Technical Braille Code Communication Skills Training

Objectives:
• Understand the history and purpose of Braille in South Africa
• Identify the SAQA Unit Standard 117846 requirements and outcomes
• Recognise the role of Braille in promoting accessibility and inclusion
• Demonstrate basic familiarity with Braille cell structure

Topics:
• Overview of Braille: history, Louis Braille, and global adoption
• Introduction to SAQA and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
• Unit Standard 117846: purpose, scope, and assessment criteria
• The Braille cell: 6-dot configuration and numbering (dots 1-6)
• Importance of Braille for persons with visual impairments in SA
• Course logistics, expectations, and assessment overview
• Icebreaker: sharing personal motivations for learning Braille

Objectives:
• Accurately identify and write all 26 Braille alphabet characters
• Apply correct finger positioning for reading and writing Braille
• Recognise and use basic punctuation marks in Braille
• Begin developing tactile sensitivity and discrimination skills

Topics:
• Detailed study of Braille alphabet (a-z) patterns and groupings
• Practical exercises: reading and writing letters using Perkins brailler or slate and stylus
• Introduction to full cell, capital, and number indicators
• Basic punctuation: comma, full stop, question mark, exclamation mark
• Tactile development activities and sensitivity training
• Common errors and how to avoid them in early learning
• Paired practice: dictation and transcription of simple words

Objectives:
• Confidently read and write numbers 0-9 in Braille
• Understand and apply single-letter contractions (Grade 1 Braille)
• Differentiate between uncontracted and contracted Braille forms
• Develop speed and accuracy in basic Braille transcription

Topics:
• Braille numbers: number sign and numerals 0-9
• Introduction to Grade 1 Braille: purpose and application
• Single-letter contractions and their usage rules
• Reading exercises with mixed letters, numbers, and basic punctuation
• Writing practice: transcribing simple sentences and short paragraphs
• Introduction to Braille formatting: line spacing and margins
• Error identification and correction techniques

Objectives:
• Master common whole-word contractions in Grade 2 Braille
• Apply part-word contractions correctly in various contexts
• Understand contraction rules and exceptions in South African usage
• Increase reading fluency through structured practice exercises

Topics:
• Grade 2 Braille: rationale and efficiency benefits
• Whole-word contractions: and, for, of, the, with, etc.
• Part-word contractions: ch, sh, th, wh, ed, er, ou, ow
• Contraction rules: when to use and when not to use contractions
• SA-specific considerations in Braille contraction usage
• Progressive reading exercises with increasing complexity
• Dictation practice focusing on contraction application
• Common contraction errors and troubleshooting

Objectives:
• Apply advanced contractions including short-form words
• Recognise and use special symbols for mathematics and science
• Understand formatting symbols for lists, headings, and emphasis
• Develop proficiency in reading moderately complex Braille texts

Topics:
• Short-form words: abbreviations like brl, abv, td
• Advanced contractions: ble, ation, ally, ness, less
• Mathematical symbols: plus, minus, equals, multiplication, division
• Scientific notation: basic symbols and their applications
• Formatting indicators: headings, lists, italics, bold
• Reading comprehension exercises with technical content
• Transcription of formatted documents with mixed content
• Quality assurance in Braille production

Objectives:
• Understand computer Braille (ASCII Braille) and its applications
• Apply technical codes for computer programming and digital content
• Recognise specialised symbols for various technical fields
• Develop skills for transcribing digital content into Braille

Topics:
• Computer Braille (ASCII Braille): 8-dot cell introduction
• Braille display technology and refreshable Braille devices
• Technical codes for programming languages (basic symbols)
• Specialised symbols for engineering, chemistry, and physics
• Transcribing digital documents: Word files, PDFs, and web content
• Introduction to Braille translation software
• Practical exercise: creating accessible digital documents
• Emerging trends in digital Braille accessibility

Objectives:
• Apply correct formatting rules for various document types
• Prepare properly formatted Braille documents for different purposes
• Understand page layout, headings, and structural elements in Braille
• Develop skills for creating professional Braille materials

Topics:
• Braille formatting standards and guidelines
• Page layout: margins, page numbers, headers and footers
• Document structure: titles, headings, subheadings, paragraphs
• Lists, tables, and columns in Braille format
• Transcribing complex documents: reports, manuals, and forms
• Proofreading and quality checking formatted Braille
• Practical project: formatting a multi-page document
• SA-specific formatting requirements and conventions

Objectives:
• Apply Braille skills in real-world communication scenarios
• Develop effective Braille communication strategies
• Create accessible materials for various audiences and purposes
• Demonstrate proficiency in both reading and writing Braille

Topics:
• Braille in daily life: labels, notes, personal organisation
• Professional applications: workplace materials and communications
• Creating accessible materials for public information
• Communication strategies for sighted-Braille user interaction
• Practical exercises: Braille menus, signage, and instructions
• Role-play scenarios: workplace and educational settings
• Developing Braille literacy programmes and resources
• Ethical considerations in Braille communication

Objectives:
• Demonstrate comprehensive Braille skills through practical assessment
• Integrate all learned skills in complex transcription tasks
• Understand professional standards and ethics in Braille services
• Develop a personal action plan for ongoing Braille skill development

Topics:
• Final practical assessment: comprehensive transcription exercise
• Integration of alphabet, contractions, formatting, and technical codes
• Professional standards for Braille transcribers in South Africa
• Ethics: accuracy, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity
• Quality assurance processes in Braille production
• Continuing professional development opportunities
• Course review and reflection on learning journey
• Certification process and next steps for Unit Standard 117846