Tools for Writing for Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision

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Writing is a fundamental skill for academic success and personal expression. For children who are blind or have low vision, various tools provide access to print or electronic information. If your child uses a computer, they may be able to write using a typical word-processing program and use a screen-reading program, refreshable braille, or a screen magnifier to read. 

Writing in Print  

Your child’s assessments may determine their ability to write in print. They may read large print and use tools to help them write in print:  

• Dark Markers: Using dark felt-tip markers or other devices that create dark markings on the page can help children see their writing more clearly.  

• High Contrast: Maximizing contrast between the writing surface and the text improves visibility. Black or navy ink on ivory paper is often ideal, though some children may prefer white or yellow paper to reduce glare.  

• Bold-Lined Paper: Special paper with dark, wide lines helps maintain writing within the lines and enhances readability.  

• Writing Surface Aids: Placing paper on a dark-colored nonskid mat prevents writing from slipping off the page and maintains focus on the writing area.  

Writing Guides  

Writing guides and templates assist children in maintaining proper letter placement and alignment:  

• Overlays: Made of dark cardboard or plastic, these guides are placed over white or light-colored paper. They feature cutout spaces or raised lines to help children stay on the writing lines.  

• Elasticized Cords: Some guides incorporate elastic cords to prevent letters like “g,” “j,” “p,” and “q” from dropping below the line, ensuring consistent letter placement.  

Additional Writing Tools  

• Raised-Line Paper: Provides tactile feedback to help maintain writing within designated areas.  

• Tactile Clipboards: Equipped with tactile lines and open spaces, these clipboards offer a stable writing surface and guide for letter placement.  

• Video Magnifiers (CCTVs): These devices use a camera to project an enlarged image of the writing surface onto a monitor or display. 

Writing in Braille 

For students who read braille, writing in braille can be a combination of low- or high-tech devices:  

Low-Tech Braille Devices:  

• Braillewriter: A mechanical device similar to a typewriter, featuring six keys corresponding to the braille dots, along with space, backspace, carriage return, and line feed keys. The Perkins Brailler is a popular model.  

• Slate and Stylus: An affordable, portable method for writing braille manually. The slate holds the paper in place while the stylus punches braille dots into the paper.  

High-Tech Braille Devices:  

• Mountbatten Brailler: Combines a mechanical braillewriter with computer technology. It allows users to store and retrieve files and audibly read braille content. This device is especially beneficial for younger children or those with additional disabilities and limited hand strength.  

• Braille Translation Software: Converts braille input into printed text, facilitating communication between braille and print readers.  

Writing Provides Joy and Independence 

Providing children who are blind or have low vision with appropriate writing tools furthers their success in their academic and personal development. By utilizing the most appropriate low-tech and high-tech devices, educators and parents can work alongside their children to develop strong writing skills, achieve greater independence, and improve their written communication skills.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)