Blind Children’s Center Builds Early Foundations for Braille Literacy

January is Braille Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of braille in empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At the Blind Children’s Center (BCC), learning to read begins with touch. Through play-based learning, sensory exploration and early exposure to braille, children develop foundational skills that they will rely on throughout their lives.

“When I first learned braille, I fell in love with it instantly,” said BCC Adaptive Services Specialist Rosalinda Mendiola. “Its mathematical qualities pushed me to want to master it.”

A key component of BCC’s approach is braille pre-literacy, which focuses on building the physical and cognitive skills necessary for future braille reading. Before children begin learning braille, they must develop hand strength, finger isolation and wrist rotation. A Perkins Brailler requires up to three pounds of force to use, according to Mendiola, and without proper preparation, children may experience severe soreness. To address this, BCC incorporates activities such as squeezing tennis balls, pushing against walls and other hands-on exercises into daily routines.

Sensory learning is intentionally integrated throughout BCC’s facility. Tactile walls, sensory tables and obstacle courses encourage children to explore textures and build confidence using their hands. For children who are blind or visually impaired, touching unfamiliar objects can feel overwhelming. BCC provides a safe, supportive environment that allows children to explore at their own pace. These experiences help children become more comfortable with tactile learning, an essential skill for braille literacy.

“Our goal is to create an environment where children feel empowered to take risks and learn,” said BCC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “By helping students build braille pre-literacy skills, we are laying the groundwork for lifelong success.”

Braille remains an essential literacy tool, even though modern technology has greatly expanded accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Reading machines, smartphones and screen readers can aid with learning, but they cannot replace the independence that comes with reading and writing braille. According to National Braille Press, individuals who are braille-literate are more likely to achieve higher educational outcomes and greater career opportunities.

BCC encourages early exposure to braille, even for those with some vision. Introducing braille at a young age allows children to learn in a low-pressure, play-based environment; learning a new literacy system later in life can pose distinct challenges. By prioritizing early braille education, BCC helps set children on a path towards independence, confidence and lifelong learning.

“I have seen firsthand how braille can change the trajectory of a child’s life,” Mendiola said. “Students I taught at age 3 are now in their 40s, leading productive, meaningful lives as confident braille readers.”

For more information about braille literacy development and other tools for those who are blind and visually impaired, please contact Rosalinda Mendiola at Rosalinda@BlindChildrensCenter.org.