Braille CodeBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated October 28, 2017 Some people with limited knowledge of braille often feel intimidated by it because reading braille appears difficult. Some even unwittingly pass those fears and intimidation of braille on to the student by commenting on how challenging it appears. It is very important to not plant negative feelings toward braille in the student's mind. Instead, help foster interest in braille in the braille learner as well as with peers. In addition to intimidation, many people have the misconception that braille is a language and can be offered as a foreign language in school. Braille is NOT a foreign language but is a code in which to read and write the language (There is also a braille code for mathematics, computers, and music.). For this reason, it would not be appropriate to give a student foreign language credit in school for learning the braille code. What is braille?Braille is a system of raised dots arranged in cells. The number and position of the raised dots represent a letter, word, number, or symbol. Braille for reading and writing for Language Arts is referred to as a literary braille. In literary braille, there are two grades used in school, Grade 1 and Grade 2 (there is also a Grade 3 that is comparable to shorthand but it is not used in publications as it has not been standardized). These grades do not correspond to school grades but instead, refer to uncontracted and contracted braille. In grade 1 braille, each cell represents one letter, number, punctuation sign, or special braille composition sign. Books produced in grade 1 braille are very bulky as it takes a large space to produce each braille letter. Grade 2 braille was introduced as a space-saving alternative to grade 1 braille. In grade 2 braille, there are short form words and part and whole word contractions that save space.
Obtaining Braille Materials
Producing BrailleBraille can either be produced using a standard manual braillewriter such as the Perkins braillewriter or it can be produced using print-to-braille translation software. In this method, information is typed into the software and it is formatted into braille. Examples include MegaDots and Duxbury. The braille can then be output onto a braille printer. To use the standard braillewriter, it is important to be proficient in both reading and writing the braille code and knowing the formatting rules.
If you would like to produce ink print braille to create worksheets for students who are beginning to lose their vision or for parents, peers or others who want to learn braille, there is an easy solution! You will first need to download a braille font such as Duxbury. Once you have downloaded the font, use this ASCII keyboard handout to create worksheets! Downloads are available in the Free Printables sections.
Remember to store braille books in bookshelves sitting on their end. Do not stack them on top of each other or it will flatten the braille! Braille Instruction Resources in my VI Store2nd Edition Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Worksheets
$30.00
The 2nd Edition of Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Grab and Go ECC worksheet packet is a print on demand workbook that contains worksheets in print and simulated braille to use for data collection. This newly revised edition provides an easy means for copying and pasting into braille translation software programs such as Duxbury or APH’s Braille Blaster for embossing. Present the student with a hard braille copy and use the worksheets to document accuracy and fluency in reading braille. This second edition is formatted to a 32 cell width in print and simulated braille so you can anticipate when a student is approaching the end of the line whether you are providing face to face instruction or distance instruction. As a companion to the TVI’s Guide to the ECC, the worksheets correspond to the ECC Thematic activities presented in the curriculum guide. These fun activities will help the student refine their keyboarding or braille reading skills while bridging ECC concepts presented in the thematic units. Although these word lists and passages were specifically created to document and increase braille reading and writing fluency, they may also be entered into a typing program such as APH’s Talking Typer to build keyboarding fluency. Finally, these worksheets can be used by print readers (e.g. peers, caregivers, TVI's who need to maintain braille skills, ect.) who are wanting to learn or maintain braille skills. Simply fold the worksheet in half to "decode" the braille, or read the print, produce it in braille, and check your accuracy. Note: This resource book is a digital pdf download. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page. The download will be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. *Single Instructor Use but may be copied for use with as many students on instructor's caseload Product details Digital pdf download: 405-page print and simulated braille worksheets Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Author: Carmen Willings Language: English *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists: Grab & Go ECC Supplement
$25.00
The Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists Grab and Go ECC supplement is a 446 page pdf downloadable print on demand workbook that includes 2940 vocabulary card on 3 1/2" x 2" templates divided by each of the 32 Thematic Units along with a checklist of each unit words in print and simulated braille. As a companion to the TVI's Guide to the ECC, the vocabulary cards correspond to the ECC Thematic activities presented in the curriculum guide. Tips for Use • Print a copy of this digital book. • Copy the vocabulary cards on cardstock or Manila Braille Transcribing Paper available from the American Printing House for the Blind or other cardstock. • It can be helpful to braille the cards prior to cutting them. If placing braille on the back of the card, however, it is easier to braille after cutting the cards out. • When placing braille on the front of the card, center it below the print. This way teachers, peers, or caregivers can see the print while the student reads the braille. • If brailling on both sides of the card, place braille below print on the front of the card and on the back, braille on the top of the card so as to not “smoosh” the braille on the opposite side. • Cut out the cards and cut an angled notch in the top corner to assist students in properly orienting the card. • If you are instructing a student that has residual vision, place the braille on the back or both sides of the vocabulary card. Encourage the student to read the word in braille and then flip the card over to check for accuracy. • Copy the checklist that corresponds to the current unit of instruction. • Use the checklists to document which vocabulary words have been introduced and student success. • The simulated braille is UEB contracted braille andcan act as a reference for brailling on the cards. • As the student writes or reads the words, use the opportunity to discuss ECC concepts and pare with ECC activities outlined in the TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC. Additional Use: Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments can have a extremely varied caseloads. It is possible to go several years without having a student on your caseload who requires braille instruction. Like other skills, if you do not practice your braille regularly, it is easy to lose those skills. Use these checklists and cards to maintain your braille skills. Fold the checklist along the line dividing the print from the braille. Choose to either read the print and produce the word in braille using a braillewriter or read the simulated braille and decode it. Finally, these vocabulary cards and checklists may be used with family members or peers who are interested in learning and practicing the braille code. Note: This resource book is a digital pdf download. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page. The download will be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. *Single Instructor Use but may be copied for use with as many students on instructor's caseload Product details: Digital pdf download: 446-page print on demand resource Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Author: Carmen Willings Language: English *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. ECC Task Boxes, Functional Braille Literacy Activities
$25.00
The ECC Task Boxes, Functional Braille Literacy Activities is a Grab and Go supplement to the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC. I absolutely love using this with my students! It contains suggested everyday objects for each unit (objects that can be found for free in the school or community, around your house, or purchased at the dollar store), vocabulary cards, order cards and simple reading passages. Data collection charts provide print and simulated braille. Print the vocabulary and order cards on braille cardstock and add the embossed braille. Similarly, braille the short braille sentences or copy into a braille translation software program and emboss copies of braille for the student. Minimize spreading of germs and make as many copies as needed for the students on your caseload. As a companion to the TVI’s Guide to the ECC, the worksheets correspond to the ECC Thematic activities and units presented in the curriculum guide. These fun activities will help the student refine their functional braille reading skills while bridging ECC concepts presented in the thematic units and incorporating real objects and tools. Although these vocabulary cards, order cards and passages were specifically created to document and increase braille reading and writing fluency and task completion, they may be used to build magnifier fluency by producing passages in regular or smaller fonts for near magnifier use or enlarged for distance magnifier used, or entered into a typing program such as APH’s Talking Typer to build keyboarding fluency. Finally, these activities can be used by print readers (e.g. peers, caregivers, TVI's who need to maintain braille skills, ect.) who are wanting to learn or maintain braille skills. Simply fold the vocabulary card, order card, or worksheet in half to "decode" the braille, or read the print, produce it in braille, and check your accuracy. Note: This resource book is a digital pdf download. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page. The download will be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. *Single Instructor Use but may be copied for use with as many students on instructor's caseload. *Does not include objects or embossed copies of materials. Product details Digital pdf download: 313-page print and simulated braille vocabulary cards, order cards and worksheets Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Author: Carmen Willings Language: English *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. Braille Gift Items in my VI StoreBraille Crew T-Shirt
$20.00
This T-Shirt is Fuschia with the word "braille" in dimensional braille (brl) and a large text "Crew" with smaller text that reads "checking braille accuracy one sign at a time." All text is white. Each shirt design is custom made and hand pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in white. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you would like is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. LOVE braille T-Shirt
$20.00 - $22.00
This T-Shirt in charity pink features the four lines of the word "love" in pink glitter print. In the top row, the "L" is in white dimensional braille. In the second row, the "O" is in white dimensional braille. In the third row, the "v" is in white dimensional braille. In the fourth row, the letter "e" is in white dimensional braille. Each shirt design is custom made and hand pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in pink glitter and white puff dimensional vinyl. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you would like is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. Social Distancing braille T-Shirt
$20.00
This T-Shirt in dark grey features the print text in light pink "Social Distancing" and the UEB contracted phrase below it in dimensional white vinyl that reads "If you can read this, you are too close!" Each shirt design is custom-made and hand-pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with a unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in light pink and puff dimensional white. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you want is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. The Braille Code Gives Me Feels Braille Alphabet T-Shirt
$20.00
This T-Shirt in dark grey heather features the Print "The Braille Code" in white along with the alphabet. Below the print is the phrase "gives me feels" in dimensional white braille. Each letter of the alphabet has the braille symbol below it in dimensional vinyl. Each shirt design is custom-made and hand-pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 52% airlume combed and ringspun cotton, 48% polyester with unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in white. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you would like is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. Braille is Knowledge Louis Braille quote T-shirt
$20.00 - $22.00
This T-Shirt is navy and features the quote by Louis Braille in white that reads "Braille is knowledge and knowledge is power." "Braille is knowledge" is in print and the ending "and knowledge is power" is in contracted and dimensional UEB braille. Each shirt design is custom-made and hand-pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in white. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you would like is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. 1 Corinthians 13 Love Heartbeat in Braille T-shirt
$20.00 - $22.00
This T-Shirt is in heather raspberry and features an EKG heartbeat with an outline of a heart with the word "love" in embossed braille and the Biblical reference "1 Corinthians 13". Each shirt design is custom-made and hand-pressed. The shirt is incredibly soft and slightly stretchy. Order a size up if you like a looser fit. The shirt is a Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt made with side seams for added structure & fit unisex sizing, and shoulder taping. It is 52% airlume combed and ringspun cotton, 48% polyester with unisex style and is super soft and comfortable! It features a tear-away label if you prefer label-free shirts and it is pre-shrunk. The vinyl decorations are in white. If the size you need is sold out, please contact me so I can email you when the size you would like is available, or check back soon for availability. Also, contact me if you need me to create an order for your team. -------CARE INSTRUCTIONS------- Turn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on the design. Personalized Skinny Tumbler in Script and Braille
$17.00
This personalized tumbler is perfect for anyone who loves braille! The stainless steel skinny tumbler is made of stainless steel, with double-wall insulation, and colored with a special spray painting treatment that minimizes fading and chipping, rust and scratch-resistant, safe, and durable for long-time use. The double-wall vacuum technology prevents heat transfer to the outer walls of the tumbler. It holds 20 oz of hot or cold and is black with script and braille in rainbow iridescent permanent vinyl. It keeps drinks cold for 9 hours or hot for over 3 hours. Indicate the word you would like in the text box. Please type your personalization exactly how you want it seen on your tumbler. I will copy and paste what you write, so please double-check the spelling. The tumbler will feature a script font and a braille font in UEB contracted braille. If you would prefer uncontracted braille (letter for letter), please let me know. Please note the braille is tactual as it uses a permanent vinyl that can be felt, but it is not as tactual as real braille and the font is larger to make it more visible. Your order will typically ship within 3 days, transit time usually takes 2-5 business days. If you need it by a certain date, I will do my best to get it to you in time. Please reach out to me with the date needed prior to placing your order to guarantee I can get your order to you on time. Description of tumbler 20 oz. double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumbler with a powder-coated finish that protects against chips and scratches. Comes with a clear push-on lid and metal straw. Non-toxic and BPA-free. The lid is designed with a straw hole, which is good for easy sipping with straws and for reducing splash, the wide mouth opening allows easy cleaning and quick filling. Material: Stainless Steel Care Instructions: Hand Wash Recommended Capacity: 20 Oz Product Dimensions 8.25"H x 2.75"D BPA Free: Yes Small Love is Blind Black Canvas Pouch
$8.00
Sold out Express your love of all things related to visual impairments with these 8.3 x 4.7-inch canvas zipper pouch/pen pouch. The Love is Blind pouch features pink glitter lettering and a heart with white dimensional braille on a black canvas pouch. Two shades of pink ribbon are tied to the zipper for an extra splash of color. The pencil case is made from high-quality thick cotton canvas, which is lightweight and durable. The zipper works smoothly and the seams are properly sewn. It will keep your item safe and tidy. The size is 8.3" X 4.7”, and a small body will keep many contents. Lettering and images are high-quality heat transfer vinyl. It can be used for organizing little things in travel and daily life orderly. Such as your cosmetics, keys, coins, and other small accessories. They can be regarded as pencil bags, cosmetic bags, clutch bags well as gift bags. Small Social Distancing Grey Canvas Pouch
$8.00
Express your love of all things related to visual impairments with these 8.3 x 4.7-inch canvas zipper pouch/pen pouch. The Social Distancing pouch features pale pink lettering with white dimensional braille on a grey canvas pouch. The UEB braille reads "If you can read this, you are too close!" Two shades of pink ribbon are tied to the zipper for an extra splash of color. The pencil case is made from high-quality thick cotton canvas, which is lightweight and durable. The zipper works smoothly and the seams are properly sewn. It will keep your item safe and tidy. The size is 8.3" X 4.7”, and a small body will keep many contents. Lettering and images are high-quality heat transfer vinyl. It can be used for organizing little things in travel and daily life orderly. Such as your cosmetics, keys, coins, and other small accessories. It can be regarded as pencil bags, cosmetic bags, clutch bags well as gift bags. Accommodations for Individuals with Visual Impairments
Ensuring the student has access to the curriculum and entire educational environment is a key role of the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. This presentation provides an overview of accommodations for students who are blind or visually impaired. I discuss considerations for providing accommodations, go over common accommodations, strategies for preparing the student to request job accommodations and strategies for communicating needs to teams and employers.
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History of vi
Visual Impairments
Vi organizations & Agencies
VI book resources
VI Professionals
Professionalism
Instructional Planning
Professional Publications
Educational Programming
Individual Learning Differences
referrals
Medical vision exams
fvlma
additional evaluations
service planning
writing goals
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles Functional Skills Community Based Experiences Concepts to Teach Access to Instruction Organization & Study Skills Time Management Virtual Instruction Movies & Assemblies Lectures & Instruction Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.) Daily Schedule Morning Meeting Weather Check Dramatic Play Blocks Numbers & Counting Cranmer Abacus Instruction Algebra Geometry & Spatial Sense Measurement & Data Early Literacy Experiences Create Tactual Books Reading Instruction Reading Efficiency Science Adaptations Social Studies Adaptations Communication Modes Accessible Educational Materials Individual Schedules & Communication Cards Adjust Lighting Large Print Optical Devices for Near Optical Devices for Distance Optical Device Use Photocopying Font Legibility Increase Contrast Pictures & Worksheets Keyboarding Instruction Word Processing and Shortcuts Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse Braille Code Braille Instruction Braille Instruction Materials Writing Braille Summer Reading (braille) Signature & Handwriting Nemeth Braille Code Tactile Graphics Guidelines Creating Tactile Graphics Tactile Graphics Instruction Teacher Made Materials Labeling System assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology VI AT Resources Non-Optical Low Vision Devices Video Magnifiers Video Magnifier Instruction Screen Enlargement & Readers Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices Notetaker Instruction Braillewriter Repair Tactile Graphics Technology Braille Technology Auditory Access Devices Accessing Audio Books iPads as Instructional Tools Making iOS Device Accessible iOS Accessibility Resources VoiceOver Apps for VI Note Taking apps Apps for Accessing Books Identification Apps Navigation & Location Apps Braille Apps Magnifier Apps Sound Making Apps Cause & Effect Apps Vision Skills Apps Apps for Early Learning Read to Me Story Apps Apps for Communication Android Apps for VI sensory efficiency
Sensory Input Encourage Use of Vision Sensory Area & Rooms Lightbox Use Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities Sensory Tables Visual Efficiency Skills Visual Attend and Scan Activities Visual Tracking Activities Visual Discrimination Activities Visual Motor Activities Tactual Readiness Developing Skillful Hands Auditory Readiness Listening Skill Instruction independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
recreation & Leisure
self determination
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Teaching Students with Visual Impairments LLC
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- Home
-
VI Store & Gifts
- VI Gift Shop >
- ECC Instructional Resources >
-
Purchase Recorded Presentations
>
- Presentation Complete Set of 16
- Foundations of Teaching the ECC
- Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
- Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
- Strategies & Activities for MIMO
- Job Tasks for Jobs, Career & Life
- Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
- Accommodations for BLVI
- Accessible Content for BLVI
- Using Themes to Teach the ECC
- Tips for Being a Physically Fit TVI
- Conducting a FVLMA
- Developing SMARTER Goals
- Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
- Selecting the Right AT
- The Art of Teaching the ECC
- Activities to Teach the ECC
- Job Postings
- Product Support
- Jobs
- Articles
- Paid Member Pages
- Member Pages