VI and braille: A new adventure
I have recently started my attempt to learn braille, and am finding that there are several benefits to this skill already…
Can you crack the code?
One of these benefits is simply how enjoyable it is to feel the code unravel before you. It is so rewarding to read in a way that I never have done before, by touch. My reason for learning this skill is mainly because I may need it at some point in my future. I am very glad I have the opportunity to learn, and appreciate the support of all who teach it at Henshaw’s.
This leads me onto the next benefit that I have found so far from learning braille; Henshaw’s itself is such an amazing place. A safe haven for those who feel vulnerable a lot of time. Respite for those who feel they have no one else who truly understands their world. And a place to not be too serious! I have met some of the funniest, most charming and intelligent people that you can hope to ever come across.
A big hand for Henshaw’s
The third benefit I have found so far is that it has not only given me an idea of the amazing work that all at Henshaw’s do, but the realisation that they still need as much of our support as possible. We need to raise awareness of the great things they achieve and the huge difference that they make to people’s lives. They need our help to keep the services running and continue to bring about positive changes to people who are need of their support. When my family, friends and I complete the Manchester Run in 2013, Henshaw’s will be one of those who we will be showing our support to.
A word of thanks
I am learning to understand that braille is an indispensible skill, a code to crack, and am finding I very much looking forward to each lesson.
About Helen Markey
Helen is a 20 something Uveitis sufferer, which she has had since birth. Having experienced many of the complications associated with the disease, she has also experienced the lack of awareness surrounding Uveitis and has worked hard to deal with the loneliness that this can bring.
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Comments
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Hi Helen.
Great to see that you are learning Braille in your blog and enjoying it. I have thought of learning it myself as although I have some sight, it may be useful in the future . You mention lessons: do you learn with a tutor or are you self taught? And do you think Braille is a more accessible alternative to Audio formats of information?
Should I say bon apetit with your Braille learning as it was developed by a French man!Posted by Neil, 10 November 2012 (7 months ago)
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Hi Neil,
I learn with the help of the good people at Henshaw's. If you were interested you could contact your local centre. You can also learn with an RNIB course, details are on the website. I would recommend looking into your options as it is very rewarding!Posted by Helen, 13 November 2012 (6 months ago)
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Hi Helen,
Thanks for your comment and the information. Sadly, I do not have a Henshaw's centre in my area of the UK.But, I had obtained a braille alphabet card from the RNIB a while back and looked at it in detail. It is is suprisingly easy to crack the code by individual letter. Have also ordered a dot-to-dot course. So could be harder by full words. I could be watching Countdown to generate random letters to test myself!Posted by Neil, 18 November 2012 (6 months ago)
