Braille Mentoring Program

Copyright © 1996 by the National Federation of the Blind.

Introduction

The National Federation of the Blind has a deep and lasting commitment to actively encourage the continued teaching and use of Braille. To this end, we have engaged in such activities as spearheading the passage of Braille literacy bills in the various state legislatures, sponsoring an annual nationwide "Braille Readers are Leaders" contest for blind students and establishing the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille, the Federation's vehicle for collective action regarding Braille related issues; we have also developed a full-length video drawing the need for improved Braille education for blind children.

As part of a recent project, we developed a Mentoring Program to assist experienced Braille users in sharing with new Braille users their knowledge of Braille and enthusiasm for its expanded use. This project pairs these Braille beginners with blind adults who are accomplished at using Braille in their everyday lives, providing both role models and "cheerleaders" to help encourage the new Braille user.

Now the National Federation of the Blind has expanded our Braille Mentoring Project in order to include participants from all across the country. It is easy to start in your own community, and is a great way of reaching out to the blind in your area. The benefits of establishing supportive and networking relationships among blind people are immeasurable, and the need for improving Braille literacy is vital. So come share the adventure, and join "The Braille Connection."

What is a Mentoring Program?

All of us have had people in our lives to whom we look for advice. We all know people that we would like to emulate. We know from our experiences and the experiences of others.

A Mentoring Program is a more formal means of ensuring that every blind person can have contact with another successful blind person. It sets up a process for screening and training mentors, and it provides a method of tracking everyone's progress.

It also gives the mentor a network of people from whom to get advice on how to be more helpful in working with the new Braille user. Mentors can share ideas and success stories with each other, opening up a world of endless possibilities. Teaming up, figuring out what works, and providing encouragement are what a mentoring program is.

Why a Mentoring Program is Important

A mentoring program is important because it provides a new Braille user with encouragement and the practical knowledge of an experienced user. It is important that the new Braille user be able to get answers to questions about Braille. A mentor can provide these answers or refer the new user to the appropriate source.

The mentor can serve as a positive, enthusiastic role model by showing the practical uses of Braille in daily life based on firsthand experience. By finding out the needs and interests of the new reader, the mentor can motivate the new Braille user to use Braille in connection with their interests. If the new Braille user becomes frustrated or discouraged, the mentor can provide encouragement and advice based on personal experience. The mentor may also introduce the new reader to other blind people who are now proficient Braille readers but experienced the same problems in the past that the new Braille user is currently experiencing.

The mentoring program will promote positive attitudes about Braille for new readers. Their participation in this program will help them realize that others have been successful in learning to use Braille efficiently, and they can have this same success.

Who can be a Mentor?

Mentors don't need to be Library-of-Congress-certified Braille transcribers. However, experience has shown that the most effective mentors have many of the following qualifications:

a. Mentors are knowledgeable. They have a good working knowledge of the Braille Code, and know its literary signs, symbols and contractions. When questions come up that mentors can't answer, they are willing and able to consult the Literary Braille Code, or ask a qualified Braille teacher.

b. Mentors are enthusiastic. They are excited about Braille and can share the enthusiasm with new Braille users. Mentors can testify to the importance of Braille in their own lives.

c. Mentors are creative. They can suggest ways in which Braille can help new Braille users in their everyday lives. They are also able to figure out ways to use Braille to accomplish specific tasks.

d. Mentors are flexible. They are able and willing to meet the new Braille user halfway in arranging schedules and meeting places.

e. Mentors are dedicated. They must be able and willing to make long-term commitments to mentoring because learning Braille can, for some people, be a long and frustrating process. Mentors must assist new Braille users throughout that process and meet with them regularly over an extended period of time.

With the continuing guidance given by mentors, new Braille users should gain the skills and confidence needed to incorporate Braille into their everyday lives.

What You Can Do

There are many ways to develop a Braille Mentoring program in your community. All it takes is commitment, planning, organization and dedication. Get together with your friends and brainstorm. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Develop a list of accomplished Braille users you know who might be willing to help Braille beginners.

2. Develop a list of blind persons you know who would like to help people in increasing their Braille abilities.

3. Select a "coordinator" who will help to pair persons from each of these two groups, and who will monitor future potential Braille Mentors or Braille beginners.

4. Arrange for opportunities for all of your Braille Mentors to meet and share ideas and strategies. Mentors may need a bit of encouragement, too.

5. Plan ways to recognize the accomplishments of new Braille users. As their use of Braille increases, show them your support and pride in their progress.

6. Start a "Braille Club". Perhaps several Braille Mentors and Braille beginners would enjoy meeting from time to time to work together as a group. This not only promotes Braille, but also helps to strengthen friendships.

7. Create a "Suggestion Box" for Braille ideas. See who can come up with the most unusual or original way to use Braille. Suggestions would, of course, be submitted in Braille.

8. Keep a resource list of sources for obtaining Braille books and the other Braille materials. There may be more Braille out there than you ever thought of!

If you would like more information about the Braille Mentoring Project, please contact the

Send your questions or comments