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The research and subsequent literature on Grade One Braille (alphabetic braille) as an alternative to Grade Two Braille (contracted Braille) for some individuals who are visually impaired, as developed by Marjorie Troughton (1935-1995), author of "One is Fun" demonstrated that students can be successful when they stay in Grade One Braille. Although Grade Two Braille has opened the doors of education, literature and employment to many people who are visually impaired, its' complicated and complex code has also closed the door for many others. Individuals who may not be able to learn Grade Two Braille include those who have learning disabilities, English as a second language students and the elderly who have been newly blinded and may not have the tactile sensitivity or memory capabilities to differentiate all the contractions of Grade Two Braille. The teaching of Grade One Braille as an alternative would not only provide the "joy" of reading to all people, but the pride of "literacy".
The Research findings have proved:
· that over fifteen different populations of learners would benefit from Grade One Braille, including those with learning disabilities, those with English as a second language, those with limited tactual sensitivity and those with acquired blindness:
· is that achievement scores when using Grade One Braille over Grade Two Braille are significantly better-- 93% of those with probably learning disabilities performed better with Grade One Braille while 65% of those without learning disabilities also performed better with Grade One Braille.
· the advantage of Grade One Braille for Low Vision Students.
· the positive effects that teaching Grade One Braille have on inclusive practices in regular schools.
· the advantage of
Grade One Braille in adult literacy programs.
GRADE ONE BRAILLE -
A LEAP INTO LITERACY
BIODATA
KAREN NAGEL:
Is a Provincial Resource
Consultant at the W. Ross Macdonald School for Students who are Blind and
Visually Impaired, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She instructs University
and College level courses for teachers educational assistants, paraprofessionals
and parents in the areas of blindness, visual impairment, multiple disabilities,
life skills, and autism.
LINDA MAMER:
Is a Provincial Resource
Consultant at the W. Ross Macdonald School for Students who are Blind and
Visually Impaired, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She instructs
University and College level courses for teachers educational assistants,
paraprofessionals and parents in the areas of blindness, visual impairment,
multiple disabilities, life skills, autism, and deafblindness. Linda
has recently completed her doctorate in Blindness, specializing in visual
and multiple disabilities.
GRADE ONE BRAILLE -
A LEAP INTO LITERACY
Karen Nagel
Linda Mamer
Resource Teacher Consultant
Resource Teacher Consultant
W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 3J9
CANADA
Phone: (519) 759-0730
Fax: (519) 759-4741