Louis Braille
Introduction:
Louis Braille is a hero for the blind and visually impaired. The blind and visually impaired had suffered isolation from society for a long time. This had kept them from becoming fullly contributing members of society. The courage and dedication of a few individuals has changed that. Louis Braille was such a person.
Questions:
1. Where was Louis Braille from and when did he live?
2. What was his father's profession?
3. How did he lose his eyesight at such a young age ?
4. How did he get into the Royal Institute for the Blind Youth?
5. What instruments did he excel at playing in spite of his disability?
6. Who was Valentine Hauy?
7. What is the Charles Barbier "nightwriting" system?
8. At what age did he complete the Braille system?
9. Who was Pierre Foucault?
10. What is Louis Braille's legacy? Where does his work stand today ?
Internet Resources:
Louis Braille: The Inventor of Print for the Blind
What the Blind Can See
Louis Braille
Invention
Teaching Math to Visually Impaired
Louis Braille: Books
Mathematics
Music Braille
Braille Music
Activities:
1. Print a card of Braille's Alphabet
2. Show the notation for math and music.
3. Look for the other examples in any field where necessity was the mother of invention.
4. Select a book about Louis Braille to recommend for reading.
5. Create a timeline in the evolution of the reading system for the blind.
Michel Daudin, French Teacher, Suzanne Tran, AP Student, collaborated to develop this web hunt.