Real-Life Communication -- Solution
Here's what you could write:
MEMO
To: All staff
From:
Staff Braille Transcriptionist
Re: The need for braille literacy
As
the new braille transcriptionist at the school, I would like to share some
information with you about blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired students,
and their need to learn braille.
We expect that all children who go
to school will become literate -- learn to read, write and count. Blind,
deaf-blind and visually impaired students are no exceptions.
Braille
is a code that is equivalent to print. Braille can be used for the alphabet,
numbers, musical notation, scientific equations, foreign languages and computer
notations. Audio tapes and computers that "speak" are good for
children to access information, but they do not teach literacy skills.
Literacy,
successful employment and independence are things blind students can gain
from learning braille. Braille also leads to intellectual freedom, personal
security and equal opportunities.
Studies have shown that knowledge
of braille makes a visually impaired person more employable. Technology will
not be a substitute for these literacy skills in the workplace.
Braille
is not that hard for young children to learn. When they begin to learn early,
children become fast and competent readers.
Braille is as necessary
to a blind student as print is to a sighted student. Please support the students
with visual impairments in our school in their quest towards literacy. If
you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer them. I look forward
to working with all of you.