Jacob Watkins

Sped 360
Professor Hanson
May 22, 2017
List Item
The item that I have chosen for my EATRC presentation is Braille.
Identify item from the EATRC, explain how it works and how much it costs.
Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind

or who have low vision. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages

such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens of others may be written and read. It is

used by thousands of people all over the world in their native languages, and provides a means of

literacy for all.

Braille symbols are formed within units of space known as braille cells. A braille cell

consists of six raised dots arranged in two parallel rows each having three dots. The dot positions

are identified by numbers from one through six. Sixty-four combinations are possible using one

or more of these six dots. A single cell can be used to represent an alphabet letter, number,

punctuation mark, or even a whole word.

Braille varies in cost depending on the purpose for which it is applied. Books written in

Braille range from $10-200 depending on context. Notetakers for individual who wish to write

range $100-3,500. Lastly, allies to people with visual impairments can order building materials

and directories with Braille embedded. For example, outside every classroom on campus is a

room number and if you look below the number you will find a braille encryption for people

with visual impairments.

For what population is the item intended?

 Braille is used mainly by people who are blind or deafblind. It is critically important to

the lives of visually impaired people as the ability to read and write in Braille opens the door to

literacy, intellectual freedom, and equal opportunity.

What other populations might benefit from this item?

Teachers, parents and others who are not visually impaired, because they tend to read

Braille by sight rather than by touch. Their ability to do so allows them to educate others and

communicate with children with visual impairments.

How will you plan to use this item in your future classroom?
Its hard to determine right now if Ill work with people who have visual impairments.

Though I would like to be prepared to offer the best supports when that day comes. Therefore, I

plan to use Braille in my profession by first learning the language and hopefully integrate it into

my future practicum experience.

 References
American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved from http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-
vision-loss/braille/what-is-braille/123
Braille Alphabet. Retrieved from http://braillebug.afb.org/braille_print.asp
All about Braille. Retrieved from http://www.visionaware.org/info/everyday-
living/essential-skills/reading-writing-and-vision-loss/all-about-braille/1235