Functional Approach to Braille

By Donna Brostek Lee, Ph.D.Clinical Assistant Professor

University of Kentucky

An overview of Diane P. Wormsley’s book from AFB Press, 2004

Braille Literacy: A Functional Approach

Emergent Literacy Basic LiteracyFunctional Literacy

Literacy Levels

School Home Community Work

Functional Braille

Phonics Whole Language Basal Reader Literature-Based Language Experience Functional Approach

Approaches to Teaching Reading

A 12 step program designed for non-traditional braille learners including those with:◦ Cognitive impairments◦ Deaf-blindness◦ Physical limitations

Functional Braille Literacy Program

Functional Vision/Learning Media Assessment

Contracted or Uncontracted braille?

Differences between learning to read print and braille?

Step 1: Determine whether braille will be the literacy medium, and which form of braille to use

Create labels for the classroom and home Model reading and writing braille

◦ Books◦ Braille writer◦ State and stylus◦ Notetakers and refreshable braille displays

Step 2: Create a braille-rich environment

What’s Wrong with this Picture?

It Helps to Know Braille!

Words of meaning Part of the daily routine

◦ Calendars Interview

◦ Parents/Caregivers◦ Teachers

Step 3: Select the individualized reading and writing vocabulary

Elements of a good flash card:◦ Size (at least 3x5)◦ Top right corner cut for orientation◦ 2-5 lead line◦ Texture/material of card

Integrating technology:◦ Talking card readers (i.e. VoxCom)◦ iOS apps (i.e. Digit-Eyes, QR code

creators/readers)◦ Lifescribe Pen

Step 4: Create word boxes and flash cards and teach the first key words

Posture/Positing of student:◦ Proper seating ◦ Non-slip surface

Inefficient Characteristics:◦ Scrubbing◦ Regressions◦ Pauses◦ Searching Motions◦ Erratic Movements

Step 5: Teach tactile perception and letter-recognition skills through proper hand and finger usage in tracking activities

Types of hand movements:◦ Right or left hand only◦ Right hand reads – left marks◦ Parallel◦ Split◦ Scissors

Step 5 Cont.

Assessments:◦ DIBELS

Texas Primary Reading Inventory Teaching:

◦ Imbed into teaching (steps 8 & 10)◦ Use formal phonics programs

Step 6 & 7: Assess & teach phonemic awareness

Tools:◦ Braille writer◦ Slate and stylus◦ Mountbatten◦ Notetakers◦ iOS devices with refreshable braille displays or

tactile overlays Adapted Equipment:

◦ Extension keys for the braille writer◦ Adapted braillers (light touch, uni-brailler, etc.)

The Role of Spelling and Contractions

Step 8: Develop writing skills - mechanics and process

Label important items in school and home◦ Music◦ Recipes ◦ Phone Numbers

Notes◦ Pen Pals◦ Instant messaging with friends via braille displays

(i.e. iOS devices, computer with braille display, etc.)

Step 9: Create functional uses for reading and writing

1. Use repetition2. Repeat new words3. Start with short sentences4. Slowly decrease spacing5. Create a book of stories6. Encourage rhyming (Dr. Suess books)

Step 10: Create stories

Tracking progress:◦ Word lists◦ Letters/contractions mastered◦ Phonics patterns mastered

Ways of Monitoring Progress◦ Charts or reward boards (encourage student to

participate as appropriate)◦ Utilize technology (Excel, tablets, etc.)◦ Include in IEP goals

Step 11: Keep detailed records and use diagnostic teaching

When new vocabulary is needed Possible curriculums to transition to:

◦ For Children: Patterns

◦ For Adults: Braille Too The Braille Connection

Step 12: Watch for when to move to a more traditional academic approach

Share your struggles with teaching braille . . . How might the Functional Braille Approach help your student?

Brainstorming:

Braille Literacy: A Function Approach by Diane P. Wormsley from AFB Press (2004)

www.afb.org

Paperback: $39.95e-book (ePUB or Kindle): $27.95

Note: Information provided during this presentation is copyrighted by Dr. Wormsley as part of the above named book

For More Information:

Presented by:Dr. Donna Brostek Lee

Clinical Assistant ProfessorProgram Faculty Chair

University of KentuckyDepartment of Early Childhood, Special Education, and

Rehabilitation Counseling229 Taylor Education Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0001

Phone: (859) 257-1520

E-mail: donna.b.lee@uky.eduWebsite: www.donnablee.com

An Equal Opportunity University