learning braille

I was always fascinated with Braille, the technique used by the visually challenged to read and write. And so on a recent visit to a school for the blind, I was more than happy to learn how it works from the children themselves.

It works like a code. Each letter has a definite code that is marked by raised dots. There are a set of six dots, and each letter is marked by a specific set of raised dots. At the end of it, I realised it is more like shorthand. It takes five years for the students of this school to master the technique of Braille. From the sixth grade onwards, the children of this school begin actualy school work. English, Hindi, Telugu, Science, Mathematics, Art,...they learn it all through Braille.

I am now inspired to learn the technique. Knowing is not enough. Learning is the key.