Braille is a tactile reading and writing system that is designed for people with visual impairments. For students with visual impairments, the decision about whether to learn braille is an important one that should be carefully considered by the IEP team.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires braille instruction for all blind individuals by default, and the IEP team needs to agree if braille is not appropriate for the student.
One of the main factors that will determine whether a student needs braille is the severity of their visual impairment. Students who have low vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses may benefit from learning braille as a means of reading and writing, just in case their vision deteriorates. Students who are blind typically need braille, as they are unable to obtain literacy any other way. Braille may be taught alongside other accommodations, such as large print, audio books, or screen reading software, to promote better access to the curriculum.
The decision about whether a student needs braille is made on an individual basis, considering the unique needs and circumstances of each student. A functional vision assessment and learning media assessment can help to guide this decision by evaluating the student’s visual abilities and determining the most effective means of accessing the curriculum. This is conducted by a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, or TVI.
Common questions about learning braille:
My student has some vision. Do they still need braille?
It depends. Keep in mind that braille is a tool to help students gain literacy and learn, and so if a student’s visual impairment is affecting their ability to read print, then the student needs braille or they would be considered literate. Other factors, such as cognitive level may also play into the appropriateness of a student learning braille. IDEA requires braille by default, so if there is any question, braille should be taught.
My student is a good listener. Can they just use technology like speech-to-text instead of learning braille?
Audio technology (such as speech-to-text software and screen readers) are important tools for students with VI, but they are not a replacement for braille.
What sort of tools does a person need in order to read and write braille?
The most common ways of producing braille are a Perkins Braillewriter and a slate and stylus. There are also fun tools like the braille buzz and the slate and stylus to get your student started on the basics.
The SBES blog is full of great information for helping you work with either your own child or with a student who may need support to be the best possible student they can be.
