Blind adults with language deficiencies often can learn enough braille to be able to use it for self-communication. Although the manuals of instruction commonly available are not adequate for everyone, individualized plans for teaching braille can be adapted to meet specific needs. Such plans should have a strong readiness program to teach proper…

Results of four experiments with 81 blind children and adults (ages 14 and over) comparing Standard English Grade 2 Braille with three reduced codes and one expanded code (in relation to speed, retention of the basic seven-line structure, no increase in bulk of braille publications, and ease of learning) show that a change in the code is possible.…

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)

Explores the braille production and distribution activities of the National Library Service (NLS) for the blind and physically handicapped. Discussion covers how titles are chosen for production in Braille, how a book is produced, responsibilities and activities of the Production Control Section of the NLS, and how patrons can find out if a title…

A comparison of reading rates of 24 print readers and 23 Braille readers on oral reading, silent reading, and studying, found significant differences as a function of reading group and reading task but no group-by-task interaction. Less than one-third of the Braille readers read slower than print readers. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Brief excerpts from correspondence from blind persons and their families in Uruguay indicate increased self-esteem resulting from access to braille materials such as a braille newspaper. Braille literacy is seen to enhance the dialog between student and teacher, parent and child, or child and book. Knowledge of community events offered by the…

The directory lists regional and subregional libraries offering services to blind and physically handicapped individuals. Entries are arranged alphabetically by state and include name and address, telephone number, librarian's name, hours, and details of the book and special collections as well as special services. Changes in names, addresses, and…

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 report describes a 1-month summer program at the Alberta College Music Centre (Edmonton) in which six visually impaired students (11-25 years old) were taught music through braille. Daily lessons covered such aspects as braille music signs, sight singing, music dictation, and basic conducting techniques. Extracurricular activities included…

World-wide in scope, this directory lists organizations producing braille or Talking Books, maintaining braille libraries, and exchanging resources with organizations serving blind or handicapped people. The directory is arranged in seven geographical sections: Africa, Asia, Australia (including Oceania), Europe (including U.S.S.R.), Middle East…

An evaluation and research program was designed to determine user satisfaction and the practicality, reliability, and maintainability of the Digicassette (or Portable Braille Recorder--PBR) and to study the braille reading and writing functions. Ten PBRs were placed with 14 students and 14 adults. Products of the research program included training…

The results of a nationwide questionnaire survey of over 1,700 braille readers are reported in this document. The objective of the study was to provide new and current information on the characteristics and readership preferences of braille readers served by the Library of Congress's Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (DBPH). The…

Described is a project which produced the book, In Darkness, to explore the use of DOTSYS III (a braille computer translation program) and to demonstrate the use of BRAILLEMBOSS (a braille page printer designed to emboss braille at similar or faster rates than teletypes) as a means of producing Grade II braille output. Explained are successive…

The extent to which a developmental program of tactile perception and braille letter recognition would affect errors in these abilities and reduce scrubbing and backtracking behaviors of 30 legally blind braille users (5-15 years old) was studied. (Author/BD)