Strategies - Dual media users
Print and braille readers
For some children dual media use is a legitimate and appropriate outcome of a LMA, but sustaining dual media use is a major challenge.
Deteriorating vision over time
In some cases children may come out of the assessment as clear print readers but if the prognosis is that the vision will deteriorate then provision will need to be made to introduce braille instruction alongside print.
Flexibility accessing communication information
A relatively small proportion of children will require access to both braille and print: most will focus on one medium, but in some cases braille and print will be used in tandem. Once a decision has been taken to introduce both braille and print, a teaching programme will need to be put in place.
Children who have severe low vision will need to see that they will benefit from instruction in print and braille alongside each other. Braille should come to be seen as a valuable addition to their 'toolbox' of skills that expands their ability to respond flexibly to accessing and communicating information.
Dual literacy routes
Finding sufficient time to learn and practise two literacy routes within a mainstream curriculum is obviously a major challenge and many children find it difficult to sustain two media. Pupils may often be ambivalent about learning braille and consider themselves part of a culture of visual learners and this may be compounded if braille is not actively valued in the school.
Learners will need to develop equivalent proficiency in both braille and print or they are understandably likely to default to the media that currently offers them the better and faster access.
Further reading
Excerpt from the RNIB research report 'A review of the literature into effective practice in teaching literacy through braille'.
Further study
If you would like to develop a more in-depth understanding of supporting dual media users and other aspects of teaching literacy through braille, you may wish to consider applying for a place on the VIEW course; 'Effective Teaching of Literacy through Braille'.