How to Use the ABLE-G
Introduction
The Adult Braille Literacy Empowerment - Guidelines (ABLE-G) is designed to be used by teachers or agency administrators to:
- begin a braille literacy program for clients, or
- enhance an existing braille literacy program
The materials are divided into nine sections, with two appendices which contain additional information. The materials may be used in any order.
Section I. How to Use the ABLE-G
This sections gives an overview of the entire set of materials. It will be to your benefit to read through this section before continuing to any of the other sections.
Section II. Program Guidelines
These guidelines reflect the philosophy of the ABLE Project Staff as to how braille literacy training should be viewed by an agency or a teacher in order to be effective. You may wish to read the Program Guidelines following your reading of this section. As you read, see how your agency or program fits with ABLE-G program guidelines.
Section III. Instructor Objectives
This section lists the various competencies -- knowledge, skills, and understanding which a braille literacy instructor is likely to need. The need for any competency depends upon the instructor's clientele and the setting in which the teaching takes place. The competencies have been converted into objectives and placed into a checklist format. Instructors can rate themselves on each competency.
Section IV. Strategies for Acquiring Instructor Objectives
Upon rating themselves on the Instructor Objectives, instructors and their supervisors may identify objectives which they would like to address in order to gain additional competency. This section lists strategies to meet each objective and gain the needed competency.
Section V. Annotated Bibliography
This section includes annotations of 25 articles which have practical application to braille literacy instruction. Most of the articles appear in professional books or journals which are readily available. The pamphlet, Braille: The key to Literacy and Independence is also referenced in this section, but is not annotated. This pamphlet is included due to its motivational and practical value for both teachers and clients.Section VI. Review of Curricular Materials
The Project reviewed nineteen sets of materials frequently used in the teaching of braille to adults. This section summarizes information from the review. The summary represents publishers, cost, and target audience, as well as pertinent information regarding reading level and braille code level. The review did not include a rating of the curricular materials.
Section VII. Review of Braille Access Technology
This section includes a comprehensive listing of several types of braille access technology. Current products are identified as well as their distributor, cost of braille and/or speech output, and any unique features. The information provided in this review will help the instructor or agency select appropriate devices to meet the specific needs of the clientele in their literacy program.Project ABLE staff feel that developing skills in the use of Braille Access Technology is important for braille literacy instructors as well as clients. Instructors may use the technology to design individualized instructional materials for clients utilizing a whole language approach to literacy. Clients may then use the technology to produce material for themselves and others to read in appropriate formats.
Section VIII. Case Studies
These case studies were developed from interviews with rehabilitation teachers concerning particular clients, from interviews with individuals, or from letters or writing done by clients themselves. They provide a sampling of techniques, motivations, and attitudes. The case studies help the rehabilitation teacher who is providing braille instruction know the kinds of experiences other have had.
Section IX. Fund Raising/Material Acquisition
A set of procedures has been designed to help teachers or administrators prepare for raising funds to support an existing braille literacy program or to start a new program.
APPENDICES
The Appendices contain materials which Project ABLE staff feel will be useful to teachers.
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