Louis Braille Essay Competition

Braille: A Special Gift
Timothy Vernon

At the young age of three, I began learning braille, a code of reading and writing which was invented over 185 years ago, but remains vital to the success of blind people today. As a student who is blind, my knowledge of braille allowed me to read with classmates, share stories with other children, and complete homework assignments independently. As I matured, my need to learn more complex braille codes, particularly pertaining to mathematical and scientific notation arose, but I graciously accepted the challenge. This advanced knowledge provided the tools for me to receive high grades in college math and science classes, which helped me be named to the Dean’s List for each semester. Today, despite a multitude of advances in adaptive technology, I use braille daily in my career and personal life, and know I couldn’t be productive without it. This essay will provide a glimpse into the importance of braille and how it has drastically improved my life.

On a professional level, fluency in braille helps me compete with my sighted colleagues. Each summer of high school and college, I worked as a receptionist for Collette Vacations, a large tour operator. On my desk, I kept a binder containing a 15 page braille extension list, contact information for Collette’s other offices and instructions for accessing voice mail. Without this information at my fingertips, I would not have been able to provide prompt assistance to nearly 300 callers each day.

I also use braille in my current job as a customer service representative at NSTAR Electric and Gas. When I attend staff meetings, I take notes using PacMate, an accessible pocket PC developed by Freedom Scientific, but review the notes using a braille display. During conversations with customers, I often write a brief note in reference to their bill or the address they are moving to. I always take these notes in braille, so I can easily scan the document with my fingers while still listening to the caller. Without braille, I would not be able to perform my job in a successful and efficient manner.

Braille allows me to share my talents with members of the community. During high school, college and into adulthood, I have loved to sing and been part of several choruses. Whenever a new song is distributed, I am thrilled to transcribe it into braille so I can learn the lyrics and music along with other choir members. Many choral selections consist of multiple parts, so learning rhythms can be difficult. However, knowing I don’t need to also learn the words strictly by ear is a huge relief.

For the past seven years, I have served my Catholic Church by proclaiming the scripture passages. The scriptures are provided in braille on a monthly basis by the Xavier Society for the Blind, a non-profit organization based in New York, but I transcribe the prayers and bulletin announcements each time I read. When members of the community see me reading, many people are intrigued and often admire my knowledge of braille. I am thrilled by their questions, and am happy to let them feel the dots which comprise the braille cell. However, deep in my heart, I realize how lucky I am to have received extensive training in this code. Audio information is an excellent medium, but it does not provide the independence offered by braille.

As we honor Louis Braille’s 200th birthday, it is my hope we can inspire more men and women to become teachers of the visually impaired. By increasing the number of qualified vision professionals, more students will flourish as they will know braille. Muriel Thomas, who was my teacher of the visually impaired for several years, instilled the understanding that braille is a necessity, and opens doors for success. Muriel is exactly correct, and I look forward to sharing this enthusiasm of braille with future generations of people who are blind.

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