Editor’s note: This is the second blog entry that both informs and requests the assistance of families in answering important questions that impact all who use braille. Please help Holly Lawson and Kathryn Botsford with this effort.
Unified English Braille (UEB) is almost here…
Braille is getting a makeover. In January 2016, students, adult consumers, their teachers, and their families will be starting to learn changes to the braille code with the United State’s adoption of the Unified English Braille (UEB) code.
UEB Prep
At Portland State University (PSU) we realize that not everyone learns best from taking a traditional online class. We are developing an online braille learning platform that will incorporate eLearning exercises, educational gaming, and social networking that can be used by both braille readers and their friends and family members. In its first phase, the platform will help people learn some basics about the braille code and the new UEB rules.
Because Families Are Teachers
We know that parents are the most important influences in the lives of their children. Moms and dads are a child’s first and most important teachers.
For children with visual impairments, families must take an extra step to learn braille in order to support their child as he or she learns braille at school.
Share your Experience
We’re asking families to share their experiences with online learning and braille (anywhere from having no experience with braille to being an actual braille reader yourself).
Please join us on October 6th at 6:00 PM (Eastern) 3:00 PM (Pacific)for an online discussion.
Joining in is easy, all you need is:
- a computer with a microphone so you can speak to the group and share your experiences and
- the call-in code for the secure webinar site.
We’d love to hear your stories! If you are interested in joining the discussion please contact us today and we’ll get you the log-in details to join the call.
To sign up, please contact either Holly or Kathryn by Friday, October 2nd.
For more information about the UEB focus group please email or call:
Holly Lawson
hlawson@pdx.edu or 503 725 5495
Kathryn Botsford
botsfor2@pdx.edu
UEB Resources to Help Families Learn About UEB
There are resources to help families learn the braille code changes. Here are some links:
- Start with FamilyConnect’s braille information
- Also AFB’s braille information
- Then you may want to check out this free AFB Webinar, A Brief Overview of Unified English Braille
- Remember to share the Braille Bug® with your kids. This website is a fun introduction to braille.