Dripping Springs ISD implements braille course for visually impaired students

To support a student with failing vision, the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees approved a new course that teaches braille, a writing system used by the visually impaired.

Explained

The course will “provide instruction in pre-braille skills, tactual discrimination, the reading and writing of the braille code, and the development of efficient braille reading, including fluency and comprehension,” according to the Texas Education Agency.

This is an innovative course, meaning Texas districts can offer it to students outside of the required curriculum with board approval. Students will receive elective credit for the course, and it can’t be adjusted or rewritten by the district, according to the TEA.

Quote of note

“It’s emotional,” board member Olivia Barnard said. “It says a lot about the district to make sure that we have every child’s needs met, and I think that we’re making that move for [this student]. It’s really wonderful.”

What’s next

Only one student is enrolled in the course for next school year and will be taught by Gretchen Douglas, DSISD teacher of the visually impaired.

The district will continue to monitor if the course would be provided to more students.

To learn more about the curriculum, click here.