Braille: Information and Examples of Braille Writing

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2009/06/24 - Updated: 2025/01/07
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Visual Aids - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main

Synopsis: Information and examples of Braille a system of raised dots that represent letters of the alphabet used by persons with vision impairment, includes the English alphabet written in Braille.

Why it matters: This page at Disabled World (DW) provides a comprehensive overview of Braille, detailing its history, structure, and significance for individuals with visual impairments. It explains the different grades of Braille, illustrates the English Braille alphabet, and discusses its applications in various fields, including mathematics and music. This resource is valuable for those seeking to understand Braille's role in enhancing literacy and independence among people with vision loss.

Introduction

Braille is a tactile system of raised dots that represent letters of the alphabet which can be used by persons with vision impairment. In order to read braille, a person gently glides their fingers over paper which has been embossed with braille code. For note taking purposes, a person uses a pointed instrument to punch dots into paper that is held in a metal slate. The punched holes appear as dots that are readable on the other side of the paper. Braille is, to a person who experiences vision loss, what printed words are to persons who are sighted. Braille provides access to both information and contact with the outside world.

Main Item

The Braille alphabet is the building block for language skills; it is a means for teaching spelling to children who have vision loss, as well as the most direct means of contact through written thoughts of others. Books written in Braille are available in every subject area, from modern day fiction writings all the way through mathematics, law, and music. Braille is being used for everything from labeling of objects to the taking of notes. Braille adapted devices to include playing cards, watches, games, and even thermometers are examples of just some of the many both recreational and practical uses of braille in the world today.

Braille was invented centuries ago by Louis Braille (1809-1852). Louis Braille was a French teacher of persons who were blind. He created a system of patterns of raised dots that are arranged in cells of up to six dots in a 3 X 2 configuration. Each cell represents a letter, number, or punctuation mark; some letter combinations or words that are used more frequently have their own cell patterns.

English Alphabet in Braille

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English Alphabet in Braille.
English Alphabet in Braille.
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There are various versions of Braille in existence today:

In the modern world, Braille has been adapted to write in a number of different languages, to include Chinese. Braille is also being used for both mathematical and musical notation. The invention of Braille has led to new ways to assist persons with disabilities such as ADA ramps, also referred to as, 'Braille for feet.'

English Letters, Numbers, and Punctuation Converted to Braille: Conversion table includes the English alphabet in Braille, HTML, Unicode, UTF-8, Hex, and Decimal including numbers 0-9, and common punctuation marks.

Through the use of Braille, persons who are visually impaired have the ability to both review and study the written word. They have the ability to become aware of various conventions to include spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, and footnotes. More than anything, persons who are visually impaired can access a wide-variety of reading materials, from educational and recreational written material, to practical manuals. They can access regulations, contracts, directories, insurance policies, cookbooks, and appliance instructions, for example - all of which are important parts of daily adult life. Through the use of Braille, visually impaired persons have the ability to pursue both cultural enrichment and hobbies through board and card games, hymnals, and musical scores.

As with any new language, learning Braille takes a certain amount of time and practice to learn.

Braille is commonly taught to persons who are visually impaired as part of a vision loss program. Braille is also taught through schools within communities. Sighted volunteers transcribe printed texts into Braille.

Volunteers pursue approximately eight months of training before becoming certified Braillists. The training they complete conforms to standards which are set in cooperation with the Braille Authority of North America. Additional training is required before a person can braille educational materials for students, or before they may specialize in transcription of music into braille. The average reading speed for a person using Braille is about one-hundred and twenty-five words per minute; although speeds of up to two-hundred words per minute are possible.

All around America, dedicated volunteers work in communities produce braille materials for persons with visual impairments.

Volunteers produce materials which serve to supplement both magazines and books that are produced in quantities by nonprofit organizations for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress. All of these volunteers have completed a lengthy and detailed course on Braille transcription that results in an award by the Library of Congress and a Certificate of Proficiency in the appropriate Braille code. The activities these volunteers pursue include transcription of printed material into Braille, binding Braille books, and duplication of copies. Volunteers provide persons with vision impairments in their communities with essential materials that might otherwise be unavailable.

The services these volunteers provide are used by local school systems, the NLS, state departments, and the nationwide network of cooperating libraries that distributes both magazines and books through the NLS program. The National Braille Association (NBA) is an organization of volunteers that provides both students and other people with Braille materials they request. Becoming a Braille volunteer requires intellectual curiosity, training, patience, meticulousness, and the ability to work under pressure. It also requires the ability to both understand and follow directions. The rewards of being a Braille volunteer include an immense sense of accomplishment, as well as learning a completely new system of both reading and writing.

Author Credentials:
Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2009, June 24 - Last revised: 2025, January 7). Braille: Information and Examples of Braille Writing. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 7, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/visual/braille.php

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