[Nfb-science] Hadley School for the Blind

[John Miller]

Hello,

Our very own science division board member Kristen Johnson is taking some math courses from the Hadley School for the Blind and is having a positive learning experience.
Kristen is taking some courses in basic math and pre-algebra.
She let me know that the course is completely free and that braille instruction material is provided.
The Hadley math courses integrate the learning of the Nemeth braille code so it is not necessary to know the Nemeth braille code before beginning a course.
It is not so easy for many of us to learn something new on our own like the Nemeth braille code.
Taking a Hadley course is one way to master the Nemeth braille code.
A course including instruction material is completely free.
The student has the option to complete assigned work in braille and submit it through the mail.
As I understand it, a course often includes 12 lessons.
A student may choose to complete up to 2 lessons per month.
The school provides feedback on the student's work in either e-mail or braille.
Completing one of these courses seems a good way for a blind person to pick up good math skills and become proficient in braille math.
When you take an in-person fast-paced course for a grade, I feel it is always better to start the course prepared.
For a blind person taking a math course this means being familiar with braille math symbols and having experience reading math problems in braille and quickly writing out math solutions in braille.
I am glad to hear that the Hadley School for the Blind is providing a valuable service.
Sometimes a blind student has difficulty getting accessible materials from school to do math.
If you are running in to this kind of problem and are in middle school, high school, or wishing to take a college course in math, review your learning choices from the Hadley School for the Blind.
A Hadley course could be an excellent refresher course for someone going back to school.
Just remember to plan ahead and start the Hadley course sufficiently early so that you can master the covered material by the time you need to know the material for your next class.
Hadley School for the Blind Information
You can visit the Hadley School for the Blind at www.hadley.edu<http://www.hadley.edu>.
They are located in Winnetka, Illinois but provide distance learning.
To find the courses they offer click the tab labeled Find a course.
The following STEM courses can be found by clicking on the "Adult Continuing Education
Program" link inside the Find a course tab.

In section titled mathematics
Abacus 1
Abacus 2
Practical Math 1
Practical Math 2
Pre-Algebra 1
Pre-Algebra 2
Algebra, Part 1
Algebra, Part 2

They also offer Physical Science, Life Science, and other science related courses.
In technology I saw three interesting courses: Internet Basics, Web Browsing Basics, and
Strategies to Connect with Social Media.

Very Best,
John