Charting the Cs logo. Cooperation, Communication and Collaboration. A black and blue text. Charting the Cs Conference 2025: To Literacy and Beyond Cooperation Communication Collaboration Braille Literacy for Transition Success Presented by: Shane DeSantis, Transition Coordinator Kia Sadler, Rehabilitation Teacher MN Employment and Economic Development State Services for the Blind Logo Goals and Objectives •Understand the importance of braille instruction in the classroom •Encourage braille learning for all students with vision loss •Dispel braille myths •Recognize the direct correlation between braille literacy and success Why Braille Literacy Matters •Braille literacy provides access to education, employment and independence •Functional braille skills go beyond reading textbooks and articles •Essential for success in higher education and the workforce •Prepares students for a lifetime of literacy •ACCESS = SUCCESS Benefits of Braille •Independent learning •Critical thinking •Social inclusion •Literacy Development: Punctuation, grammar and spelling •Understand text format Quote "Just like with a sighted person, listening to something is not the same as reading it. When you read with your eyes, or in my case my fingers, you pick up grammar and spelling. Before learning braille I was a really bad speller and used a lot of punctuation incorrectly. Through learning braille, I picked up on this and started correcting them on my own. Without braille I would still be making those same mistakes. Most importantly, it gives me back my independence. I can read a menu, signs for a building, buttons in an elevator, or connecting a braille display to my phone to communicate in private again." Meranda Walter, World Services for the Blind Braille Instructor Statistics •According to the National Braille Press, braille literacy rates for school - age blind children have declined from greater than 50% 40 years ago to only 12% today •Though statistics have historically cited that only 10% of blind people read braille, a study in 2022 found that statistic lacked solid evidence and concluded that data is not available to determine how many braille readers there are. •One study showed that only 30% of blind people are employed, and of that group, 90% read braille. Types and Versions of Braille •Grade 1 or uncontracted braille •Grade 2 or contracted braille •Grade 3 – shorthand used for personal use (notes, letters, etc.) •Nemeth Code for math and science notation •Music braille Myths About Braille •Braille is a language •Technology replaces braille •It takes a long time to read braille •Braille is hard to learn •Braille is only for those who are totally blind •Braille is only useful for lengthy readings Auditory vs Tactile Learning •Difference between auditory and tactile learning •Meeting the needs of those with auditory processing delays •Working with visual learners Progressive Vision Loss •Calls for important discussions about the future oIntroduction to braille and its use oProficiency isn’t always the goal •Once it is learned, the skill is easier to come back to •Eye fatigue and posture •How to be proactive as a student preparing for success Braille Beyond the Classroom •Labeling and organization •Uses around the home •Public signage and accessing the environment •Recreation and leisure activities •Notes Braille Assistive Technology •Braille notetakers oStand - alone devices oDon’t need to know a screen reader to use •Braille displays Primary use is to connect to a device to read content on that device •eReaders Braille in the Toolbox Braille is a supplemental tool to be used in conjunction with other skills oComputer skills are still critical and can further braille use oAudio oTouch typing oVarious assistive technologies oAdvocacy Braille in the Workplace •2024 survey of 304 blind workers o66.1% used braille at work o52.6% used refreshable braille at work •Common work tasks reported oTaking notes in meetings oMaking presentations oUsing the internet oUsing the computer for various work tasks Supporting Braille in Transition •Ensure the student and team have the education and tools to succeed •Promote early braille exposure •Prompt access when materials are needed •Support technology in conjunction with braille •Integrate braille into both instruction and leisure activities •Raise awareness –students, families, peers, teachers SSB Resources •Braille Transcription oStudents: Provide braille and other educational materials per federal and state laws, as requested by teachers for eligible Minnesota K - 12 students and special non - graded students with print impairments attending school in participating school districts. oCommunity members •Braille instruction Employment, independent living, seniors Online Braille Learning Resources •Hadley Workshops: hadleyhelps.org •Braille Brain: braillebrain.aphtech.org •Braille Zoomers: brailleliteracycanada.ca/en/programs •Braillists Foundation: braillists.org •UEB Online: uebonline.org •Braille Tutor: iOS and Google Play Store Thank you! •Shane DeSantis: shane.desantis@state.mn.us 651 - 358 - 5205 •Kia Sadler: kia.sadler@state.mn.us 651 - 539 - 2275