Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Suggestions for learning Braille? Other advice? (self.Blind)
submitted by RealLivelyOwl
I have Usher's Syndrome Type 2 (USH2A). I would like to learn braille while I'm still sighted. Any suggestions for accomplishing this? There are a bunch of resources online, but I'm having a hard time finding like an actual embossed textbook or something of that nature to learn from. Also, any other things I need to work on in preparation for blindness?
Hellsacomin94 3 points 3y ago
For Braille, I’d recommend Hadley School for the Blind. For life skills and other issues I’d recommend San Francisco Lighthouse for the blind and Louisiana School for the Blind
CloudyBeep 2 points 3y ago
So, a quick Google reveals that people with Ushers syndrome type 2 have hearing loss from birth.
I think the first few braille lessons from Hadley are given as audio files. You should let them know that you have a hearing impairment so that they can provide you with alternate training material. I'm sure they would have had other deaf/HoH students learning braille in their hundred-year history, so you shouldn't have any difficulty getting the support you need.
The braille lessons from Hadley should be enough for now. They start off with basic tactual discrimination, which you might be a bit better at than the average sighted person because of your hearing impairment. The lessons teach you the alphabet and slowly build up to the kind of braille found in books.
Many deafblind people use refreshable braille displays to access information. There are programs in many US states that provide these for free or at a reduced cost.
There are also some tactile sign languages. The HKNC in New York might be the best place to contact about learning that.
Let us know if you're not in the US because we can provide you with links to other services in your country.
I think the first few braille lessons from Hadley are given as audio files. You should let them know that you have a hearing impairment so that they can provide you with alternate training material. I'm sure they would have had other deaf/HoH students learning braille in their hundred-year history, so you shouldn't have any difficulty getting the support you need.
The braille lessons from Hadley should be enough for now. They start off with basic tactual discrimination, which you might be a bit better at than the average sighted person because of your hearing impairment. The lessons teach you the alphabet and slowly build up to the kind of braille found in books.
Many deafblind people use refreshable braille displays to access information. There are programs in many US states that provide these for free or at a reduced cost.
There are also some tactile sign languages. The HKNC in New York might be the best place to contact about learning that.
Let us know if you're not in the US because we can provide you with links to other services in your country.
80percentaccurate 2 points 3y ago
Another vote for Hadley. As a teacher who instructs people in braille, make sure to take suggestions regarding finger placement seriously. Almost 100% of the adult clients I work with finger scrub and this will seriously slow you down. Practice good habits. Contact your local lighthouse or blind association to see if they have any classes you could take as well.
BlindGuyNW 1 points 3y ago
I'm curious what you mean by finger scrub? I immediately picture running my fingers over the same character multiple times but not sure if that's quite right. :)
80percentaccurate 2 points 3y ago
Yup! Basically that. Some people, especially when they are new to reading, will try to get more information by moving the pad of their finger in little circles over each braille cell, or worse, scratch at it with their finger nail. This slows the reading down significantly, and so is discouraged.
BlindGuyNW 1 points 3y ago
Ahh. Thanks for the explanation… Glad I had a really good TVI. I never was very good at split-hand technique, and I'm not sure how I can even practice that in an era of refreshable Braille, but otherwise am reasonably happy with my reading speed :)
80percentaccurate 2 points 3y ago
Glad to hear it! I try to reinforce the split-hand technique, but generally don’t harp on it because people find a system that works for them.
CAHWY17 1 points 3y ago
I utilized the state health department office for the blind to get Braille classes and then used online courses once I had the personal training. My first "oh my" was realizing I would never be able to read a complete book because Braille books are more a synopsys but hey I get the book's total story or revert to audio books. Text books and Tech Journals are now more users freindly with reader software as well. Good luck it is nice to see your own progress.
Cptn_dropbear 1 points 3y ago
Contact the foundation for the blind in your state they can put you in contact and provide you with the resources and information you require.
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