Education

Information on learning Moon

Summary: Help with reading, writing and learning Moon.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Moon literacy website
• 3. Moon production
• 4. Tuition and support
• 5. Teaching packs for young learners
• 6. Teaching packs for adult learners
• 7. Moon reading practice for children
• 8. Moon reading practice for independent readers
• 9. Labelling
• 10. Transcription service
• 11. Equipment
• 12. RNIB contacts
• 13. Other useful contacts
• 15. Keep up-to-date with RNIB updates
• 16. Ordering information and prices
• 17. Factsheet - available formats

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1. Introduction

1.1 What is Moon?

Moon is a code of raised shapes that can be read by touch. It takes its name from its inventor, a blind English man called Dr William Moon.

Moon is intended for blind or partially sighted people of any age. As the characters are fairly large and over half the letters bear a strong resemblance to the print equivalent, Moon has been found particularly suitable for those who lose their sight later in life, or for people who may have a less keen sense of touch. Age is no barrier to learning and enjoying using Moon, with many octogenarians and nonagenarians being regular readers. Some children with additional physical and/or learning difficulties acquire some literacy skills through learning Moon, and it is hoped that more adults with complex needs may also have the opportunity to try Moon, as being able to read a few words on signs and labels can greatly enhance independence, and for some it leads on to the development of further literacy skills.

If you are thinking of learning Moon because you cannot get on with braille, you may be interested to know that learning Moon has given lots of people greater confidence in their sense of touch, and that many have gone on to read braille successfully.

Whereas braille is made up of patterns of dots, Moon uses raised lines and curves, similar to print, to create nine basic shapes. Rotating or reflecting these shapes in different ways creates the 26 letters of the alphabet. Adding a few dots for punctuation marks and a numeral sign completes grade 1 Moon, which can be used to provide a tactile version of any text.

Learning some additional signs and an elementary form of shorthand makes Moon quicker to read and reduces the amount of paper needed, making Moon books shorter and lighter; for example, a single symbol represents the letters “ch”, and the word “yesterday” is represented by the letters “yd”. This more complex system is known as grade 2 Moon.

People often wonder why the ordinary alphabet is not raised for use by touch. The answer is that this was tried and, because of the complexity of printed letters, it was found that the raised letters had to be made very large to be felt properly. Readers were frustrated by slow reading speeds and very bulky books.

Many other people tried adaptations of printed letters before Dr Moon devised his system, but the comparative simplicity of Moon ensured its success, which has survived the test of time.

When Dr Moon invented his system in 1845, braille - though invented 16 years before - had not reached this country from France and Moon was well established in Britain by the time braille was introduced widely. Moon has remained an indispensable alternative ever since.

This factsheet gives details of how you can learn Moon, what is available to read, how you can write Moon yourself or ask for information to be transcribed.

1.2 Moon alphabet card

The Moon alphabet card (TC20044) shows the raised Moon alphabet and some punctuation signs, together with the print translation. One card is free. Further cards can be purchased in the following quantities at a cost: 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000 cards. Please contact RNIB Customer Services for pricing information.

1.3 Advantages of Moon

• Moon provides an "active" reading method for people who cannot access print - listening to audio books is valuable, but passive.
• Moon's similarity to print makes it easy for former print readers to learn and remember the Moon letters, punctuation marks and other signs.
• Self-study courses in grade 1 and grade 2 Moon are available from RNIB, enabling a would-be learner to make a start even if a teacher is not available.
• Moon is larger and the characters are more "open" than braille, making it easier to feel and decipher.
• Moon requires a considerably less acute sense of touch than braille, so can sometimes help readers with conditions such as diabetes, whose finger sensitivity may be reduced.
• Even contracted (grade 2) Moon, which offers space saving and speeds up reading, is quick to learn.
• Moon 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.
• Moon is a simple system that a user's family and friends can learn quickly in order to help or communicate with the Moon reader.
• Dotty Moon can be produced using a computer, braille embosser and translation software.
• Some children and adults with learning and/or physical difficulties in addition to a sight loss, who would find it impossible to learn braille, can acquire some literacy through Moon.

1.3 Disadvantages of Moon

• Moon books are very bulky, and often in many volumes.
• Some older people find large Moon volumes heavy and uncomfortable to read.
• The choice of Moon books available is very limited at present … and only a tiny fraction even of what is available in audio or braille formats.
• There are currently no Moon magazines available, except for deafblind readers.
• There is no portable, mechanical device for writing Moon, which there is for braille.
• Equipment for producing heat-sensitive (swell) paper or dotty Moon is very expensive to buy, as is swell paper itself. See section 3 for more information.
• Moon is not widely known about, so is almost never offered as an alternative format for items such as bills, statements, menus, etc
• Moon has suffered from a lack of promotion, so the number of Moon readers is low and declining
• Moon is hardly used outside the UK, so additional resources cannot be bought in from abroad
• Whereas a "soft braille" display can be linked to a computer to enable a braillist to read what is on the screen, an equivalent Moon display is not available. This is a particular disadvantage for people who cannot use a speech package that reads out what is displayed on a computer screen.

2. Moon literacy website

The Moon Literacy website was launched in January 2006 and is an initiative of the Moon Forum. The website is an invaluable source of information for anyone with an interest in teaching, learning or producing Moon. With new information being added all the time, this virtual Moon Base is a useful starting point for anyone interested in Moon.

3. Moon production

This section describes the three ways of producing Moon.

The Moon font can be downloaded onto a computer from the Moon Literacy website.

3.1 Linear Moon

Special heat-sensitive paper (swell paper) can be used to produce raised Moon characters when it is passed through a heat fuser. The first step is to create a Word document on a computer, and then convert it into Moon on screen using the Moon font. This document is then printed out and photocopied onto the special heat-sensitive (swell) paper. The copy is then passed through a heat fuser. The black lines on the paper absorb heat, which causes the image to rise up.

A pen is also available for drawing Moon letters directly onto heat-sensitive paper, either freehand or by using a Moon stencil if you have one (no longer available from RNIB). The sheet is then heated as described above. The Zy Marker pen is available from Zychem Limited.

3.2 Dotty Moon

It is possible to produce Moon-like characters from electronic text files on some braille embossers (printers that produce braille) linked to a computer; this is generally known as dotted (or dotty) Moon. Evaluation of this type of Moon with children and adults (both learners and fluent readers) suggests that most people find it as easy, if not easier, to read than traditional linear Moon. While the initial outlay on embossing equipment is considerable, running costs are relatively cheap and production is straightforward.

For advice about buying braille software and a braille embosser suitable for producing Moon please visit the Moon Literacy website.

3.3 Moon hand-frame

A low-tech alternative for producing short notes and making Moon labels is the Moon hand frame (available from RNIB). Special writing material (plastic film) is placed inside a hinged plastic frame. A Moon character is then written with a biro in each space on the grid of squares. By pressing quite hard, the plastic embossing film puckers so that the Moon characters can be easily felt when the material is taken out of the frame. Many Moon readers get quite proficient at using this method of writing.

4. Tuition and support

Some of the courses in this leaflet can be used for self-study. However it is often easier to learn and more enjoyable to join a class or be taught one-to-one. Your local voluntary society for blind people, or the Social Service visual impairment team may be able to help, or may be able to suggest local teachers or Moon users who may be willing to offer occasional support as a "Moon buddy".

A qualified teacher of visually impaired children should be consulted to advise whether Moon is an appropriate approach to literacy for a particular child with a sight loss. Your local authority can put you in touch.

5. Teaching packs for young learners

5.1 The Moon Cats

Teaching scheme, books A-D (TC20732)
Teaching guide (TC20366)
Audio cassettes (TC20367)
A books (TC20362)
B books (TC20363)
C books (TC20364)
D books (TC20365)

The Moon Cats teaching pack is aimed at developing early literacy through Moon for young children with a visual impairment and other learning and/or physical difficulties, who may be unable to access print or braille. Moon Cats uses interactive stories to introduce ten Moon letters and very early sound blending. The four book packs can be purchased individually or as a complete pack. The teaching guide includes ideas for activities to encourage general tactile exploration as well as ways of introducing the Moon letters. The large print Teacher's handbook and supporting audio cassettes must be ordered separately.

5.2 Over the Moon

Pack of all eight books A-H (TC21109)
Books A-H (each book separately) (TC21101-08)
Over the Moon teachers' handbook (TC21112B/P/CD)

Over the Moon follows on from the Moon Cats scheme (TC20732). Moon Cats introduces the first 10 letters and signs of the Moon code. Over the Moon introduces the remaining letters one at a time via a set of eight books containing 24 humorous and interactive stories. The eight books can be purchased individually or as a complete pack.The Teachers' handbook must be ordered separately, and is available in print, braille and audio CD. It includes the complete text of the books, in addition to information on teaching Moon, extra resource ideas and activities.

6. Teaching packs for adult learners

6.1 Journey round the Moon

Journey round the Moon (TC20325)
Course guide, print (TC20328)
Course guide, braille (TC20327)
Course guide, tape (TC20326)

Journey round the Moon is a course for learning grade 1 Moon, designed for literate adults. Requiring no prior knowledge of Moon, the course introduces the touch reader to tracking lines with your fingers without getting lost, before teaching Moon characters in small groups. Short reading passages accompany each new feature of the Moon code as it is introduced. The pack consists of four volumes of Moon plus an alphabet and sign book. The indispensable guide to the course introduces each topic, gives a commentary and useful hints, and a full transcript of the Moon text.

6.2 Moon journey phase 2

Moon journey phase 2 (TC20347)
Course guide, print (TC20348)
Course guide, braille (TC20350)
Course guide, tape (TC20349)
Alphabet, punctuation and sign book (TC20351)

Moon journey phase 2 is the sequel to Journey round the Moon, and is a grade 2 course designed for adults. Reading practice is provided as new signs are introduced, and the course takes readers who are already familiar with grade 1 Moon through the complete grade 2 Moon code. Guides to the course enable independent learning, as well as providing useful information for new Moon readers.

7. Moon reading practice for children

7.1 ClearVision books

ClearVision postal children’s library has a small but growing loan collection of very simple mainstream picture books with a few words of text in print and grade 1 Moon. Some picture books with several lines of Moon text are also available from ClearVision; these are suitable for competent Moon readers, including adults reading to sighted children. ClearVision also stocks some books from the Oxford Reading Tree in Moon, as well as a few tactile books labelled in Moon.

Schools or public libraries pay a subscription of £50.00 a year; the service is free to families. For further information please contact The Clearvision Project.

7.2 Linden Lodge School

Linden Lodge School lends from their collection of simple stories suitable for teenagers and young adults; these books are produced using either heat-sensitive paper or dotted Moon.

8. Moon reading practice for independent readers

8.1 RNIB National Library Service

The RNIB National Library Service has a collection of books in Moon and offers a free postal lending service. The range includes fiction, biography, travel, cookery, the Bible, gardening, etc. Books in grade 1 and 2 Moon are available. A catalogue of titles in Moon is available in Moon, print, braille and on disk.

The following selection of titles is aimed at independent Moon readers, they include simple vocabulary and short sentences. The books are mostly in grade 1 Moon and are available for loan from the RNIB National Library Service.

Chillers 1-5

• Green Fingers and Green Screen by Iris Howden and Sandra Woodcock
• The Cat's Tale and Cell 13 by Iris Howden and Sandra Woodcock
• Mill View and The Bonfire by Iris Howden and Sandra Woodcock
• The New Man and Looking for Billy by Iris Howden and Sandra Woodcock
• A Shock for Ann and Wheel of Fortune by Iris Howden and Sandra Woodcock

Spooked series

• Murder in Mind by Bob Read
• The Bargain and Handle with Care by Bob Read
• A Lucky Charm by Bob Read
• Hooked! by Bob Read
• Coming Home by Bob Read
• Down Came a Spider by Bob Read

The Basic Skills Agency books

• Dogs and Roses by Karen Beggs
• About that Saturday Night by Karen Beggs and Peter Beynon
• Hats by Julia Holt, Jane Mann and Karen Beggs
• Skeleton in the Cupboard by Iris Howden
• The Collectors by Marijulia Lloyd
• Stab in the Heart by Mike Wilson

Other books

• The Actor by Anita Jackson
• The Austin Seven by Anita Jackson
• No Rent to Pay by Anita Jackson
• Finding Words by Sharon O'Keefe
• Living Proof by Sharon O'Keefe

9. Labelling

RNIB can produce labels in Moon for any of your household needs, for example, food containers, cassettes, files, etc. You can also use a Moon hand-frame to produce self-adhesive labels yourself, or use Moon characters from self-adhesive sheets mentioned in this section.

For further details about having Moon labels specially made for you, please contact RNIB's Disability Access Services team.

Moon alphabet sheets
24 point, standard size (ZM25)
36 point, one and half times standard size (ZM26)
48 point, double standard size (ZM27)

These yellow A4 plastic alphabet sheets are useful for making Moon labels for all manner of items, such as food containers, games, CDs and important documents. Each self-adhesive sheet is packed with Moon letters and signs that can be cut out and used as required. Characters are available in three font sizes; some learners find large characters easier to distinguish at first.

StaffsMaths Moon number sheets
24 point, standard size (ZM29)
36 point, one and half times standard size (ZM30)

These number sheets use the StaffsMaths Moon number system, developed for children with additional disabilities. Each yellow A4 self-adhesive sheet is packed with Moon numbers and arithmetic signs that can be cut out and used as required. Characters are available in two font sizes; some learners find large characters easier to distinguish at first.

Clear self-adhesive sheets for labelling
7.5cm x 5cm (DL66)
10cm x 5cm (DL68)

A pack of 100 clear easy-peel self-adhesive labels ideal for labelling items around the home and they are available in two sizes. These labels can be used to emboss your own Moon label or message and are suitable for labelling freezer items. As the labels have a smooth clear matt surface for writing or embossing on and the surface the label is fixed to can still be seen underneath.

When using the Moon hand-frame (ZM28) for making self-adhesive labels, place the labelling material face down in the frame; write from right to left, reversing the letters. You need to apply firm pressure to ensure the Moon letters can be felt as, unlike the plastic film, the embossing appears on the reverse side of the thicker self-adhesive label.

10. Transcription service

RNIB can produce small documents in Moon, including labels, lists of telephone numbers, letters, etc. Birthday and Christmas cards can also have a message in Moon added. For further information contact RNIB's Disability Access Services team.

11. Equipment

RNIB offers a range of Moon writing equipment, paper and games. For details of our full range of products please contact RNIB Customer Services on telephone 0845 702 3153 to request a catalogue or visit our Online shop.

11.1 Writing and producing Moon

Moon hand-frame (ZM28)

The Moon hand-frame is a simple low-cost frame of A5 size enabling you to write your own Moon. It consists of a grid fixed to a rubber base. Plastic film or self-adhesive labelling material is inserted between the grid and the base.

When you draw a Moon letter with a biro in one of the squares, pressing down at the same time, the plastic film is marked and the letter can be felt when the film is removed from the frame.

Plastic film for Moon hand-frame (ZM04)

Pack of 100 A5 plastic sheets for use with the Moon hand-frame (ZM28).

Self-adhesive labels

These sheets can also be useful for writing Moon. For more information see section nine on labelling above.

Zy-Fuse heater (HT167)

The Zy-Fuse heater is a simple, fast and low cost method of creating stunning tactile diagrams or graphics and can also be used to produce Moon on heat-sensitive (swell) paper. It produces well defined touch-sensitive relief diagrams/Moon. Capable of taking several paper sizes.

Zytex swell paper
Pack of 200 B4 Sheets (BP47)
Pack of 200 A4 Sheets (BP60)

Heat-sensitive swell paper, ideal for reproducing simple maps and diagrams at relatively low cost. Produces raised images when passed through a heat fuser (HT167). Photocopy black and white artwork onto the paper with a low temperature photocopier. Pass through the heat fuser, and black areas will absorb heat, causing the image to rise up.

Embossers

Information on embossers that produce Moon is available on the Moon Literacy website.

11.2 Learning resources

Moon word building kits
24 point, standard size (ZM06)
36 point, one and half times standard size (ZM16)
48 point, double standard size (ZM17)

The Moon word building kits consist of 144 Moon letter tiles with Velcro backs and a tray on which to line up letters to form words and short sentences. The kit is suitable for both child and adult learners and can also be used for leaving messages. The kit is available in three font sizes; some learners find large characters easier to distinguish at first.

StaffsMaths Moon number building kits
36 point, one and half times standard size (ZM19)
48 point, double standard size (ZM20)

This number building kit uses the StaffsMaths Moon number system, developed for children with additional disabilities. The kits consist of 144 Moon letter tiles with Velcro backs and a tray on which to line up the tiles to form calculations or number lines. The kit is suitable for both child and adult learners and can also be used for recording important telephone numbers. The kit is available in two font sizes; some learners find large characters easier to distinguish at first.

11.3 Word game

Lexis: the word game (GB83)

A game of strategy, similar to Scrabble, which can be enjoyed by those who read print, Moon or braille. Lexis can also be used for playing a large variety of traditional and new word games, solving anagrams, and supporting literacy activities at school or college.

Full instructions on playing Lexis itself, playing other word games and using the Lexis set for literacy activities are available in Moon, braille and in large print.

11.4 Additional resources

Routes to Literacy Through Moon (DVD/Video)

The University of Birmingham School of Education has produced this DVD/Video with accompanying teaching guide (ISBN 07044 25742). It is available from the School of Education University of Birmingham.

Pocket date calendar (BB17)

RNIB sells a small pocket calendar in Moon that enables you to check the date and find details of bank holidays.

12. RNIB contacts

Product Manager, Braille/Moon Literacy and Tactile Images

Telephone: 01733 37 50 82

Disability Access Services Team

Telephone: 01733 37 52 34

RNIB Customer Services

Telephone: 0845 7023153 / 01733 37 53 50

Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Helpline

If you or someone you know has a sight problem you can search online, contact the RNIB Helpline, Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm:

Tel: 0845 766 9999 (local rate calls)

Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

We can:

• provide you with information and advice, including free leaflets and factsheets
• put you in touch with specialist advice services
• give you details of support groups and services in your area
• offer a listening ear.

13. Other useful contacts

ClearVision Project

Linden Lodge School, 61 Princes Way, London, SW19 6JB

Telephone: 0208 789 9575.
Email: info@clearvisionproject.org or via the ClearVision website:

Linden Lodge School

Helen Wythers, Learning Resource Centre, Linden Lodge School, 61 Princes Way, London, SW19 6JB
Telephone: 0208 878 0107
Email: wythers.linden-lodge.wandsworth@lgfl.net

Moon Forum

Secretary: Jackie Dickinson
Email: Jackie.Dickinson@rnib.org.uk
The Moon Forum is a group of organisations and individuals who promote the use and availability of Moon as a viable alternative to Braille. The Forum is open to all, either as participating members who attend meetings three times a year or as corresponding members who receive minutes, etc. Current members include teachers and users and representatives from: ClearVision Project, DeafBlind UK, Linden Lodge School, National Federation of the Blind, Pia, RNIB and University of Birmingham.

Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching And Research (VICTAR)

School of Education, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT.
Telephone: 0121 414 6733
Website: education.bham.ac.uk/research/victar

Zychem Limited

Zychem Ltd, Valley Court, Sanderson Way, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0GF
Telephone: 01606 73 87 39
Email: info@zychem-ltd.co.uk or visit the Zychem website.

15. Keep up-to-date with RNIB updates

Books for professionals (email)

Keep up-to-date with the very best books about sight loss published around the world and RNIB’s own publishing programme. Our free email update keeps you in touch with the latest loss books and DVDs about sight loss in education, employment, rehabilitation and care, accessibility, and eye health from publishers around the world.
Contact: booksforprofessionals@rnib.org.uk

Learning update (email)

Designed for educators and parents to help you stay informed about new fun and educational toys and classroom resources, children's storybooks and curriculum textbooks, as well as information on training courses, events and key information from other organisations providing services to blind and partially sighted children. Sent out free of charge by email four times a year.
Contact: education@rnib.org.uk

New book guide (email, braille, tape)

This monthly publication keeps you up-to-date on new audio and braille books available for adults from RNIB. Listings are divided into reading formats; braille, tape and Talking Book (newly recorded digital titles only).
Contact: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Technology product update (email)

Designed for anyone with an interest in technology products for blind and partially sighted people. This email update will keep you informed about new products available from RNIB, from accessible mobile phones to video magnifiers and braille displays. The update is published bi-monthly and sent out by email.
Contact: technews@rnib.org.uk

16. Ordering information and prices

Please email cservices@rnib.org.uk or visit our Online shop to check prices and availability.

RNIB prices include VAT, except where there are two prices. In this case the lower price excludes VAT and applies to individuals with sight loss, resident in the UK, who are exempt from paying VAT on products that have been solely designed for use by people with sight loss. This also applies to charities including voluntary organisations that buy for or on behalf of individuals with sight loss.

Delivery charges: RNIB will recover delivery costs where postage charges are incurred. Single copies of leaflets to individuals or orders delivered as Articles for the Blind will not incur delivery charges. Delivery charges will be based on the value of the items attracting postage costs on the following scale:

Up to £10 value = £1 delivery
£10.01 - £30 = £2.95 delivery
£30.01 and above = £4.95 delivery

There may be a courier cost for high value or large orders for security and insurance reasons.

To place UK orders please contact:

RNIB Customer Services, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS.

Telephone: 0845 702 3153
Fax: 01733 37 50 01
Minicom: 0845 7585 691 / 01733 37 53 50
Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk or shop online.

For information on RNIB Export prices please contact:

RNIB Exports, PO Box, 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS. England
Telephone: +44 (0) 1733 37 54 00
Fax: +44 (0) 1733 23 85 41
Email: exports@rnib.org.uk
Export prices are paid on all goods going overseas. Postage may be charged in addition.

17. Factsheet - available formats

This factsheet is available in the following formats from RNIB Customer Services:

• IP32 - Print, 16 point
• IP32B - Braille
• IP32T - Tape
• IP32CD - Audio CD

It is also available by email, contact education@rnib.org.uk.

Revised: January 2008

Content author: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/03/2008 13:10