Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: Braille for Everyday Tasks
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Ricky Enger
Participants:
- Danette Johnson: Braille Support Manager
- Jeff: Hadley Member
- Audrey: Hadley Member
Introduction
In the episode titled "Braille for Everyday Tasks," host Ricky Enger engages in an insightful discussion with Danette Johnson, Jeff, and Audrey to explore the practical applications of braille in daily life. The conversation delves into personal experiences, the structure of Hadley's braille program, and the supportive community that facilitates learning braille effectively.
Meet the Experts and Members
Danette Johnson introduces herself as Hadley’s Braille Specialist and Support Manager. She plays a pivotal role in developing braille programs and assisting members with learning strategies.
"[Danette Johnson, 01:03]... helping to develop and write our Braille programs here at Hadley."
Audrey shares her journey of vision loss and the subsequent importance of learning braille to maintain her independence, especially her love for traveling.
"[Audrey, 01:36]... learning braille became very important to me because I love to travel."
Jeff recounts his unexpected loss of vision due to a stroke and how he overcame initial doubts about learning braille later in life.
"[Jeff, 02:46]... Hadley actually said, well, you're not too old to learn braille."
Braille for Everyday Use: A Practical Approach
Danette explains the philosophy behind Hadley’s "Braille for Everyday Use" program, emphasizing its focus on integrating braille into daily activities rather than solely for reading books.
"[Danette Johnson, 04:53]... we want to make braille purposeful from the get-go."
Key aspects of the program include:
- Incremental Learning: Introducing three to four letters or symbols at a time to prevent overwhelm.
- Immediate Application: Teaching practical uses such as labeling household items, reading elevator buttons, and identifying restroom signs.
- Supportive Tools: Providing braille stickers to facilitate immediate use in the home environment.
Personal Journeys and Practical Applications
Audrey's Experience: Audrey highlights how braille has become essential in her daily life, allowing her to label household items and read signs outdoors.
"[Audrey, 08:48]... braille could make my life easier in so many more ways has kept me going."
She emphasizes the adaptability of braille learning, regardless of age, reinforcing that capabilities remain intact despite challenges.
"[Audrey, 08:48]... You can do it."
Jeff's Journey: Jeff shares his initial struggle with numbness in his fingertips post-stroke, which made reading braille challenging. However, his determination led him to a unique solution:
"[Jeff, 09:37]... I have one finger that is pretty much my primary braille reader. It's the middle finger on my right hand."
He discusses the integration of technology, such as Braille Screen Input on his iPhone, which allows him to communicate privately and efficiently.
"[Jeff, 13:17]... Braille Screen Input... allows you to type the Braille symbols and it will then translate it into written text."
Jeff also shares a heartwarming story about writing a personalized message to his niece in braille, underscoring braille’s role in personal connections.
"[Jeff, 19:49]... I can input it correctly, and they'll get it correctly."
Support Systems: Community and Expert Guidance
Danette outlines the various support mechanisms Hadley offers to ensure learners are not alone in their braille journey:
- Braille Specialists: Available for questions and personalized guidance.
- Monthly Discussion Group - "Embracing Braille": Facilitates community support through shared experiences and collective problem-solving.
"[Danette Johnson, 16:41]... we have a monthly discussion group on the first Thursday of every month called Embracing Braille."
Ricky underscores the importance of community, highlighting how members support and encourage each other through their learning processes.
Encouraging New Learners: Words of Inspiration
As the conversation winds down, each participant offers encouragement to those contemplating learning braille:
Audrey:
"[Audrey, 18:37]... You can go as quickly or as slowly as you want to... I just want to encourage people who want to learn Braille. You can do it."
Jeff:
"[Jeff, 19:49]... I'm really glad that I took the time, even though I had the limitation early on... I can do both that."
Danette:
"[Danette Johnson, 22:22]... braille can be just another tool in their toolbox and they're never too old to learn."
Their collective messages emphasize resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support Hadley provides to its members.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Ricky concludes the episode by inviting listeners to embark on their braille-learning journey with Hadley:
"If you're wondering then how to get started with braille, the process is really easy. You can just give us a call, 800-323-4238..."
He encourages those interested to reach out, promising a welcoming community and the resources needed to make learning braille an achievable and enriching experience.
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Hadley Presents serves as both an informative guide and a motivational beacon for individuals considering learning braille. Through personal stories and expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how braille can seamlessly integrate into everyday tasks, fostering independence and enhancing communication.
Contact Information:
- Listen via Telephone: Call (847) 558-1317
- Submit Ideas or Feedback:
- Phone: 847-784-2870
- Email: podcast@HadleyHelps.org