In the realm of visual impairment education, mastering Unified English Braille (UEB) stands as a gateway to independence, literacy, and accessibility. The UEB Online training program, administered by the NextSense Institute, emerges as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, designed to empower educators, parents, and other allied health individuals with the proficiency required to navigate the braille landscape with confidence and ease. This website offers online training programs and competency exams in braille literacy and mathematics using the Unified English Braille (UEB) code. This blog explores the UEB Online training program, its unique offerings, and the myriad benefits it brings to the table.
What is UEB Online?
UEB Online is more than just an e-learning platform; it's a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of braille. The UEB Online training programs and competency exams are suitable for anyone who wants to learn and teach braille. This includes educators, families, allied health professionals, and administrators and decision makers who promote the use of braille as a medium for information access and communication. The purpose of the UEB Online website is to provide systematic instruction and accreditation in UEB for people worldwide who are teaching and promoting braille for persons with blindness, low vision, and deafblindness.
The UEB Online training programs and competency exams are suitable for anyone who wants to learn and teach braille. This includes educators, families, allied health professionals, and administrators and decision makers who promote the use of braille as a medium for information access and communication. Its holistic approach ensures that participants gain not just an ability to read and write in braille but a profound comprehension of the structure, formatting, and the very principles that underlie braille literacy.
Website Accessibility Options
UEB Online has been created using accessible, inclusive digital technologies that enable equitable information access for all.
Visual access mode: For people with sufficient sight to access regular sized print-based information on the website,
High contrast mode: For people with low vision who wish to adjust the font size, background colour or text colour,
Non-Visual access mode: For people who wish to use a screen reader for accessing website information.
The Holistic Curriculum of UEB Online
Self-Paced, In-Depth Learning: UEB Online respects the individual's learning pace, accommodating various schedules and learning styles, ensuring that each concept, from the basics to more complex ideas, is fully understood.
Beyond the Code: While mastering the UEB code is vital, UEB Online emphasises the importance of understanding braille formatting and literacy rules. This knowledge is crucial for effective communication and accessibility, allowing for a richer, more nuanced understanding and use of braille.
Interactive and Engaging: The program's interactive exercises and quizzes encourage immediate application of learned concepts, reinforcing knowledge and ensuring that learners are well-equipped to use braille in real-world contexts.
Designed for Accessibility: With features tailored for the visually impaired, UEB Online provides an accessible learning environment, making braille literacy attainable for all.
Certification and Validation: Completion of the program offers certification, endorsing the learner's proficiency in not just the UEB code but in the comprehensive use of braille.
The Impact of Comprehensive Braille Literacy
Empowerment: A thorough understanding of both the UEB code and braille formatting rules empowers individuals to navigate, interpret, and create braille texts effectively, opening up a world of information and opportunity.
Enhanced Teaching and Learning: For educators and parents, a deep knowledge of braille literacy and formatting enhances their ability to support learners, promoting a more inclusive and effective educational environment.
Greater Independence: Comprehensive braille literacy enables individuals to access a broader range of written materials, fostering greater independence and participation in both academic and everyday activities.
Promoting Inclusivity: By advocating for a complete understanding of braille literacy, UEB Online contributes to a more inclusive society where information and communication barriers are minimised.
As explained on the UEB Online website, available training programs are:
UEB Literacy Training Program consists of two modules that, together, address the literacy aspects of Unified English Braille. Module 1 presents lessons 1-14, and Module 2 presents lessons 15-31.
UEB Introductory Mathematics Training Program is presented as ten lessons that address mathematics symbols and expressions that are encountered during the primary years of schooling. It is recommended that the UEB Literacy modules are completed prior to commencing UEB Introductory Mathematics.
UEB Advanced Mathematics Training Program consists of ten lessons that address mathematics symbols and expressions that are encountered during the junior years of secondary schooling. The UEB Introductory Mathematics topic must be completed before commencing the UEB Extension Mathematics topic.
UEB Extension Mathematics Training Program consists of ten lessons that address mathematics symbols and expressions that are encountered during the senior years of secondary schooling. Both the UEB Introductory Mathematics and UEB Advanced Mathematics topics must be completed before commencing the UEB Extension Mathematics topic.
Available competency exams are:
UEB Literary Competency Exam consists of two parts, a 1000 word translation of print into braille and 20 multiple choice questions. A Certificate of Competency in Unified English Braille (Literary) is awarded on successful completion of both parts of the exam.
UEB Introductory Mathematics Competency Exam consists of 40 questions translating print mathematical expressions and symbols encountered during the primary years of schooling into braille. A Certificate of Competency in Unified English Braille (Introductory Mathematics) is awarded on successful completion of the exam.
UEB Advanced Mathematics Competency Exam consists of 40 questions translating print mathematical expressions and symbols encountered during the junior secondary years of schooling into braille. A Certificate of Competency in Unified English Braille (Advanced Mathematics) is awarded on successful completion of the exam.
UEB Extension Mathematics Competency Exam consists of 40 questions translating print mathematical expressions and symbols encountered during the senior secondary years of schooling into braille. A Certificate of Competency in Unified English Braille (Extension Mathematics) is awarded on successful completion of the exam.
The UEB Online training program transcends the basics of learning braille by advocating for a comprehensive understanding of braille literacy and formatting. This not only enriches the learning experience but also amplifies the impact of braille as a tool for independence and empowerment. By embracing the full spectrum of braille literacy, individuals are better equipped to explore, engage with, and contribute to the world around them, making UEB Online a cornerstone in the journey towards a more inclusive future. To access and register for the UEB Online Training Program, please click here.
Thanks for reading!
Jax@TactileCollective
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