January is Braille Literacy Month. Did you know that? Here are some other things you might not know about Braille.
Read the rest of the list, and you'll be a lot more "literate" in Braille than you were yesterday! Link
7. There are three different “grades” of Braille
Every grade represents a different skill level, with 1 being best for those just starting to learn Braille and 3 for the more familiar. Basic letters and punctuation characterize the first, while the second builds off of that to include contractions – making it the most common version found in public. Once a person hits Grade 3 Braille, he or she can learn the shorthand for personal use, such as lists and notes, rather than more formalized literature.
8. “Braille for feet” exists
In order for businesses to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Tilco Vanguard developed a veritable “Braille for feet” that assists the visually impaired in knowing the boundaries of dangerous areas. Technically referred to as “truncated domes,” these bright yellow strips spell out a universal message in order to keep store and restaurant patrons safe.
Read the rest of the list, and you'll be a lot more "literate" in Braille than you were yesterday! Link
I read about the kids going on to national Braille reading competitions and doing quite well (not surprisingly given the focus on education in the household). The big concern is the drop off in the number of kids learning Braille. Good readers make for good writers and not knowing Braille can be a serious setback for continuing on in school.