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Use of Braille for Independence and Adult Life: Staff Spotlight on Marshall Burns

Authors: Shirley Franklin, Blind Children’s Program Development Consultant, Health and Human Services Commission

Abstract: For this follow-up article to the Spring 2024 issue on Braille PenPals, the author interviewed Marshall Burns, the author of that article, on his personal use of braille and the importance of braille for increased independence.

For Marshall Burns, the Coordinator of the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program, learning braille from a young age opened doors for his independence in adult life. He recalls that in grade school, his assignments were brailled, which allowed him the ability to work alongside his peers. Using braille, he was able to complete complex math problems and increase his literacy skills just like his sighted peers. Marshall reflects, “without learning braille first, it would have been harder to learn how to type on a QWERTY keyboard as I would not have the concept of how words were spelled.”

Though Marshall learned to read and write braille in school, he “did not have many opportunities to use braille with other children [his own] age.” However, he attended Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) for two years and participated in their pen pal program where he was connected to a student at a school for the blind in Germany (see his article on Braille PenPal Skill Training in the previous issue of TX  SenseAbilities). Participating in that pen pal program at TSBVI allowed Marshall to make lifelong connections. He states, “After 20 years, my pen pal and I remain in contact.”

As a professional, using braille helps Marshall stay organized. He uses braille labels to mark his work folders and binders for easy access. He also uses a braille display while he is training staff and making presentations in front of large audiences. Without a braille display, he had to use a screen reader to listen to his notes and then repeat them aloud, which disrupted the flow of his presentations. He also encourages the use of electronic braille, saying that “electronic braille displays provide an opportunity for children to have access to braille materials while encouraging them to improve their skills”. More information on free E-Readers can be found at Equipment for NLS Materials – National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) | Library of Congress (loc.gov). 

In his personal life, Marshall uses braille to make lists, braille labels for household organization, to adapt and modify appliances such as his dishwasher and stove, and to file important documents. He also enjoys playing braille board and card games with his family. 

Marshall’s personal experience highlights the importance of learning braille as a child, but many children who are blind do not have the opportunity to learn braille. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) estimates that only twelve percent of school-age children who are blind learn braille. 

Because of his personal experience, Marshall is passionate about sharing his knowledge of braille with Blind Children’s Program children and families. One way to motivate children to read and write braille is to exchange letters with someone who also reads and writes braille. Marshall developed the Blind Children’s Program Braille PenPal training to encourage the use of braille skills outside of the school environment. The 2nd annual Blind Children’s Program Braille PenPal direct skills training occurred in Summer 2024. Eighteen children across the state registered and were paired with an age-matched peer with similar interests. On June 8, 2024, Blind Children’s Program hosted an initial meet-and-greet virtually for children to meet their partners, share interests, and exchange contact information. Between June and August 2024, the children exchanged correspondence in braille, building a relationship with another child across the state. 

Lucky Chillara is a student who has participated in the Braille PenPal training for two years in a row. He was excited to participate again in this year’s training: “Last year I really enjoyed writing a letter to my pen pal and was happy when I got a response in the mail. The PenPal Program actually made it fun to read and write braille and much more fun than doing it with my teacher at school.” Pavani Chillara, Lucky’s mother, also shared that “Lucky’s braille skills have increased from reading and writing letters last year.” The braille pen pal program is one of the unique direct skills trainings that the Blind Children’s Program provides to support children in becoming independent. The Braille PenPal direct skills training will be held annually for children in Texas who are enrolled in Blind Children’s Program services and who use braille. 

To learn more or to make a referral to the Blind Children’s Program, visit the Blind Children’s Program website or email [email protected] 

A young student wearing glasses and a TSBVI tee shirt presses the keys of a braille writer with both hands.

Lucky brailling on a Perkins brailler.

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