The Art Of Tactile Reading

Reading is one of the basic skills that any person needs to learn in order to survive. As simple as it seems, reading is an intricate process that involves deciphering symbols in order to comprehend the aggregate meaning of what is read. Reading is a means of communication, exchange of ideas and information, and acquisition of knowledge. Reading comprehension involves the prior knowledge of people, events, objects, places, and experiences in order to fully understand the intended meaning of the symbols. 

Depending on the method of reading, the basic sensory media needed in order to carry out the task of reading is sight. The words the eye see will be registered in the brain where it will be processed, interpreted, and understood. The auditory sense and speech are also useful when reading aloud for the benefit of others or for intra-personal communication. The limitations of reading comprehension are bound by the type of language used, the amount of background contextual knowledge, and the person's vocabulary. Perhaps, the most challenging form of reading is by touch and feelings, instead of the conventional visual sensory perception.  

The braille system was developed by Louis Braille in 1825 as a universal reading media for the blind and visually-impaired. Sighted individuals can also learn to read braille especially when they have a visually-impaired household member. In recent studies, braille literacy has significantly dropped. The reason behind this is due to the complexity of the system and other underlying factors. Although it is not easy at first, braille reading and comprehension is not an impossible feat.  

Each braille cell is made up of six position dots. A single character is derived by raising any of the six dots which is represented by numbers. The left dots are numbered 1 to 3 from top to bottom, while the right is 4 to 6.  

Learning to read braille alphabet is easy once you know the tricks of the trade. Note that the letters subsequent to A-J are just identical to the latter except for the addition of another dot position. A-J uses the top and center dot positions to create a single alphabet character. These are 1, 2, 4, and 5 -- ⠁⠃⠉⠙⠑⠋⠛⠓⠊⠚. K-T on the other hand adds dot position number 3 to form each character -- ⠅⠇⠍⠝⠕⠏⠟⠗⠎⠞, while U-Z adds both dot position 3 and 6 to the letters A-E. W is not a variation of any of the preceding patterns since at the time Louis Braille developed the system, the French language didn't have the letter W -- ⠺. Braille is not only limited to the letters of the alphabet, but also has punctuations, contractions, capitalization, and numbers.  

Since the braille system uses tactile perception, it is important to acquire the ability to apply touch pressures in a smooth and equal manner. To increase reading speed, there are a few techniques developed in this regard. One is by running the right index finger over the first line, while looking for the subsequent line with the left.   

It is basically easy to introduce reading to a sighted child for him to be able to comprehend the simple meanings derived from the "coagulation" of each letter that made up a word. In the case of a visually-impaired child, his disadvantage is not only on the absence or deficiency of sight, but also on the educational drawbacks posed unless the necessary educational tools are introduced on the early stages of the child's development. The reason behind the decline of braille literacy as an educational tool is due to the advancement of technology, varying views over how to educate a blind child, and budget limitations. 

Braille reading is indeed a very challenging system for the sighted and visually-impaired alike. With the proper technique and determination, this challenge can be easily overcome all for ⠞⠓⠑ ⠇⠕⠧⠑ ⠕⠋ ⠇⠑⠁⠗⠝⠊⠝⠛.