LoganTech Blog: Teaching Tips, Ideas for Inclusion & More! — Vision Impairment

Guest authored by: Karen Santiago, Founder & Editor of The Blind Perspective.

Why is Braille important to me, especially as a person who lost the majority of my sight later in life? This is a question that many people may ask themselves. But for me, the answer was clear; it was for independence.

Just like learning to read and write in your native language, Braille is a new language that takes time to learn. Yes, it may seem difficult, and frustrating while learning, but by sticking with it and practicing, it is possible.

It took me about a year to learn Braille, and that's including contracted Braille. I remember getting children’s Braille books from the library and reading them to my girls. I then moved onto Braille novels and read them as well. It was great to be able to read again — and on my own.

I use Braille to write letters to my Braille pen pals. I make Braille pictures which are called Braillables. Another great thing about knowing Braille is that I can Braille all my computer passwords another important numbers in a document that only I will know.

I have always been a very organized person. I label everything I can so I know what it is. I purchased the 6dot Braille Label Maker, and I absolutely love it. The Braille that comes out of this little portable machine is so crisp and defined, it’s wonderful. Some of the many things I label include; appliances, files, mail, spices, food, and CD’s, to name a few.

So by me learning how to read and write in Braille, I do not have to constantly rely on a sighted person for help. I am able to grab whatever ingredients I need to make my delicious pumpkin bread. I can do the laundry on my own since the knobs are all labeled. I can go through my CB’s to play the music I want to listen to. I can get a Braille book to read for pleasure, or to learn something new. It was learning Braille that allowed me to continue to be an independent person, just as I was as a sighted person.

About the Author: Karen Santiago was diagnosed with Glaucoma at the young age of five and never let her low vision slow her down. She did everything a “normal” kid would do from driving a car to downhill skiing. She went to college and received a BS in Early Childhood Education. Then, worked for Head Start, ran a home daycare, and opened and was the director of a neighborhood preschool. Karen's vision deteriorated later in life, but after receiving mobility training, several courses with the Hadley school, and learning Braille she landed a job coordinating special fundraising events for Easter Seals of Massachusetts. In her "free time" Karen is the editor of The Blind Perspective, an online newsletter written and produced by a very passionate group of blind and visually impaired writers and techies. The Blind Perspective is in its third year of publication with an ever-growing group of followers.  

We hosted a webinar entitled "Activity & Travel Tips for Happier, More Inclusive Holidays" this month, and it was a lot of fun. We gathered tips and activity ideas from teachers, parents and friends of people with disabilities and shared them during a live presentation on November 17th. 

We shared ideas for holiday and winter-themed sensory play, activities for long trips, and ways to use assistive technology to allow children with disabilities to help out more with meal prep and cookie making. Then, we talked about new technology that makes it easier for people who are blind or visually impaired travel and locate luggage on a baggage carousel without assistance from fellow travelers or airline workers, and ways to bring multiple generations together using thoughtful iPad apps and interview books. 

We invite you to watch the recorded webinar online (requires registration) and download the corresponding PowerPoint presentation. 

How do you ensure everyone is equally involved in holiday fun and preparations? Do you have a go-to sensory play kit that you make up every year, or a special recipe that's easy for kids and adults with disabilities to help out with?

We'd love to know what you do to make your holidays merry and bright for your friends and family with disabilities. Please comment below!

We hosted a webinar entitled "Job Hunting and Interview Tips for people with Disabilities" this month in honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, and it was a big hit. We covered a variety of topics from application and interview tips to where and how to report discrimination, and answered a wonderfully well-rounded set of questions from our live attendees. 

Our speaker presented a business case for hiring people with disabilities. She noted several lesser-known but well-documented benefits to hiring people with disabilities -- many of which will directly affect an employer's bottom line and profitability in delightfully positive ways. 

We invite you to watch the recorded webinar online (requires registration) and download the corresponding PowerPoint presentation. We also shared a list of colleges that have special programs for students with intellectual and learning disabilities.

Are you a person with a disability who's currently looking for employment? If so, what have been your biggest hurdles? Do you have experience with helping people with disabilities prepare and/or obtain employment?

We'd love to hear about your experiences, and any advice you have for people who are looking for work or companies that are considering a greater diversity in their workplace. Please comment below!