I have often wondered if the skills necessary to learn Braille might also
translate to the skills necessary to get and hold a job. Just as Calculus
is used as a filter course in many college curricula that never use higher
mathematics, Braille reading might be a filter of those without the
necessary skills to hold a mainstream job.
On the other hand, we do know that it is difficult to learn the structure of
an illogical language from a screen reader, whereas Braille readers know the
difference between homophones, know capitalization, and the like. This
information is available to screen readers who take the time to spell out
words, but only by breaking the flow of text. It is always available to
Braille readers.
Then, too, screen readers are so new that we probably don't have reliable
information. Historically, there was a choice between reading Braille, and
not reading independently. Today, there are other ways of getting access to
written information that may change the picture entirely.
Denis Anson
> Hi all,
>
> Yes, there are some marketing statements posing a problem in this article
> as well. Does anyone have a lead to the study which states that better
> employment and pay is directly related to Braille literacy? I have often
> wondered if there are other underlying factors at play. I know of a
> vice-president of a very large corporation who did just fine without Braille.
> .
> Please do not get me wrong. I believe anyone who is blind should learn
> Braille. Braille is an important tool in learning to read and write, and I
> have found Braille very useful for specific tasks like doing speeches.
> However, I do not use Braille to do leasure reading. this non-usage of
> Braille for leasure reading I guess can be related to learning to use
> Braille at a much older age then grade school.
>
> At 09:11 AM 7/1/02 , you wrote:
>> Impressive article on braille.
>> ____________________________________________________________
>>
>> The following story appeared in The Globe Online:
>> Headline: Reconnecting with the dots
>> Date: 7/1/2002
>> Byline:
>>
>> " It was an epochal invention, akin to the wheel or fire or ether.
>> And yet, strangely, it has fallen on hard times."
>> ____________________________________________________________
>>
>> To read the entire story, click on the link below or cut and paste it
>> into a Web browser:
>> http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/182/living/Reconnecting_with_the_dots+.sh
> tml
>> ____________________________________________________________
>>
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> ---
> Ross Eadie
> Voice: (204) 339-5287
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