How to Learn Braille From Home

Blind and visually impaired students can learn to read and write using Braille.

Braille is a method of reading developed for the blind. It was invented by Louis Braille in France in the 1800s and has enabled blind people to enjoy books, newspapers, order from a Braille menu in a restaurant and be more self-sufficient with Braille signs in public spaces. The Braille alphabet is based on a set, or cell, that contains six raised dots. The cell contains two column with three rows of dots. The arrangement of the dots form letters, numbers and punctuation symbols. Braille is "read" by touching each cell using the fingertips.

Things You'll Need

• Braille learning materials
• Braille label writer

Instructions

1. Take a Braille class from home by enrolling in a school for the blind's distance learning course. Enroll in an online Braille transcription course, such as the one provided by the Braille through Remote Learning website (http://brl.org/). Proceed through the course materials at your own pace.

2. Request a free Braille resource package from the National Braille Program (http://www.nbp.org/). Use the tactile alphabet letter sheets to learn the different letters. Practice the letter sheets until you can easily distinguish one letter of the alphabet from another.

3. Purchase a Braille label gun and easy-to-use tape. Print labels for the objects in your home using the Braille label maker. Practice identifying objects by the label.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning Braille is the same as learning any new language. Practice using Braille every day to improve your reading skills.

• Do not become discouraged if learning Braille takes several months.

References

• BRL: Braille through Remote Learning
• National Braille Program: Read Books!

Resources

• Vision Aware: All About Braille
• National Federation of the Blind: Braille Label Writer
• National Federation of the Blind: 101 Ways to Use Braille