[nfbmi-talk] FW: [stylist] Braille, the Fundamental Skill for Blind Writers

[Fred Wurtzel]

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces+f.wurtzel=comcast.net at nfbnet.org
[mailto:stylist-bounces+f.wurtzel=comcast.net at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James
Canaday M.A. N6YR
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 5:47 PM
To: NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Braille, the Fundamental Skill for Blind Writers

dear Lori et al,
In writing and doing research for my masters degree, accepted in 
1991, I examined lots of literature on writers' methods for 
composition, and preparation.
I found very strong evidence in several experiments that showed that 
using *hard copy* increased learning and memory compared to audio or 
computer/virtual documents.  memory is important in our writing 
process and of course our hard copy must be braille.
I also found research that showed that prewriting done in hard copy, 
whatever format (idea cards, outlines, storylines, sketches, 
diagrams, etc.) helped  writers to produce higher quality 
work.  using virtual documents were the poorest for this, as in a 
digital audio recorder for notes,  for example.
the hard copy for learning and memory, and for writing prep provided 
the users with, physical cues to enhance memory access to details of 
the information like "place on the page" and "paragraph 
shape."  also, "chaining worked better in hard copy, the mental 
stringing together of related concepts.  hard copy was also helpful 
because it offered other memory recall cues like the feel of the book 
or printout (I'd argue even more important for blind persons), even 
smell and place where you are reading.  writing the hard copy, 
whatever it is, also helps compared to typing into a virtual document.

braille is essential.  and I too had low vision until age thirteen, 
and then learned braille.  before that, reading meant squinting 
through magnification, reading with one eye; reading was neither 
comfortable or enjoyable.
becoming completely blind then was very good for me and is certainly 
one important reason I could go to college.  immediately after 
becoming blind, I started to enjoy reading much more, I'll admit 
mostly in audio form.  but if I was studying an audio source I'd 
braille notes for the hard copy.

okay, long enough?
jc


Ath/28/2008, you wrote:
>This is from Volume 2, #1 of Slate & Style
>
>Braille, the Fundamental Skill for Blind Writers
>
>by Catherine Horn Randall
>
>    Today's technological revolution is providing blind people with
alternate
>aids only dreamed of less than ten years ago.   Wonderful as word
processors
>and speeche synthesizers are, they should not be allowed to eclipse 
>Braille.
>These and other alternate aids serve as tools to work with 
>language.   Braille
>is our unique written language, and language is the Alpha and Omega of our
>craft.   Braille literacy is the most fundamental skill a blind writer can
>develop.
>
>    The blind writer's most elementary problem is the ability to
communicate
>with himself.   I seem to have to do this on paper:   I can use a 
>tape recorder
>for many things, but not for writing.   I have tried dictating many times,
>but it does not work for me.
>
>    Using Braille, I can read and reread, write and rewrite my work.   Most
>writers agree that rewriting is essential to a good product.   Braille is
the
>blind writer's tactile ticket to independence.
>
>    Long time Braille users probably think I have overstated the obvious,
but
>thousands of partially blind students do not learn Braille in school
because
>they have enough sight to read print.   This happened to me thirty years
ago
>and it still happens to children today.   This philosophy is an educational
>outrage.   It has done a terrible disservice to blind people who should
have
>learned Braille as well as print in school.
>
>    I learned Braille five years ago as an adult, after losing my remaining
>functional vision.   It is never too late to learn Braille.   A newly-blind
>writer can begin working independently again by writing using Grade 
>One Braille
>while learning Grade Two.   For those with impaired feeling in their 
>fingertips,
>a Jumbo dot slate or Braille writer may be helpful.   [Ed. Note:   If you
>have trouble locating one of these, a call to our National Center could
prove
>helpful.   (410) 659-9314.]
>
>The date of this article:   November 1984
>The phone number has been brought up to date, and is still valid.
>
>
>
>**************
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>?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
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