As with learning anything new, it's a plus if you have a family member or friend learning braille along with?you.??The?braille alphabet is easily learned. And the alphabet is all they would need to know to write a note to you, or to read a message from you.? By learning together you are providing each other with moral support and you can make the learning of the alphabet a fun project.? You can write notes to each other and check each other's progress — and celebrate the gaining of new skills.? But try to avoid the guilt trip of expecting that your family or friends 'will' or 'should' learn braille…much better to wait until they want to learn rather than feeling they 'have to'…? Maybe by you making a start to positively tackle a new area of study, ?it will encourage them to follow suit!

As mentioned in "What Is Braille?" the following web sites can help you get started in learning the braille system:?[all of these sites open in a new window] American Foundation for the Blind "Reading and Writing"; National Federation of the Blind "Learning Braille"; and The Hadley School.?

Alternatively, you can learn by the 'Touch to See' method or the more expensive method of the Braille Master 'Talking Braille Tutor'? (see Independent Living or Maxi-Aids web sites for these and other options). And, remember, if you have grandchildren or other young ones in your family who would like to learn braille, the American Foundation for the Blind's Braille Bug Site is a fun way to start!