Myths about learning braille

The following is taken from the RNIB website (rnib.org.uk)

Myth: Braille is really hard to learn

A blind child can learn to read braille just as efficiently as a sighted child can learn to read print.

With proper teaching and enough time to practice, most students can learn to read and write braille at a similar speed to other children learning to read and write.

This is dependent on a child being well taught and having enough time allocated to learning braille as an essential skill rather than an added extra.

Reading print quickly and efficiently comes from years and years of training, experience and a love of reading. The same is true for learning braille.

Myth: Children with some vision would rather read large print

Children will prefer whatever they have been taught is the most acceptable. The attitude of teachers, parents and others toward Braille will largely determine how the child will feel about using it.

Children who are taught from an early age to use a slate and stylus can master the skills quickly. It's no more difficult than for a sighted child learning both print and handwriting.

Unfortunately, many blind children are not being taught early and thoroughly enough, which means they may never achieve the speed and skill of older generations, who learned these skills at an early age. In addition, using braille ALONGSIDE new technologies makes it even easier and more useful.