Braille & Literacy
IESBVI staff are available to support literacy accessibility for all students. For students with visual impairments, this may include the instruction of and incorporation of Unified English Braille (UEB) code into the classroom. It is important to note braille is not a different language. It is a code used to access printed materials non-visually.
How do students access braille?
- Books can be produced in hard copy braille
- Books can be downloaded electronically in braille
- Schools can purchase a braille embosser (printer) to create braille documents
- Braille writers/braillers can be provided for use at school and home
- Slate and stylus is a (similar to paper and pencil) way to write braille
- Braille note takers or electronic braille displays (similar to a Personal Digital Assistant [PDA]) can be used to write, manage a calendar, access online materials and more
- Note takers and electronic braille displays can connect with an iOS device or computer to give students access to materials
Resources
- UEB Online Accessible Braille Training – A free, self-paced training program to learn the Unified Braille English (UEB) Code.
- UEB Braille Chart
Duxbury Braille Translation
Duxbury Braille Translation Software (DBT) is used to translate electronic text (print) to braille. Simply type your desired text into the Duxbury program and your text will be converted to Braille. Your newly converted Braille document can then be sent to a braille notetaker or embossed into a hard copy braille document.
Duxbury Video Trainings
Accessible Reading & Instructional Materials
Providing accessible instructional materials (AIM) is an obligation of school districts to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). School districts in Iowa may obtain accessible materials by contacting their student’s Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Using learning media results, TVIs guide the district in obtaining appropriate materials from Library Services at Iowa Department for the Blind and Braille on Demand sponsored by Iowa Prison Industries (IPI). Teachers of the Visually Impaired and IESBVI consultants also assist in training paraeducators to provide accessible materials.
The Iowa Department of Education has information available about “The True AIM,” which is Iowa’s primary resource for information about accessible instructional materials in schools.