Teaching Braille to Children with Vision Impairment Course
Braille Training for Teachers, Teaching Assistants and QTVIs
Course Overview
Teaching Braille to children with vision impairment requires more than learning a code. Successful braille literacy develops through carefully planned opportunities to build tactile skills, concept development, exploration, communication and meaningful engagement with literacy from an early stage.
This practical training course provides participants with the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to support children who access learning through braille and tactile methods. Participants will explore how pre-braille and braille skills can be introduced, developed and embedded within everyday classroom experiences to support literacy, independence and curriculum access.
Designed for QTVIs, teaching assistants, specialist teachers, SEND professionals and school staff, the course offers practical strategies that can be implemented immediately within educational settings.
Understanding Braille and Tactile Learning
Participants will develop an understanding of how tactile learners access information and the essential role braille plays in literacy development, independence and educational achievement.
The course explores:
- The importance of braille literacy
- Characteristics of tactile learners
- Development of tactile awareness
- Building strong foundations for braille learning
- The relationship between tactile development and literacy
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how children develop the skills required for successful braille reading and writing.
Developing Pre-Braille Skills
Strong pre-braille skills provide the foundation for future braille literacy.
Participants will explore practical activities and approaches for developing:
- Tactile discrimination
- Finger sensitivity
- Fine motor control
- Hand strength and coordination
- Tracking and scanning skills
- Concept development
The emphasis is on creating meaningful opportunities for tactile exploration throughout the school day.
Integrating Braille into Everyday Learning
Braille is most effective when it becomes a natural part of a child’s daily learning experience rather than a separate activity.
This section focuses on:
- Embedding braille into classroom routines
- Supporting literacy development
- Creating meaningful opportunities for braille use
- Promoting independence across the curriculum
- Building confidence and motivation
Participants will learn how to ensure braille becomes an integral part of a child’s educational journey.
Supporting Braille Literacy in Schools
Developing braille literacy requires a structured and consistent approach across all learning environments.
The course examines strategies for:
- Introducing braille systematically
- Supporting reading and writing development
- Creating accessible learning materials
- Encouraging independent learning
- Maintaining high expectations for achievement
Participants will develop practical approaches that support both emerging and developing braille learners.
Teaching Tactile Graphics and Diagrams
Understanding tactile graphics is an important aspect of curriculum access for many braille learners.
The course explores:
- Developing tactile pathways
- Supporting interpretation skills
- Building confidence when accessing tactile information
- Creating meaningful learning opportunities through tactile resources
Participants will gain strategies for helping children access increasingly complex tactile materials.
Low-Cost Resources and Practical Teaching Approaches
Throughout the course, participants will be introduced to a range of affordable and easily accessible resources that can be used to support tactile exploration and braille development.
Examples will include:
- Everyday tactile materials
- Practical classroom resources
- Multi-sensory teaching approaches
- Resource adaptations
- Activities that promote engagement and independence
The focus is on effective, practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.
Who Is This Course For?
This training is suitable for:
- Qualified Teachers of Children with Vision Impairment (QTVIs)
- Specialist Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- SENDCos
- Learning Support Staff
- Mainstream School Staff
- Resource Base Staff
- Local Authority Vision Services
- Educational Professionals Supporting Children with Vision Impairment
Structure and Delivery
The course adopts a highly practical approach, combining professional knowledge with opportunities for discussion, reflection and demonstration.
Training can be delivered:
- Face-to-face as a one-day course
- Online through four resource-rich sessions
Content can be tailored to meet the specific needs of schools, services, local authorities and organisations.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of pre-braille and braille skills for curriculum access and literacy development.
- Identify key tactile skills that support successful braille learning.
- Apply practical strategies for integrating braille into everyday classroom experiences.
- Select appropriate resources and activities to develop tactile awareness and braille readiness.
- Support children in developing confidence, independence and braille literacy skills.
- Create learning environments that promote meaningful access to the curriculum through braille.
Supporting Braille Literacy and Independence
Teaching Braille to Children with Vision Impairment involves much more than learning symbols and contractions. Effective braille teaching helps children develop literacy, communication, confidence and independence. This course provides professionals with practical strategies to build strong foundations for lifelong learning and successful curriculum access.
“Thank you for this amazing insight and for providing resources to refer back to. I’m looking forward to putting what I have learned into practice.”
“Thank you so much. I support two pre-braille primary-aged children and this course has been so helpful.”
“Thank you for the past four weeks. I have learnt so much and hope to be attending another course soon.”
Why Choose Positive Eye?
Positive Eye training is developed and delivered by experienced specialists with extensive knowledge of vision impairment education and curriculum access.
Our courses focus on practical, achievable strategies that can be implemented immediately, helping professionals develop the confidence and skills needed to support braille learners effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this course?
The course is designed for QTVIs, teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, ALN staff and anyone supporting braille or tactile learners.
Do I need previous braille experience?
No. The course is suitable for practitioners with varying levels of knowledge and experience.
What will I learn?
You will gain practical strategies for supporting tactile development, pre-braille skills, concept learning and braille literacy within everyday educational practice.
Is the course suitable for mainstream schools?
Yes. The strategies and approaches can be applied within both mainstream and specialist educational settings.
Will I receive resources?
Yes. Participants receive a downloadable resource pack that can be used to support ongoing practice.
Related Courses
- Accessible Literacy for Children with VI and SEND
- Accessible Early Numeracy for Children with VI and SEND
- Introduction to Supporting Children with Vision Impairment
- Positive Looking Visual Skills
- Social Skills for Children with VI and SEND
To Discuss Your Training Requirements
Please email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk to discuss your specific requirements.
This course can be tailored to the needs of your school, service, local authority or organisation.
