1994). Understanding reading problems: Assessment and instruction. New York: Addison-Wesley.

7.Harley, R.K., Henderson, F.M and Truan, M.B (1979). The Teaching of braille reading. Springfield: Charles C Thomas.

8.Heinze, T (1986). Communication skills. In Scholl, G. T., ed. Foundations of education for blind and visually impaired children and youths: Theory and practice. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.

9.Holbrook, M.C and Koenig, A.J (1992). Teaching Braille Reading to Students with Low Vision. Journal of visual impairment and blindness; V86, 44-47.

10.Holbrook, M.C and Nannen, L.O (1997). Methods of literacy instruction for braille readers: Exploring all options. Journal of visual impairment and blindness; 91(5) 420-422.

11.Mangold, S. "Trends in the Use of Braille Contractions in the United States: Implications for UBC Decisions."Braille Monitor. October 2000. The National Federation of the Blind.

12.Miller, C. & Rash, A. "Reading for Everyone: Expanding Literacy Options." See/Hear. Summer 2001. Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin, Texas.

13.The Reading Teacher's Book of Lists. (2000). 4th Edition. The Learning Network, Prentice Hall, p. 47.

14.Ross, D., Scheira, J. & Urick, M.J. "Print Materials in Grade 1 and Grade 2: Physical Comparison for Space Usage." CEC National Convention, Charlotte, NC, April 16, 1999.

15.Troughton, M. (1992). One is Fun: Guidelines for Better Braille Literacy. Brantford, Ontario.

16.Wormsley, D.P. & D'Andrea, F.M., eds. (1997). Instructional Strategies for Braille Literacy. American Foundation for the Blind, New York.

Instructor bio

Dr.G.Victoria Naomi

Avianshilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641043

The Course Coordinator has been in the field for over three decades having wide and rich experience in teaching children with visual impairment in inclusive settings. She has undertaken various researchers in the field of special education. She has authored nine books and published over 100 articles in the field of Special Education. She has undertaken a number of researches collaborating with International Researches. She was the coordinator of the Indo-US Research Project on Response to Intervention Model in Indian Context.