Braille changes lives. It gives thousands of people independence, learning, literacy, and the enjoyment of reading. Braille opens doors, and gives hope and inspiration.
Listen to some braille users talking about the difference knowing braille has made to their lives:
The power of braille
Ten ways that braille makes a difference:
-
braille provides an "active" reading and writing method for people who cannot access print - listening to audio books is valuable, but passive
-
braille offers a system for labelling all kinds of items (CDs, DVDs, cans and packets of food, medicines, documents, etc), which aids independence and raises self esteem in a person who has lost their sight
-
being able to read just 15 braille letters enables a person to play games involving a pack of cards - anything from "Snap!" with the grandchildren to Tournament Bridge
-
popular games (such as Bingo and Uno) are available in braille and others can be adapted by the addition of braille labels, enabling a blind or partially sighted individual to join in with family or friends in a wide range of leisure pursuits
-
a diary and address book can be kept, shopping lists made and messages in greetings cards read independently
-
many banks, utilities and other businesses can provide statements, bills and letters in braille, which can provide you with a degree of privacy and independence when dealing with your finances
-
some restaurants and pub chains offer braille menus
-
there is a wide choice of magazines, and fiction and non-fiction books available in both grade 1 and grade 2 braille
-
braille can be produced manually on a portable hand-frame or notetaker, or on a desktop Perkins brailler. It can also be produced on a computer with translation software and a braille embosser
-
a "soft braille" display can be linked to a computer to enable a braillist to read what is on the screen.
Disadvantages of braille
-
Braille books can be very bulky, and often in many volumes.
-
Braille requires an acute sense of touch. Some readers whose finger sensitivity may be reduced, such as those with diabetes, may benefit from learning Moon