[blindkid] Brailling options

Carol Castellano blindchildren at verizon.net
Fri Jul 23 00:55:33 UTC 2010


Who could argue with this woman?!?  Thanks, Carlton!
Carol

At 03:22 PM 7/22/2010, you wrote:
>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
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Carol Castellano
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
973-377-0976
carol_castellano at verizon.net
www.nopbc.org  





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