Finger Sensitivity

f you are thinking about learning braille, effective finger sensitivity is important, but equally important is being able to memorize new information, to have a good reason for using braille, and to have the patience to master a new kind of language.

Finger sensitivity varies from person to person. Most people, unless they have repeatedly injured their fingers in occupations that have caused calluses, burns or other damage, have enough sensitivity to read braille.

Some health conditions, such as diabetes, and some medications can cause neuropathy (loss of sensation) in the fingers, which could cause difficulties in reading braille. Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause neuropathy and/or "tingling"). Here's a link to a list of these Medications or Substances causing Tingling.

Braille

Braille is often read with the pad of the index fingers, but other fingers can be used and might, in fact, be more sensitive than the index fingers. There is also a 'jumbo-sized' braille that is larger than the regular-sized braille, and some people find this easier to read.

Many of the newer braille instructional books now begin with sensory exercises so you can assess your own ability to feel raised or embossed shapes, and tell the difference between different patterns of dots and sizes of symbols in preparation for actually learning braille. You can also be tested for 'finger sensitivity.' Tests include a two-point touch test, a pressure anesthesiometer[link opens in new window], and a Roughness Discrimination test. These tests and others are used by health care professionals, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists.