[Pibe-division] Braille instruction

Tue Apr 4 00:36:39 UTC 2017

Hello Marianne,
I suggest that you look into the eBrailler. Even if the state won’t purchase them you could work with local Lions and Rotary clubs to do so.

The eBrailler has been designed especially with remote teaching in braille as one of its uses.
You can read about it at the website
www.ebrailler.com/
eBrailler | Manufacturers of the Cosmo Braille embosser and "BERT.
The eBrailler can also function as an embosser so that the user can emboss their lessons for their reading practice.
The BERT is the remote programme which has been designed so that the blind braille teacher in another location can monitor what the student is doing.
>From what I’ve heard is is very successful and the company is very responsive to feedback.

Regarding the state refusing to send students out-of-state for training, they are required to provide the student with informed choice and, if the student can make a case for why the state programme will not provide them with the training they have chosen to receive, then the state is legally required, under federal law, to send them to the programme of their choice.

The case can usually be made by stipulating that the student wants training in everything that the state programme doesn’t provide.
For example, a student can stipulate that they want Structured Discovery Learning as their methods of instruction. They can say that they want supervised engagement in strenuous, confidence-building activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting or skiing. These are provided at NFB centres but not usually at state programmes.
They can say that they want to attend a programme where the majority of the instructors are blind so that they can be encouraged by the competence and knowledge of other blind people. 
There are numerous other stipulations that can be included.
I must run and do prep for tomorrow’s classes now but, if you would like me to send you the section of the law which refers to this, as well as the kind of lists that our students have used with Voc. Rehab. to gain out-of-state training at NFB centres, then let me know and I’ll send the info to you later this week.
Thank you so much for your efforts on behalf of those folk whom you are working so hard to get proper vocational training.
Warmly,
Heather

From: Marianne Denning via PIBE-Division 
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2017 4:56 PM
To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List 
Cc: Marianne Denning 
Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] Braille instruction

Thanks Eric. I have been doing research and have found a program that was developed at Blind INC called Code Master. Has this Braille learning product ever been published for purchase? I have contacted Blind INC. by phone and e-mail and have not had any response. I think it definitely has some potential for what we are trying to do. 

On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 4:39 PM, Eric Guillory via PIBE-Division <pibe-division at nfbnet.org> wrote:

  The difficulties you are facing in the Buckeye State are a textbook reminder that too many people, even the so-called professionals, see Braille as an isolated skill (e.g., a martial art, a course in how to decorate cakes) rather than the code that unlocks literacy for the blind. Ohio would never say that print literacy isn’t necessary for all jobs or to live independently, but they get away with that language because too many people seem to be possessed of the notion that Braille proficiency and literacy can be separate entities—which they are not…same as print. All the best as you strive to educate the uninformed! Braille Rocks!

  Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services

  Louisiana Center for the Blind

  101 South Trenton Street

  Ruston, LA 71270

  Voice: 800-234-4166

  Fax: 318-251-0109

  Twitter: ericguillory

  Skype: brllovingdad

  www.louisianacenter.org

  “Together, we are changing what it means to be blind.”

  From: PIBE-Division [mailto:pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marianne Denning via PIBE-Division
  Sent: Monday, April 3, 2017 2:31 PM
  To: Robert Pardue
  Cc: Marianne Denning; Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
  Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] Braille instruction

  Robert, thanks for your thoughtful response. We have lots of issues with VR in Ohio. One stumbling block is their assertion that braille literacy is not needed for all jobs and it would only be part of a VR plan if it were needed in a job. The NFB of Ohio believes that braille literacy is important for living independently and that a person can't work if they can't live independently. I also agree that an individual's ability to use technology will be a consideration. Mentors are definitely a part of our plans. 

  On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 3:12 PM, Robert Pardue <robertpardue at opsb.net> wrote:

    Is the Ohio Vocational Rehabilitation Department mandated to provide training for re-entering the workforce/independent living? I would look into what the law REQUIRES the state to provide. If your members are entitled to training, but training is not available in house, why not advocate for these adults to attend a center outside of your state? The NFB adult training Centers were created for this purpose. 

    If that is not an option, my thoughts are as follows: 

         I can see how virtual instruction could seem like a great idea. Have you considered how tech savvy your students are? Would the visual impairments, at this point in time, complicate access to the instruction? It would be case by case. 

         Another option could be something along the lines of descriptive audio tracks with corresponding worksheets/practice passages. Descriptions of the braille shapes, patterns, dot locations and so on can be prerecorded with appropriate practice materials, such as Building On Patterns (BOP), Mangold, or Ashcroft curriculum. "Face-to-face" time with a mentor will still be necessary to answer any questions or provide clarification, but as a jumping point... 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    R. Martin Pardue, M.A.T. NCUEB NOMC 

    Teacher of Blind Students

    OPSB Vision Services

    "If I want to do it, nothing is difficult. If I don't want to do it, nothing is easy.''

    Sifu Shi Yan Ming

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: PIBE-Division <pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Marianne Denning via PIBE-Division <pibe-division at nfbnet.org>
    Sent: Monday, April 3, 2017 1:53:34 PM
    To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
    Cc: Marianne Denning
    Subject: Re: [Pibe-division] Braille instruction 

    Thanks for the information about Hadley. This is not a solution for the people I am talking about. 

    On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 2:47 PM, Kristin Shumann via PIBE-Division <pibe-division at nfbnet.org> wrote:

      Try Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka Illinois.  I have a client taking a braille course from them now.  It is very thorough--spending the entire first course on tracking and finger movement.  It's either free or very reasonably priced.

      On Sun, Apr 2, 2017 at 6:22 PM, marianne via PIBE-Division <pibe-division at nfbnet.org> wrote:

        NFB of Ohio is looking into ways to provide braille instruction to adults who are losing vision. Our division of the blind is not as supportive of the need for braille as we would like. I would like to know about some inventive ideas for braille instruction. We are looking at virtual instruction for braille with local volunteers for support. That is just one idea but we are open to any other suggestions. We do not have any kind of rehabilitation center in OH so that is not an option. I am especially interested in providing instruction outside of our metropolitan areas.

        Marianne Denning, TVI, MS

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    -- 

    Marianne Denning, TVI, MA

    Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired

    (513) 607-6053

  -- 

  Marianne Denning, TVI, MA

  Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired

  (513) 607-6053

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Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053

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