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I'm a sighted person trying to learn braille - looking for a little advice. (self.Blind)
submitted by clorpt
I try to learn something new each winter, and this year I decided I would try to learn to read braille. I have two readers so far (Braille for the Sighted and Grade 2 Braille for Everyone.)
I'm not sure yet if my finger tips are sensitive enough to be able to distinguish the dot patterns!
Watching videos of people reading braille, it seems that some people use just one finger to scan a line (but these seem to be mostly kids), while others scan with three or four fingers at a time. If you use multiple fingers, do you use the two or three fingers to hit the letters first to "read ahead", or do those just help guide your last finger and you only use that one for reading?
Also, it looks as if some people use the very tip of their finger (closer to the fingernail), while others use the pad of the last joint (a little farther away from the fingernail). Is this just a matter of preference, or do you think one part of the finger is a little more sensitive than the other?
Thanks in advance!
And if you have advice at all I'd be happy to hear it!
I'm not sure yet if my finger tips are sensitive enough to be able to distinguish the dot patterns!
Watching videos of people reading braille, it seems that some people use just one finger to scan a line (but these seem to be mostly kids), while others scan with three or four fingers at a time. If you use multiple fingers, do you use the two or three fingers to hit the letters first to "read ahead", or do those just help guide your last finger and you only use that one for reading?
Also, it looks as if some people use the very tip of their finger (closer to the fingernail), while others use the pad of the last joint (a little farther away from the fingernail). Is this just a matter of preference, or do you think one part of the finger is a little more sensitive than the other?
Thanks in advance!
And if you have advice at all I'd be happy to hear it!
snazzychica2812 5 points 6y ago
You should use the tips of your fingers, both hands. Left hand reads the first half of the line, then right hand reads the rest while your left hand goes back for the first line. This is the best way to increase braille speed. Think of the curve as how your fingers look when you're typing on "home row." Learning by sight is much easier but eventually you'll want to read interpoint braille which is written on both sides of the paper. You won't notice the dents (dots on the other side of the paper) by touch but it's tough by sight.
The best way to learn once you know the basics (including a few contractions) is by reading and using context clues. $1 is a great site for books on sale. Don't try to read more than a ten or twenty page children's book, preferably one you've read before. It's really quite a bit more difficult than you'd anticipate. I recommend "The Magic Finger" by Shel Silverstein.
The best way to learn once you know the basics (including a few contractions) is by reading and using context clues. $1 is a great site for books on sale. Don't try to read more than a ten or twenty page children's book, preferably one you've read before. It's really quite a bit more difficult than you'd anticipate. I recommend "The Magic Finger" by Shel Silverstein.
clorpt [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Thank you that really helps!
JackEsq 4 points 6y ago
I am a sighted person learning Braille. My daughter is 1.5 years old and she is legally blind, so I'm preparing for a future surrounded by Braille.
First, make sure you are learning the most updated Braille code since the UEB was just adopted recently replacing the old system.
Second, you probably won't be able to read it by touch since your fingers might not ever be sensitive enough. Instead you can just read it by sight.
I'm currently taking a course through Hadley School for the Blind, but I'm not sure if you would qualify. I have the alphabet and numbers down and haven't started with contractions yet. The hardest thing so far is reading so slowly because I have to translate each letter rather than understanding the word in its entirety.
I found working with a Brailler to be helpful in visualizing the pattern of the letters. There is an iPad app called Braille Tutor that simulates a Brailler.
First, make sure you are learning the most updated Braille code since the UEB was just adopted recently replacing the old system.
Second, you probably won't be able to read it by touch since your fingers might not ever be sensitive enough. Instead you can just read it by sight.
I'm currently taking a course through Hadley School for the Blind, but I'm not sure if you would qualify. I have the alphabet and numbers down and haven't started with contractions yet. The hardest thing so far is reading so slowly because I have to translate each letter rather than understanding the word in its entirety.
I found working with a Brailler to be helpful in visualizing the pattern of the letters. There is an iPad app called Braille Tutor that simulates a Brailler.
-shacklebolt- 1 points 6y ago
> Second, you probably won't be able to read it by touch since your fingers might not ever be sensitive enough. Instead you can just read it by sight.
I disagree! While reading by sight may be faster for sighted people, there's nothing about being blind that makes you more "touch sensitive." It's just a matter of practice.
Some low vision learners blindfold themselves while studying (or take off their glasses or shut their eyes) to avoid "cheating" while reading. This might help you practice reading braille the same way your daughter will be learning to read it (by touch) if you're interested.
I disagree! While reading by sight may be faster for sighted people, there's nothing about being blind that makes you more "touch sensitive." It's just a matter of practice.
Some low vision learners blindfold themselves while studying (or take off their glasses or shut their eyes) to avoid "cheating" while reading. This might help you practice reading braille the same way your daughter will be learning to read it (by touch) if you're interested.
clorpt [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Thanks! And best of luck to you and your daughter!
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