Learning Braille if Your Loved One is or Has Become Blind
If you have a loved one in your life born blind or lost his or her sight, you know how difficult this disability can be. Learning to communicate in every way possible with your family member or friend can help you bond and show support. Learning Braille can be an excellent way to show your support and can enhance your ability to help your blind loved one with daily tasks.
For adults who can see, learning Braille can be as difficult as learning a new language. Seeking assistance in the way of courses, books and learning tools is an essential step to successfully mastering this method of communication. There are a host of resources available to family members, friends and professionals who can see but want to learn Braille.
If you are more comfortable in a formal learning environment, consider taking a course at your local community college or university. But tests, quizzes and homework might add stress to a situation where you are lacking in a lot of extra time. If this is the case, an online course might fit better into your schedule, or learning tools such as books, flashcards or audio courses may be better options as well.
Consider the amount of time you have to devote to learning Braille, what your comfort level is with instructor led learning or self-paced learning, and explore the options available.
Resources for Learning Braille
The following are some resources that may help sighted individuals learn how to read Braille. Find one that suits you, your learning preferences, and your schedule best.
- Braille through Remote Learning (www.BRL.org): This is an online institute that offers family members, teachers, friends, social workers or anyone who has a blind loved one in his or her life a resource for learning Braille. The convenient platform allows students to study Braille to the degree desired (practical use to transcription ability), in the timeframe available and at the student’s own pace. There are currently no instructors, but the material is available for free.
- The Hadley School for the Blind’s Introduction to Braille (http://www.hadley.edu): The Hadley School offers another resource for sighted individuals to learn Braille. Fundamentals courses such as the Braille alphabet, numbers and punctuation symbols allow family members or friends an opportunity to develop the practical skills required to communicate with a blind loved one through writing.
- The National Braille Association (http://www.nationalbraille.org): The National Braille Association offers resources, events and conferences geared toward helping families with a blind member.
- Braille books: There are numerous books available (printed and electronic) to help family members or professionals involved in the lives of blind individuals to learn Braille. Some helpful shopping websites include the Braille Bookstore (http://www.braillebookstore.com) or the National Braille Press (http://www.nbp.org).
- and, Braille flashcards: Flashcards are often associated with the instruction of young children, but these learning tools can be helpful for any aged student when learning Braille.
Call Rob Levine & Associates for Help with Disability Benefits
Coping with a disabled loved one can be challenging and emotionally taxing, and likely requires more resources than those that aid in learning Braille. It’s important to understand where to find help and remember that you’re not alone. Rob Levine believes in helping people with disabilities live comfortable and quality lives. If you need help pursuing Social Security disability benefits, talk to an attorney.
Rob Levine & Associates help disabled individuals in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts navigate the disability application and appeals process. Call us today at 866-LAW-SSDI to set up a consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.
