Short Wave The Power Of Braille Literacy
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Aug 19, 2024 The podcast dives into the transformative power of Braille literacy for blind and low-vision individuals. It highlights the critical link between Braille education and improved academic and employment success. An urgent shortage of qualified Braille teachers in the U.S. is emphasized, alongside initiatives to address this issue. The interdisciplinary team's collaborative efforts aim to revolutionize teaching methods and enhance reading techniques. Unique challenges of Braille literacy, including unified English Braille and contractions, are also explored.
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Englebretson's Braille Childhood
- Robert Englebretson, a blind linguist, loved reading Braille as a child.
- He enjoyed sneaking books under the covers without a flashlight.
Braille's Impact
- Braille literacy correlates with higher academic success and better employment outcomes for blind/low-vision individuals.
- Less than half of working-age blind/low-vision people are employed; most employed are Braille readers.
Braille Education Challenges
- The US faces a shortage of qualified Braille teachers, with varying state requirements for instruction.
- This leads to some students receiving less than an hour of Braille instruction weekly.