[NFBOH-Cleveland] Article: Learning Braille in My Sixties: A Senior's Perspective,

[Cheryl Fields]

Thanks for sending this article. It is very encouraging, LOL! See F

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 17, 2020, at 10:18 AM, Suzanne Turner via NFBOH-Cleveland <nfboh-cleveland at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> Learning Braille in My Sixties: A Senior’s Perspective
> We are often told that Braille is difficult. This is especially true for seniors, or so says conventional wisdom. We asked one senior about his experiences and here is what Bob Gardner said:
> 
> I learned Braille when I was in my sixties as a student at one of our NFB training centers. At the center, all students--including those who already knew Grade 2 Braille--were required to participate in the Braille class.
> 
> I came into the class knowing Grade 1 Braille but was now required to learn Grade 2 contracted Braille. For me, it was my most difficult class. When asked to read my lessons aloud to the other students, I often felt like the class dunce. It was a humbling experience, a frustrating experience.
> 
> But I was determined to graduate and getting through all the lessons in the McDuffy Reader was a requirement for graduation. So, I was going to do it! And I did. It wasn’t pretty, but I think I finished the last lesson my last week at the center.
> 
> I am proud I graduated from BLIND, Inc., and I am proud I can read Braille. I am not the fastest Braille reader by far, but I consider Braille another tool in my toolbox of blindness skills. I continue to read Braille, trying to read daily from hard copy books provided by the National Library Service.
> 
> I don’t think I would feel complete without the ability to read Braille. Also, I consider myself an example which disproves the adage that seniors cannot learn Braille.
> 
> The National Federation of the Blind advocates for Braille Literacy and quality Braille instruction in a myriad of ways. We celebrated World Braille Day this month in honor of the inventor of Braille, Louis Braille, whose birthday was January fourth. Watch our video about celebrating Braille. Learn more about our Braille literacy initiatives by visiting our BELL® Academy Page, learning about our Free Slate and Stylus Program, Exploring Our Early Childhood Initiatives, and reading the Braille Monitor.
> 
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