by Melody Holloway
I am constantly thinking of methods of introducing braille to the general public as well as passing forth literacy to those who may not otherwise have access to braille materials/instruction.
If I am waiting at a store, medical appointment, bank, post office, library, board of elections, bureau of motor vehicles, or other public location to complete an intended task or for a return pickup ride, I utilize my eReader, Hable 1, or flip through hard-copy braille, visibly inviting passersby to inquire, ask questions, and even touch the braille.
I purchased a Braille Doodle from AT Guys just before Christmas, working with extreme low income category and supplemental benefits after the informative Braille Buzz call. I absolutely had to get one in my hands, no ifs, ands, or buts. I originally intended to donate it to a deserving student attending the Ohio State School for the Blind or to a member of the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the American Council of the Blind.
I attended the phenomenal Visabilities community event featuring Patty Slaby, current president of the Braille Revival League, recapping her educational, advocacy-driven trip to Lima, Peru to visit several orphanages with her church group. She spoke of the children’s enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, helpfulness, impeccable manners, willingness to learn, zest for a second chance at a full life, and desire for braille exposure. An electrical charge of realization coursed through me. “The perfect home for the Braille Doodle!” I thought.
I exchanged contact info with Patty, packed a box with the Braille Doodle on the bottom, adding a spare braille Rubik’s Cube that was previously gifted to me, braille paper, National Braille Press alphabet cards, sugar-free Liquid IV hydration packets for the children’s nutrition, chocolate chips, and chocolate-coated English toffee bits for some yummy, homemade cookies.
At a time when braille education, advocacy, awareness, incorporation, and literacy are questionable, what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pass on the one-of-a-kind gift of braille, coated in unconditional love.