Braille courses

Learning Braille with Henshaws

 

Why learn Braille?

 

Learning Braille gives people independence, literacy, and the enjoyment of reading.

• Braille is a vital way of ensuring that you can read private correspondence such as bank statements and hospital appointments which otherwise might have to read by someone else.

• There is a wide choice of books and magazines available to purchase or loan in Braille.

• Many games such as Scrabble and playing cards are available in Braille and others can be adapted by the addition of Braille labels so that visually impaired people can join in with sighted people.

• It’s flexible and ideal for labeling items such as CDs, medication, clothing and foods.

• Some restaurants and pub chains offer Braille menus.

• It’s still the main way for children who are born blind or visually impaired to gain literacy.

• For people who are Deafblind Braille is often their only method to access information.

• Braille can also work in tandem with the latest software through the use of refreshable Braille displays etc.

Along with all these reasons there is the tremendous degree of satisfaction and pleasure that reading a book can bring. Audio books are wonderful so long as you are able to keep awake while listening to them!

That’s why Henshaws offer Braille training in Manchester and Merseyside for adults with visual impairments. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, many local authorities and further education colleges no longer provide Braille training to adults. Henshaws feels this is wrong and that being able to read in your preferred format is a need not a want. Sadly Henshaws is now one of few places in the UK where adults can learn Braille.

 

How does Braille work?

 

Braille isn’t a language but a code which can be used to translate any language into written form for people with visual impairments.
Braille uses a system of raised dots in a six dot matrix (like a domino) which allow people to read by feeling the dots with their fingertips.

 

 

The Braille alphabet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How difficult is Braille to learn and how long does it take?

Braille is relatively easy to learn for most people and we normally find that we can get people reading letters, words and short phrases on their first lesson.
Everybody learns at different speeds but on average it takes a person around four months to learn.

If you are interested in learning Braille or have any questions about this, please get in touch with one of our Braille tutors below for a chat.

Liverpool Resource Centre
Simon Merrills Tel 0151 708 7055 or email simon.merrills@henshaws.org.uk

Manchester Resource Centre
Gary Cassidy Tel: 0161 872 1234 or email gary.cassidy@henshaws.org.uk