Braille Codes for Native American and First Nations Languages

By Justin M. H. Salisbury, MA, NOMC, NCRTB, NCUEB and Carol Begay Green, MA, CTVI, NCUEB

Preferred Citation

Salisbury, J. M. H., & Begay Green, C. (2019). Braille Codes for Native American and First Nations Languages. Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research, 9(1). Retrieved from https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir19/jbir090104.html. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5241/9-140    

Abstract

There has been a recent resurgence of Native American and First Nations language use as a part of a broader effort toward community wellness and cultural revival. In order for blind people in these communities to fully participate in language-oriented programming, the establishment of a braille code for the language in question is necessary. Creating a braille code for a Native American or First Nations language requires collaboration between literate native speakers and braille experts. As blind Native American and First Nations people learn braille codes for their languages, they can experience empowerment and increase their well-being. Teachers of the blind can offer instruction in these braille codes, building relationships marked by understanding while simultaneously empowering their students to participate in language-oriented, community-based programs and activities.

Keywords

Braille, Native American, First Nations, blindness, education, rehabilitation


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5241/9-140

The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research is copyright (c) 2019 to the National Federation of the Blind.