Technology and Early Braille Literacy: Using the Mountbatten Pro Brailler in Primary-Grade Classrooms
By Cooper, Holly L.; Nichols, Sharon K.; ; Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Vol. 101, No. 1, pp. 22-31Publication Date: January 2007
Article focuses on the Early Braille Readers Project, which has been conducted by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Outreach Program. A Mountbatten Pro Brailler and peripheral equipment were provided to 20 students in kindergarten, first, and second grade. The Mountbatten Pro allowed the students to locate information on a page, and to format sentences, paragraphs, and pages. These skills are important for new readers of Braille when learning reading, writing, and math skills. The device can function independently as a Braillewriter and as an embosser when connected to a computer. A peripheral device called the Mimic was also used to display a print translation of Braille on a small screen. The project included training and support via site visits, as well as teacher training for both teachers of students with visual impairments and classroom teachers. Group workshops and an electronic discussion group were also provided. The project was found to have a positive impact on the students' writing and reading skills, including their participation in instruction and social interaction.
Assistive Products Discussed: MIMIC 2000
MOUNTBATTEN BRAILLER PRO
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
