There may be several problems with the Newsweek article on braille
literacy.

First, doesn't the 10 percent braille reading figure apply to the total
universe of blind persons in the United States?

Second, how much of the lack of braille literacy in the population of blind
children and youth is the result of cognitive issues, resulting from the
condition that also caused their blindness?  For many blind children born
today, blindness is there least important concern, do to other severe
disabilities.

Third, just because one prefers a media other than braille as a primary
means of receiving information doesn't mean that person is a poor braille
user.  Over all, I generally use cassette tape and computer media with
speech output to read the vast majority of my information.  However, if I
need to read something aloud, or identify an item, such as an envelope, or
if I want to efficiently read my financial records or digest math or certain
technical material, I use braille.  If I wasn't a decent braille reader, I
would have found it difficult or impossible to be employed effectively.

Mike


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