Braille

Qualification Level

We are proud to be the only organisation in the UK to offer accredited BTEC qualifications in Braille:

BTEC Level 1 Award in Uncontracted Braille for Touch Readers or Sight Readers
BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Contracted Braille for Touch Readers or Sight Readers
BTEC Level 3 Award in Applied Contracted Braille for Touch Readers or Sight Readers

Please note, these are recognised BTEC qualifications, however, they are not regulated by Ofqual or any other regulatory body.

What does the course involve?

Level 1:
Learning uncontracted Braille gives you the opportunity to develop the touch-reading and writing skills needed to recognise and produce the letters of the alphabet, full stop, capital letter sign and numbers. At the completion of the course you will also be able to produce Braille labels which will enhance your independence.
  
Level 2:
Learning contracted Braille is an essential skill for those with a visual impairment or a deteriorating eye condition. Being able to read and write contracted Braille restores confidence and self-esteem by providing you with an alternative and/or additional reading, writing and study medium.

Level 3:
This qualification enables you to become familiar with the more complex rules that govern the contracted Braille code and provides practice in the correct application of these rules. It focuses on the development of proofreading skills and the ability to produce accurate, correctly formatted written work.

Requirements

Level 1 (uncontracted) – no qualifications or previous knowledge of Braille is required
Level 2 (contracted) – you will need to be able to read and write uncontracted Braille
Level 3 – you will need to be fluent and accurate when reading and writing contracted Braille

Teaching Methods

Braille tuition is provided by experienced, specialist teachers on a one-to-one basis. Lessons are individually tailored to each student so you learn at your own pace, which is closely monitored by the teacher.

Assessment Methods

Standardised assessments covering your knowledge, writing and reading of Braille are carried out at regular intervals throughout the course.

Duration

Dependent on qualification and individual ability.

Where will it take me?

Braille enhances independence when progressing to Higher Education or future employment, empowering those with a visual impairment to compete and succeed in the sighted world. Possible career paths include: teacher of Braille; support worker or translator.