The number of infants who are born blind as reported in the University of Iowa Health Care Today (June 2008) might be considered a low incidence disability. However, the impact of not being able to read the printed word is huge for those who live with it.
Children and adults can have varying degrees of vision loss. Some vision loss (obviously very common) requires wearing prescription eyeglasses. Other vision loss can be more severe. Some individuals who are legally blind “read” by moving their hands along rows of dots that represent letters and abbreviations for words. The creator of the Braille, a system for reading using cells of up to six raised dots, was Louis Braille.
The US Mint has issued the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar in its Commemorative Coin Program to honor the contribution of Louis Braille. January 4, 2009 was Braille's 200th birthday.
The Braille Coin's Design
One side of the coin is a picture of Louis Braille. The opposite side has Brl (in Braille dots) as well as a child reading a book in Braille.
Why Louis Braille Invented the Braille Code
Louis Braille had a personal interest in creating a way for people who are blind to read. He lost his vision by the age of four. When Braille attended school, students were expected to "read" material with enlraged print and raised lettering.
More Information on Assistive Devices for the Blind
With advances in technology, children who are blind have choices of ways to “read” material that their siblings would scan with their eyes. Obviously, many will use the Braille Code to read the print word on paper. Additionally, children may benefit from listening to books that have been recorded in an audio format. Another option is to utilize a screen reader system to hear the text that is displayed on a computer screen.
Education Programs for Children with Vision Loss
Many children with low vision attend their local schools. They may receive accommodation of materials (Braille, large print, audio books). They may also receive instruction from a teacher trained in working with the visually impaired. This is not to say that they need specialized instruction all day. Perhaps, they receive their academic instruction in the regular classroom and work with a teacher of the visually impaired several times a week (as specified for their individual needs on the IEP). Other children attend classes or even a school that serves only children with vision loss.
Everyday thousands of children worldwide rely on the Braille Code to read. The 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar is a wonderful way to honor the man who made this possible.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
