Cnib Braille Policy (Draft)

CNIB BRAILLE POLICY

Background:

Braille is a system of reading, writing and publishing for blind and partially sighted people created by Louis Braille in 1825 and has been the standard code used for literacy since that time. With the fast pace of change in the area of technology CNIB is often asked about the relevance of braille today and in the future. The following statements have been created and agreed upon by CNIB through its National Board of Directors to ensure clarify on our position.

CNIB believes:

1. Braille is the foundation of literacy and numeracy for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

2. Children and adults who are blind or partially sighted have the right to access literacy and numeracy instruction using the medium of braille from a qualified teacher of students who are blind or partially sighted in order to be as literate and numerate as their sighted peers.

3. All materials used in the education system should be available in braille at the same time (and if applicable at the same cost to the student) as the format for sighted students is available.

4. Braille signage should be prevalent in all public spaces to aid in navigation.

5. All materials produced by governments of all levels should be available in braille in a timely fashion.

6. All materials produced by public companies for their customers, employees or shareholders should be available in braille in a timely fashion.

7. Given that technology for literacy and numeracy instructional programs is routinely used by students who use print in the public school system, appropriate and comparable assistive technology and adapted programs should be incorporated in the instructional materials needed by students who use braille.

8. Standards for braille should be established and maintained both nationally and internationally.

9. Developing countries should be supported in their endeavours to achieve braille literacy and numeracy.

CNIB is committed to the implementation of these beliefs and will work with all stakeholders to make it happen. Reviewed by: National Programs and Services Committee, 6 June 2011

Approved by the National Board: