Spring 2021: Creating efficient braille readers setting the foundation

Presented by: Katie Armstrong

Date: 05/08/2021

As educators, we are all working to create future adults. Our goal in teaching should be to build a foundation for all future development, we are setting the stage for who this child will become. In this session, the presenter will share why foundational and early literacy skills are critical in creating future braille readers. Existing resources will be shared and pulled together into one location in order to build a “toolbox” of ideas to work from. This session is focused on early braille readers, however, many of our older students are missing foundational skills that can be meaningfully included within current braille instruction. Session objectives: ● Build an understanding of why foundational braille skills are essential for future braille reading success ● Participants will be provided with a number of existing resources and curriculum that can be used in planning pre-braille instruction. All in one location ● Participants will be provided with ways to create and develop future braille readers through the development of a solid foundation for braille literacy Katie completed both her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Florida State University in Visual Disabilities with a focus on early childhood. She is a Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialist and currently working on her Doctorate in Visual Impairment.