Can a Blind Person Learn to Read Braille Without Prior Training?
Many people might wonder if a blind individual can learn to read Braille without any prior training, especially if they were born blind or became blind later in life. This article seeks to address this question and provide insights into the learning process involved in becoming proficient in Braille.
Understanding Braille: A Unique Language
Braille is not a natural skill that comes with being blind. It is a learned language that requires specific training to master. Just like any other language, it involves recognizing and interpreting symbols through touch. The misconception arises from the idea that a blind person should inherently know how to read Braille simply because they are blind. In reality, the process of learning Braille is akin to learning any other new skill.
The Learning Process for the Blind
For a person who is always blind, the journey to reading Braille starts from the very basics. This includes understanding what the Braille alphabet looks like and feels like under their fingertips. The process is similar to teaching a sighted person how to read the printed word, where each letter and symbol must be introduced and learned one at a time. Consequently, even if an individual becomes blind later in life after having learned to read traditionally, they still need to learn Braille specifically.
From Introduction to Proficiency
The transition from a sighted reader to a proficient Braille reader is a significant one. Most people typically take around four years to become fluent in reading Braille. During this period, the individual learns the alphabet and becomes familiar with the various abbreviations and symbols used in Braille. For someone like my husband, who lost his sight at the age of 13, the process was challenging but not insurmountable.
My Husband's Journey
My husband, who lost his sight when he was 13, had to start his Braille education journey at home. Due to his determination and the support of his family, he was able to complete his learning process much more quickly than the average. He finished school at the age of 17, which is equivalent to Year 9 in the UK education system. His learning process was expedited because he was already literate and determined to maintain his academic progression. It's important to note, however, that he did not start school until he was 8 years old due to constant eye operations, which made his learning journey even more challenging.
Braille: More Than Just Dots
Braille is not just a simple representation of printed letters. It has its own unique system, which involves a series of raised dots arranged in a 6-dot cell. Each cell can represent a letter, number, punctuation mark, and other symbols. While some might initially think that Braille is just a depiction of printed letters, it is much more complex and requires a comprehensive understanding of its rules and conventions.
The learning process begins with understanding the basic Braille letters and then progresses to more complex concepts such as contractions, abbreviations, and advanced reading skills. For instance, in Braille, certain letters and combinations of letters can be shortened to make reading faster and more efficient. These contractions are an essential part of mastering the language and significantly enhance reading speed and comprehension.
Conclusion: The Importance of Training
In conclusion, the ability to read Braille is not a natural gift for the blind but a skill that requires dedicated learning and practice. Whether someone is born blind or becomes blind later in life, the journey to becoming a proficient Braille reader involves a structured learning process that includes understanding the alphabet, learning contractions, and developing advanced reading skills.
Braille is a unique and vital tool for the blind community, enabling independent and efficient reading. For those interested in learning Braille, the journey is worth the effort, given the numerous benefits it offers. Support and professional training are essential for individuals seeking to become proficient in Braille.