[Ct-nfb] FW: [State-affiliate-leadership-list] New program offers literacy training for blind residents

Elizabeth Rival erival at comcast.net
Tue Jan 8 18:29:45 UTC 2013


 

 

From: State-affiliate-leadership-list
[mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Pare, John
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 5:17 PM
To: state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [State-affiliate-leadership-list] New program offers literacy
training for blind residents

 

Way to go NFB of West Virginia.


New program offers literacy training for blind residents


January 5, 2013


journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG - The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is
marking the anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille with the announcement
of a statewide initiative aimed at helping blind adults gain literacy
skills. The project matches blind adults who read and write Braille with
other blind adults who wish to learn it.

Louis Braille is the Frenchman who invented the system of reading and
writing by touch, using raised dots. He was born 203 years ago, Jan. 4,
1809, and the code which bears his name is now used by blind persons around
the world.

"We know that literacy is vital to success in virtually every aspect of
life, whether it be education, employment or simply being good citizens of
our communities," NFBWV President Charlene Smyth said. "For those of us who
are blind, literacy means the ability to read and write Braille. This
project allows us to share our knowledge of Braille with others who can
benefit from learning it."

Last spring a dozen blind persons from throughout the state volunteered as
tutors for the project and received some basic training in the best ways to
teach others to read and write Braille. About half of them are currently
working with students, and persons interested in learning Braille are
encouraged to take advantage of the program.

The project has received a grant from the West Virginia Division of
Rehabilitation Services for the purchase of books and other learning
materials. The funds will also assist with transportation costs when tutors
and students must travel some distance to meet with each other.

NFBWV Second Vice President Sheri Koch, who recently retired as a supervisor
with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, was instrumental in planning
and launching the project. She recognizes that losing one's vision is often
a traumatic experience.

"It can complicate even the simplest of tasks like following a recipe,
writing down a phone number or finding the right elevator button," Koch
said. "Learning Braille can help a person with vision loss to regain
independence, confidence and self-respect. It can also be the key to finding
and retaining a job."

The training is offered to any adult who has experienced vision loss
affecting his/her ability to read and write. Persons with some basic
knowledge of Braille who want to improve their reading and writing skills
can benefit from the project as well.

To learn more or to register as a student, contact NFBWV First Vice
President Ed McDonald at 304-788-0129 or  <mailto:ed at eiopro>
ed at eioproductions.com.

 

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