Why Teach Braille to a Student?
If a student is unable to read print, Braille is that student's access to the same knowledge and skills as a student who can read print. There are also some cases where a student may currently be able to read print, but they have an eye condition that makes it possible for them to lose their sight at any moment. In cases like these, teaching both print and Braille together is helpful to ensure the long-term success and access for that student (Mahurin).
Building a Braille Rich Classroom
Incorporating Braille Into Every Subject
While Braille is important in a writing lesson, it is equally important in math, science, music class, and even language class. A student that uses Braille can learn another language using that language's Braille system. A student can learn to read music with Braille, and more!
A Tool for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Bluetooth Braille Keyboards
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One challenge with this tool is that the cost of them can be a huge barrier. While schools are supposed to (by regulation) provide tools for students if it will help them gain the same knowledge as other students, the cost can sometimes become a barrier for schools and families. This, combined with other factors such as a decline in support for teaching Braille and the cost of printing Braille books, has "work[ed] against the use of [B]raille as the primary reading modality for blind readers" (Russomanno, et al., p. 287). More resources need to be provided, and new tools must continue to be created, in order to continue encouraging the use of Braille and for Braille literacy to survive.