1. Functional Approach to Braille
By Donna Brostek Lee, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Kentucky

2. Braille Literacy: A Functional Approach
An overview of Diane P. Wormsley’s book from AFB Press, 2004

3. Literacy Levels Emergent Literacy Basic Literacy Functional Literacy
Emergent – scribbling, telling stories, reading books with adults, logos (McDonalds)
Basic – Reading, writing, spelling
Functional – grocery lists, reading menus, signs, signing name

4. Functional Braille
School
Home
Community
Work

5. Approaches to Teaching Reading
Phonics
Whole Language
Basal Reader
Literature-Based
Language Experience
Functional Approach
Literature – Students select books based interest (hard to control content and level)
Language – Students dictate books (hard to fill-in gaps, teach new words & content)
Functional – Meaning centered and individualized vocab (can be linked back to language approach)

6. Functional Braille Literacy Program
A 12 step program designed for non- traditional braille learners including those with:
Cognitive impairments
Deaf-blindness
Physical limitations

7. Step 1: Determine whether braille will be the literacy medium, and which form of braille to use
Functional Vision/Learning Media Assessment
Contracted or Uncontracted braille?
Differences between learning to read print and braille?

8. Step 2: Create a braille-rich environment
Create labels for the classroom and home
Model reading and writing braille
Books
Braille writer
State and stylus
Notetakers and refreshable braille displays

9. What’s Wrong with this Picture?

10. It Helps to Know Braille!

11. Step 3: Select the individualized reading and writing vocabulary
Words of meaning
Part of the daily routine
Calendars
Interview
Parents/Caregivers
Teachers

12. Step 4: Create word boxes and flash cards and teach the first key words
Elements of a good flash card:
Size (at least 3x5)
Top right corner cut for orientation
2-5 lead line
Texture/material of card
Integrating technology:
Talking card readers (i.e. VoxCom)
iOS apps (i.e. Digit-Eyes, QR code creators/readers)
Lifescribe Pen

13. Step 5: Teach tactile perception and letter-recognition skills through proper hand and finger usage in tracking activities
Posture/Positing of student:
Proper seating
Non-slip surface
Inefficient Characteristics:
Scrubbing
Regressions
Pauses
Searching Motions
Erratic Movements

14. Step 5 Cont. Types of hand movements: Right or left hand only
Right hand reads – left marks
Parallel
Split
Scissors
parallel hands - left and right together
split hands - left and right together until near end of line, and then separate
scissors reading - both hands used independently

15. Step 6 & 7: Assess & teach phonemic awareness
Assessments:
DIBELS Texas Primary Reading Inventory
Teaching:
Imbed into teaching (steps 8 & 10)
Use formal phonics programs
Research supports the link between phonics and braille reading

16. Step 8: Develop writing skills - mechanics and process
Tools:
Braille writer
Slate and stylus
Mountbatten
Notetakers
iOS devices with refreshable braille displays or tactile overlays
Adapted Equipment:
Extension keys for the braille writer
Adapted braillers (light touch, uni-brailler, etc.)
The Role of Spelling and Contractions
How to teach the brailler writer – parts, checklists, swing cell

17. Step 9: Create functional uses for reading and writing
Label important items in school and home
Music
Recipes
Phone Numbers
Notes
Pen Pals
Instant messaging with friends via braille displays (i.e. iOS devices, computer with braille display, etc.)

18. Step 10: Create stories Use repetition Repeat new words
Start with short sentences
Slowly decrease spacing
Create a book of stories
Encourage rhyming (Dr. Suess books)
p. 63

19. Step 11: Keep detailed records and use diagnostic teaching
Tracking progress:
Word lists
Letters/contractions mastered
Phonics patterns mastered
Ways of Monitoring Progress
Charts or reward boards (encourage student to participate as appropriate)
Utilize technology (Excel, tablets, etc.)
Include in IEP goals
Make charts or reward boards (as age appropriate)
Utilize technology to track progress

20. Step 12: Watch for when to move to a more traditional academic approach
When new vocabulary is needed
Possible curriculums to transition to:
For Children:
Patterns
For Adults:
Braille Too
The Braille Connection

21. Brainstorming:
Share your struggles with teaching braille How might the Functional Braille Approach help your student?

22. For More Information:
Braille Literacy: A Function Approach by Diane P. Wormsley from AFB Press (2004) Paperback: $39.95 e-book (ePUB or Kindle): $27.95 Note: Information provided during this presentation is copyrighted by Dr. Wormsley as part of the above named book

23. Presented by: Dr. Donna Brostek Lee Clinical Assistant Professor
Program Faculty Chair
University of Kentucky
Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling
229 Taylor Education Building
Lexington, KY
Phone: (859)
Website:
An Equal Opportunity University