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Empowering Blind Children Through Braille Read Together Program at Cleveland Public Library

The Braille Read Together Program, initiated by the Cleveland Public Library, is a collaboration among various local organizations to promote Braille literacy among children with disabilities. Recognizing the need for inclusive reading activities and adequate Braille instruction, this innovative program supports children and their families. Starting in 1998, it has evolved from a small group into a vibrant community offering bi-weekly sessions, enhancing children's confidence and literacy. Join us as we celebrate and expand this essential initiative for future generations.

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Empowering Blind Children Through Braille Read Together Program at Cleveland Public Library

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  1. The Braille Read Together Program Cleveland Public Library Barbara T. Mates Barbara.Mates@cpl.org

  2. More Than a “Library” Program

  3. Braille Read Together isa Community Partnership • National Federation of the Blind • American Council of the Blind • Cleveland Sight Center • Cleveland Public Library • Cleveland Museum of Art • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo • Cleveland Children’s Museum • Individuals Who Want Children to be Braille Literate

  4. Why Did the Braille Read Together Begin? • CPL recognized the need for children with disabilities to be included in activities such as the reading club and computer usage, and were aware of the importance of Braille. • Patrons were concerned that children were not receiving adequate Braille instruction in their schools. • Members of the Cleveland Sight Center’s "Share the Vision Program" were looking for a meaningful program in which to share their vision.

  5. Why Be Concerned About Braille Literacy? • "Braille has always been and always will be more than a means of literacy, for some Braille represents, competence, independence and equality." --S.J. Spungin, Vice-President, National Programs and Initiatives, American Foundation for the Blind

  6. Braille Literacy Amendment • Signed by all five national blindness organizations in the United States in 1994 to promote Braille as an equal and viable option to print. • Valid in 31 States.

  7. What is Braille? • Braille symbols are formed within units of space known as Braille cells. • A full Braille cell consists of six raised dots arranged in two parallel rows each having three dots. The dot positions are identified by numbers one through six. • Sixty-four combinations are possible using one or more of these six dots.

  8. Grade 1 Braille and Grade 2 Braille • When every letter of every word is expressed in Braille, it is referred to as Grade 1 Braille. • When cells are used individually or in combination with others to form a variety of contractions or whole words, it is referred to as Grade 2 Braille.

  9. Why Did the Braille Read Together Begin? • The Braille Read Together began because there were kids like David, James, Marcel, Rebekah,"J.R", and Jack who needed to be included in community activities. • The Braille Read Together began to fill a literacy void experienced by blind children and their parents. • The Braille Read Together began to make blind children and their families feel welcome in their neighborhood library.

  10. Braille Read Together 1998 • Began with 6 children and 8 tutors. • The sessions were held bi-weekly at the Martin Luther King Branch Library. • The tutor and the child were given the same title, and together they read Braille.

  11. “J.R. and David”

  12. James, Max and Mom

  13. Adding More Meaning to Reading Braille

  14. The Braille Read Together Celebrates its First Birthday at the Children’s Museum

  15. Reading Braille is Useful

  16. Year Two…1999 • Expanded members to 7 children and 8 tutors. • Sessions were held bi-weekly at the Martin Luther King Branch Library. • The tutor and the child were given the same title, and together they read Braille.

  17. Now We Are Two

  18. Going On Three, 2000 • Expanded members to 11 children, still with 8 tutors • Sessions were held bi-weekly at the Martin Luther King Branch Library. • The tutor and the child were given the same title, and together they read Braille.

  19. Zoo Day A Huge Success

  20. Another Partner for Braille Reading Added

  21. The Third Birthday Celebration

  22. How Libraries Can Duplicate • Find the children. • Find the tutors. • Secure a supply of books. • Find an accessible location. • Seek community partners.

  23. Your LBPH Could Help • The regional or sub-regional library in your service area can help locate children and tutors, as well as provide the library with appropriate reading materials. • An orientation specialist will help the library determine a central location which is accessible to public transportation.

  24. Contacts • To locate a NFB chapter near the library go to the NFB Web site at http://www.nfb.org/. • To locate a ACB chapter near the library go to the ACB Web site at http://www.acb.org/. • To locate a regional library for the blind go to http://www.loc.gov/nls.

  25. Is The Effort Worth It? • Parents answer a resounding YES! • The tutors offer a resounding YES! • The staff enjoy the interactions, and I feel it is one of the most worthwhile projects I personally have been a part of. • The community partners are thrilled, and include our involvement in their reports to the community.

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