The author encourages the use of visual braille for children and adults with partial vision. A method of learning visual braille is described. (DB)

The future of braille is discussed including possible code changes, the development of direct print reading devices, the use of paperless braille, modifications in the production process, and the development of teaching materials. (PHR)

The article develops two contrasting themes: (1) the prime importance of braille as the medium of literacy available to blind persons; and (2) the widely perceived deemphasis of braille instruction in the United States. Resolutions of the American Council of the Blind encouraging increased and improved braille instruction are summarized.…

Ten "myths" about the Unified Braille Code (UBC) are debunked in this article. Myths address the official adoption of UBC, changes in literary Braille, input from users in determining the UBC's final form, the UBC and technical uses, the UBC and computer Braille translation, and continued availability of materials in current codes. (DB)

Discusses the Children's Braille Book-of-the-Month Club, a project of the National Braille Press, Inc., of Boston, Massachusetts. Provides membership information. (FL)

The increasing importance of braille to enable blind individuals to reach their full potential in vocational situations is stressed. Improvements in the production of braille are traced and two methods of braille printing are explained. (PHR)

The author discusses the large number of blind college students who cannot use braille effectively, and asserts that classroom teachers, rehabilitation counselors, and rehabilitation teachers have the obligation to ensure that students possess braille literacy before application to a college or university. (CL)

This brief article uses a weaving metaphor to address the relationship between braille and reading, with prior knowledge (the warp threads) interacting with reading content (the weft threads) by means of braille (the shuttle). Reading is seen to be an interactive process between reader, text, and the context of the reading situation. (DB)

Describes the fundamentals of Japanese braille and outlines the spacing rules now in general use. Points out the relevance of Japanese braille for the computer treatment of the Japanese language. (FL)

Provides teachers with an understanding of how sighted children develop concepts about print and how blind children develop concepts about braille. Prereading activities designed to extend young children's concepts about print are adapted for blind children. (HTH)

The article discusses braille instruction for blind persons from the perspective of the National Federation of the Blind. A case study of a child whose parents have struggled to obtain braille instruction is examined. Negative attitudes about blindness and inadequate training of teachers are linked to decreased braille literacy. (Author/DB)

The author focuses on braille literacy as the primary tool for equal education for visually handicapped individuals. The need for braille proficiency is stressed and the importance of braille ability for individual achievement is described. (PHR)

The article reviews augmentative and alternative communication symbol classifications reported in the literature over the past decade. The "aided/unaided" dichotomy (based on user production of the symbol) is proposed as the superordinate level of classification, rather than the "static/dynamic" (based on transmission of…

Braille literacy has far-reaching implications for the education of visually handicapped children, their eventual employment and their quality of life. The article addresses such issues as delivery of services, teacher training, non-reading blind persons, and attitudes about braille. (DB)

This case study describes the process of introducing braille reading to a sixth-grade girl with severe visual impairment. Her mastery of braille as a supplement to large-print reading is discussed in the context of the influence of adolescence and the child's self-consciousness about using braille in the presence of other students. (DB)