The study examined the ability to estimate the number of dots in Braille symbols by 21 legally blind and 21 sighted adults. Results indicated that this task was difficult for both blind and sighted subjects with little improvement over trials. Errors of underestimation exceeded errors of overestimation. (DB)

Braille literacy skills are essential for success in school and employment and for independence throughout life. Because of the fundamental importance of well-developed literacy skills, the braille code by which persons who are blind or have low vision attain full literacy should be one that is easy and efficient to learn, use, and produce. A…

Six primary school-aged braille students were taught to name 4 to 10 braille letters as phonemes and another 4 to 10 braille letters as graphemes (Study 1). They were then taught to name 10 braille words as onset-rimes and another 10 braille words as whole words (Study 2). Instruction in phonemes and onset rimes resulted in fewer trials and a…

The report describes the development and evaluation of an instructional program in tangible graph interpretation for braille readers. Because graphs frequently appear in textbooks and in other printed sources, lack of appropriate translation for blind persons can be a significant educational obstacle. Based on anlyses of typical graph reading…

This article reports on a national survey and follow-up interviews with vision-support teachers. The study related to pupils in mainstream schools who are identified as able to read large print but also need to learn braille to increase access to the curriculum. The aim of the survey was to elicit information about the diversity of the group and…

Comparison of two electronic braille notetakers found that the Braille 'n Speak was less expensive, easier to learn, and easier for both experienced users and beginners to operate than the BrailleMate, though the BrailleMate offers a unique alternative by including a braille display and a Random Access Memory card storage system. (JDD)

This study compared the reading and spelling skills of students who were taught to read using uncontracted braille versus those who were taught to read using contracted braille. It found no descriptive differences between initial instruction in the two types of braille.

This study compared the length of text in English Braille American Edition, the Nemeth code, and the computer braille code with the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC)--also known as Unified English Braille (UEB). The findings indicate that differences in the length of text are dependent on the type of material that is transcribed and the grade…

This article analyzes the braille spelling errors of 16 Greek students who are blind. More specifically, it explores the types of spelling errors, the students' attitudes toward spelling, and the relationship between spelling and reading strategies.

This is the first of a two-part report of a study on the instruction of children who were learning or using braille and print simultaneously (dual media). It explores the demographic characteristics of teachers and students, aspects of the decision-making process for providing instruction in dual media, and attitudes of students and parents toward…

Three braille translation programs, which translate computerized text files into new files of ASCII representative grade 2 braille, are evaluated, including "Braille-Talk,""PC Braille," and "The Duxbury Translator." For each program, such items as documentation, ease of operation, formatting, embedded commands,…

The purpose of this article is to review the essential features of the Perkins-Binet Tests of Intelligence for the Blind, and to discuss problems and limitations in the test kit and manual. Recommendations are also made for smoother administration of both forms of the test. (Author/BW)

Evaluation results are presented for five braille printers. The evaluation is based on extensive testing and data derived from a panel of 37 braille readers who considered noise level, identification/labeling and buttons, audio indicators, setting parameters, braille quality, documentation, and manufacturer's comments. (CB)

Detailed product information on peripherals for the blind computer user is provided and applications, availability, reliability, price, and selection considerations are described. Chapters address the following topics and product categories: (1) scanners (optical character readers, Kurzweil Reading Machine); (2) a buyer's guide to modems; (3)…

The National Center for Accessible Media has developed a technology and protocol for inserting extended, enhanced descriptions of visually based concepts into artificially paused digital video. These "eDescriptions" describe material not fully explained by a narrator and provide analogies and explanation specifically designed for…