13.9 - Visually Impaired Persons Can Read and Write

In this subtopic, we discuss how visually impaired persons can read and write. Despite the challenges posed by blindness or visual impairment, various methods and technologies have been developed to help them access written information and communicate effectively.

One of the most well-known methods for reading and writing for visually impaired persons is the use of Braille. Braille is a system of raised dots that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. It was invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century. The Braille system enables individuals to read and write by feeling the patterns of raised dots with their fingertips.

Each character in Braille is made up of six dots arranged in a 3x2 grid. The arrangement of the dots represents different letters and symbols. For example:

• The letter "A" is represented by one dot in the top-left corner of the grid.
• The letter "B" is represented by two dots: one in the top-left corner and one in the middle-left of the grid.
• Similarly, other letters and symbols are represented by various dot combinations.

The Braille alphabet is based on a 6-dot system, where each dot represents a different value or letter. The arrangement of the dots allows the reader to distinguish between different letters and words. The basic principle of Braille can be written on paper using a special tool called a Braille slate and stylus. The user writes the dots from right to left, and the paper has raised dots for the reader to touch and recognize.

In addition to Braille, modern technology has introduced several electronic devices and software that assist visually impaired individuals in reading and writing. Some of these include:

• Screen Readers: Software that converts text displayed on a computer screen into speech. Examples include JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access). These tools allow visually impaired users to navigate and interact with digital content.
• Speech Recognition Software: This allows users to dictate text or commands to a computer or mobile device, which then transcribes the speech into written form. Examples include Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Google Voice Typing.
• Electronic Braille Displays: Devices that convert text on a computer screen into Braille by using small pins that rise and fall to form the Braille characters. This enables users to read electronic text through touch.

For mathematical and scientific notation, Braille also has special symbols to represent numbers and formulas. In mathematical Braille, numbers are written using a specific configuration of dots that are different from the letters of the alphabet. For example:

• The number "1" is represented by a single dot, the same as the letter "a" in the Braille alphabet.
• In mathematical expressions, operators like addition (+), subtraction (-), and equals (=) are also represented by distinct dot patterns.

Moreover, with advancements in technology, visually impaired individuals can access and read scientific documents, formulas, and equations. Mathematical formulas, for example, are represented in Braille using a system called Nemeth Code for mathematics and science. This system assigns specific dot patterns to numbers, operations, and symbols used in mathematics.

In modern education, many books, assignments, and even digital content are now available in Braille or through audio formats, enabling visually impaired students to study science and other subjects. Thus, with the help of tools like Braille and assistive technologies, visually impaired persons can read, write, and participate fully in educational activities.