How Many Braille Readers? Policy, Politics, and Perception

Autor/inn/en	Sheffield, Rebecca M.; D'Andrea, Frances M.; Morash, Valerie; Chatfield, Sarah
Titel	How Many Braille Readers? Policy, Politics, and Perception
Quelle	In: Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 116 (2022) 1, S.14-25 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (D'Andrea, Frances M.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0145-482X
DOI	10.1177/0145482X211071125
Schlagwörter	Braille; Visual Impairments; Literacy; Blindness; Peer Evaluation; Journal Articles; Citations (References); Reading Materials; Statistics; Primary Sources; Partial Vision; Vocabulary; Policy + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Visual handicap; Sehbehinderung; Alphabetisierung; Schreib- und Lesefähigkeit; Blindheit; Journal article; Zeitschriftenaufsatz; Citations; Zitat; Statistik; Primärquelle; Wortschatz; Politik
Abstract	Introduction: This study involved a systematic literature review to document the sources behind publications and citations that comprise knowledge about rates of braille usage/literacy among people with visual impairments in the United States. Methods: Predefined search criteria were used to extract publications that potentially mentioned claims about braille literacy and usage rates, dating back as far as the early 20th century. Systematic analyses narrowed the set of publications to a collection of 95 articles and manuscripts that made specific statements about the prevalence of braille readership. Results: The analysis revealed that even in peer-reviewed publications, many claims about braille literacy are made without citations to dependable sources. All identified citations used as the basis for braille literacy rates since the 1970s can be traced back to two primary sources: a National Library Service report from 1979 and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota data (which should not be used as a source for braille literacy rates). Discussion: This research explains the source of the often-cited "10%" statistic. The findings also challenge the field to question the bases for statements about braille literacy rates, including asking, "What do we mean by braille literacy?" Implications for Practitioners: There is no current source of data that succinctly measures braille literacy rates in the United States, and there are no data that explain whether braille literacy rates are rising or declining. Making effective, data-based decisions requires asking the right questions and being informed readers of research in the field of visual impairment. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01