Did You Know...?
"Let's face it: reading is the most important subject in school. It's more important than all the other subjects combined. If a child can't learn to read well and love to read, the chances of that kid finding success and happiness on any level are low."
- Rafe Esquith, There Are No Shortcuts
For blind people, braille is the only medium for true literacy - the ability to read and write. Audio technology is a useful tool, but it does not substitute for literacy. Imagine trying to learn math, follow a recipe, or take notes in class if you can't read?
ONLY 20% OF BLIND CHILDREN
USE BRAILLE IN SCHOOL!
Braille experienced a drastic decline in the 1960s, when blind children were increasingly "mainstreamed" from special, residential schools for the blind into public schools that lacked braille resources and teachers. Encouraged to keep up via "auditory learning," thousands of blind children graduated from school unable to read and write independently!
To reverse the growing trend toward illiteracy among blind children, organizations of blind adults - braille readers who knew the importance of braille - spearheaded a movement to reinstate braille instruction in public schools. Thus far, more than 30 states have enacted braille literacy bills, which, along with U.S. Department of Education regulations, have been a catalyst for teaching braille.
National Braille Press helps blind children and adults achieve self-sufficiency and independence by publishing braille books, magazines, children's books, and general information pamphlets. If you wish to help support our efforts - click here to make a donation to National Braille Press.
|
