[blindkid] Brailling options

[Carlton Anne Cook Walker]

Hi all,

I have been reading with interest the threads regarding the brailling of
Jack's books.

Marie, I completely understand your frustration and desire to get brailling
more books quickly for Jack.  I was there not so long ago.  Just 4-5 years
ago, I was playing catch up trying to provide braille for my daughter who
was receiving mainly print at school.  [My love for braille was part of the
reason I decided to become a TVI.  Next month, I will commence my second
year of teaching.]


In addition to the other great ideas you've received (especially that of
getting an experienced braillist to help you through your current needs), I
heartily recommend that you stick with the Perkins brailler.


Notwithstanding the feelings some have expressed about the Perkins, I
believe it is the best option on several fronts:

First, the Perkins is relatively low-cost.  Once you have a brailler, the
plastic sheets aren't too expensive (you can also look into using clear,
self-adhesive laminating sheets).

Second, QUALITY and DURABILITY.  The Dymo labels do not also adhere very
well.  Also, it is difficult to get the individual labels to line up well
horizontally and with proper vertical spacing, at least it is for me.  As a
TVI, I can assure that properly spaced, smooth braille is important to the
young braille reader (who is learning hand and finger position, hand
movements, etc. in addition to learning the Code tactually).  Consistent
spacing and layout of braille in early books can help smooth the path to
reading commercially-produced volumes.

Third, YOUR braille learning curve.  I know that braille is difficult at
first -- anything new is.  But right now, you're only dealing with
uncontracted braille and some punctuation.  Keep a braille cheat sheet
nearby, and you'll be surprised how quickly you pick up the Code.
I consider the time I spent brailling Anna's books the best braille learning
experience possible.  While I had a terrific teacher for contracted braille
(Dr. Sheila Amato), brailling for my daughter gave my work a purpose that no
class could.
I continue to braille for my daughter and for my other students.  We use
braille for writing "secret" notes to each other.  Also, it's fun when she's
the only grandkid at Christmas who can read the gift tags from our family!

Fourth, your ability to help Jack with homework, etc. in the future.  It's
so important to be able to support a child's learning at home.  However,
most of my braille students do not have anyone at home who can read braille.
 This saddens me greatly.  If at all possible, take the time to learn
braille (uncontracted now and contracted later) to support your child's
education.  [Parental braille knowledge does not ensure success, but it sure
doesn't hurt.]

Fifth, Jack's perception of braille.  A dual media student (primarily
braille), Anna Catherine wants to be like her peers.  She's only around
blind peers a few times per year, and she really feels isolated because of
her braille use.  She has told me several times that she likes that I can
read braille.  I am the one person in our community who shares her reading
medium.


Okie dokie, I'll get off my soapbox now.  Please though, as you search for
the short-term solution for brailling Jack's books, please do not avoid the
task of learning braille.  You'll never regret learning it -- I promise!!



Take care,


Carlton

-- 
Carlton Anne Cook Walker, NCLB, cTVI
213 North First Street
McConnellsburg, PA    17233
Voice: 717-658-9894
Twitter: braillemom