Braille & Assistive Devices

Braille, the embossed system of reading and writing for the blind along with its inventor, Louis Braille (1809-1852), has opened a wide range of avenues and opportunities for effective mainstreaming and empowerment for Persons with Visual Impairment. In addition, a number of devices are now available which help the visually impaired to access meaningful education in all school-subjects as also skills of independent living and economic activities. This course familiarizes the learners with the importance and operational aspects of Braille, which has stood the test of time and competition for the last about 185 years. It also introduces them to basic devices used for teaching blind and low vision children. It is hoped that through the study of the course, the learners will be motivated to know more about these and various other devices and technologies and be in a position to help children with visual impairment/their parents to procure the needed devices with ease and speed.

Week - I
1. Louis Braille and the Evolution of Braille2. Continuing Relevance of Braille vis-a-vis Audio Material3. Braille Signs, Contractions and Abbreviations--English Braille
Week - II
4. Braille Signs and Symbols-Hindi/Regional Language5. Braille Reading and Writing Processes6. Slate and Stylus & Braille Writer
Week -III
7. Learning media assessment8. Braille reading readiness9. Techniques of teaching Braille

Week - IV
10. Techniques of Teaching print to children with low vision11. Braille aids and devices, optical devices for print reading and writing12. Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities
Week - V
13. Screen Readers with Special Reference to Indian Languages; Magnifying Software, and Open Source Software.14. Braille Notetakers and Stand-alone Reading Machines15. Braille Translation Software with Particular reference to Indian Languages and Braille Embossers
Week - VI
16. On-Line Libraries and Bookshare17. Daisy Books, Recordings, and Smart Phones.18. Thermoform and Swell Paper technology and Softwares for developing tactile diagrams

Week - VII
19. Mathematical Devices: Taylor Frame and Types, Abacus, Geometry Kit, Algebra Types20. Geography: Maps-Relief, Embossed, Models21. Science Material
Week - VIII
22. Low Vision Aids-Optical, Non-Optical, Vision Training Material23. Electronic Devices- Note takers and Refreshable Braille Displays, Braille Embossers & Braille Translation Software24. Schemes and Sources of Availability