Advanced Braille

Dates/Times

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Online via Zoom

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - Online via Zoom

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - Online via Zoom

Online Class Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm EST

Description

This course is designed for educators who need advanced instruction in contracted Unified English Braille (UEB) and the formats in which it is transcribed. The course consists of three hybrid and/or online sessions with additional assignments to be completed independently between. The course will briefly review the content of the lessons one through six and provide in-depth coverage of lessons seven through nineteen of the NLS Braille Transcribing Course, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Students will be using a combination of methods including lecture, hands-on braille writing using 6-key input, tactile readings, games involving reading braille, independent work, and group work via video conferencing as they apply their knowledge to read, write, and proofread literary braille materials.

Objectives

The student will demonstrate:

  • Increased braille literacy skills
  • Ability to read, write and proofread contracted literary braille
  • Understanding of literary braille formatting and textbook formatting
  • Awareness of resources and various pieces of technology and software for braille production
  • Knowledge of key terms relating to braille and critical principles for development of good reading by touch

Prerequisites

Participants must be proficient in reading and writing the Braille alphabet and be familiar with the punctuation and contractions presented in the first several NLS lessons.

Participation

  • Participants are required to have some method of writing braille. The two most common for these purposes are:
    • A computer with free Perky Duck software https://www.duxburysystems.com/products.asp. For assistance using Perky Duck please visit the Tips and Tricks Perky Duck videos.
    • Perkins Braille and 11' x 11.5' braille paper Can be provided for Ohio Participants through the AT&AEM Center with sufficient notice.
  • It is recommended that participants consider using two devices - one to watch and participate in the class and another on which to write braille.
  • Participants are encouraged to keep cameras on during work sessions to better allow the instructor to gauge participant engagement.

Class Materials

  • Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing - UEB Edition, 2015 (lessons 7-19, Appendix A, and Drills Reporoducted in Braille) Will be provided through The AT&AEM Center.
  • Additional handouts provided by instructor. Will be provided through The AT&AEM Center.
  • Optional: The Rules of Unified Braille Second Edition, 2024.

Instructor

Shelley Mack, Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (CTVI) and Certified Braille Transcriber

Certificate of Attendance

Twenty-two (22) contact hours will be offered for this course.

Registration

  • Training is limited to the first 15 participants to register. Classes fill up fast, so don't delay signing up!
  • Registration deadline: June 1st, 2026.

Register online

For more information contact Augusta Fisher at augusta_fisher@ocali.org