Spring 2008

Development Assistant Keri Brent uses a Perkins Brailler to type a note, the device is similar to a typewriter for braille users.

Braille plays an important part every day at the Lighthouse. For individuals blinded in adulthood, changing vision means transitioning from large print to braille.

That is why the Lighthouse is in the process of developing a program that will emphasize learning braille in a small, accessible setting. “We want our classes to be a rich environment that is flexible to each student’s individual learning needs,” says Amy Koehl, Employee and Community Services manager. “Braille is a hard thing to learn, so we want to make it interactive and fun.”

Class sizes will be small to focus on each individual’s learning style and pace. Additionally, Amy hopes that classes will have more than one instructor to accommodate employee work schedules. “Learning braille is a huge time commitment,” Amy acknowledges. “It requires not only time spent in class learning, but outside homework assignments and practice as well.”

“Even though adaptive technology such as text readers and screen magnifiers has certainly made my life easier, being able to read and write braille is a must for me,” says Nathan Brannon, customer service representative. “It is difficult to learn it as an adult, but it is a necessary tool. Just as a sighted person depends on being able to read print, I need to be able to read braille.”

“Our goal is not only to make more employees braille literate, but also give them access to more information because they now have this skill,” adds Amy.

Braille skills are key to providing basic literacy and opportunities for upward mobility in the workplace and beyond. “I want the Lighthouse to be a beacon of braille competency,” says Kirk Adams, president.

The Braille Literacy Program is funded through private community donations from individuals and organizations. We received start-up funds through a generous private donation from Leonard and Mae Nelson.

We are now actively raising funds from the community to sustain this program long-term. If you would like more information on how you can support our braille program, please contact Annual Fund Manager Melissa Mueller at (206) 436-2116 or e-mail mmueller@seattlelh.org.

Support Braille Literacy!

You can help the Seattle Lighthouse increase braille literacy for blind adults. Many employees here at the Lighthouse have lost their vision later in life. For adults living with progressive, degenerative eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, the transition from large print to braille presents a unique challenge.

That is why the Lighthouse has created a braille program designed expressly to teach blind adults how to read and write braille in a small, welcoming environment. Students will receive one-on-one instruction in addition to small group exercises designed to foster and grow braille literacy.

Our program will focus on serving each participant’s unique learning style and need in an accessible environment.

Statistics show that braille literacy greatly increases a blind adult’s success in the workplace and general access to employment. Your donation will ensure that people with visual disabilities will receive the education and training needed to become competent in braille. Your gift will help pay for teaching materials, computer equipment, and braille instruction books.

To make your donation, please click here

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