Regional Basic BrailleNote Workshop Training for Teachers and Parents

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is for teachers (VI), paraprofessionals and parents who are involved with students who are BrailleNote or VoiceNote users, and would like to enhance or develop their knowledge and skills of the BrailleNote. This workshop would also be useful for adults and/or college students who are supporting students who are utilizing the BrailleNote in classroom work.

For more details, download the BrailleNote workshop outline.

What do you need to know about the BrailleNote before taking this workshop?

This workshop is designed for anyone who has no knowledge (or very little knowledge) of the Braille Note and would like to learn how to teach this device to students and/or brush up on their skills.

What is the purpose of this workshop?

This workshop has three primary purposes.

1. To teach you the basics of the BrailleNote so that in turn you will be able to instruct your students. Skills would include:
   • Web Braille
   • accessing the Internet
   • accessing the media player and media recorder
   • using the bookreader
   • setting up appointments and using the address book.
     
     (A more advance workshop will be developed specifically for those students who are ready to learn advance skills about the BrailleNote)
2. To develop and/or enhance your knowledge and skills of the BrailleNote.
3. To provide you with tools that will support you in teaching students the BrailleNote (or VoiceNote).

What resources will you have to take home at the end of the workshop?

• A curriculum Module that gives specific instructions on how to teach the BrailleNote
• Handouts and tip sheets

What is the length of this workshop?

This workshop is 2 days in length. Your workshop can either be two consecutive days back-to-back, or you may wish to take the final day about a week following the first session.

Who can I contact if I have questions following the class?

Once you have completed the workshop you will be added to a listserv. This listserv will be a format to share successes and challenges with others who have taken this workshop. Instructors of this workshop will also monitor the listserv and provide answers and tips to questions posted. Only those individuals who have completed the BrailleNote workshop will be added to this listserv.

How many people are needed to schedule a workshop in my area?

Four people need to register for a workshop in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne ISD. Please remember each participant must bring his/her own BrailleNote (or VoiceNote) to the workshop. In all other areas of the state there is a minimum requirement of two people to register for the class.

How much does this class cost?

The workshop is $50 for teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel. The cost for parents and college students is $25. Scholarships are available for family members who meet the financial need criteria. Please see our scholarship information page for more information regarding the scholarships. The cost includes all materials, 11 hours of instruction, and lunch.

How do I get a workshop scheduled in my area?

If you have the minimum number of participants required to hold the workshop complete the interest form. If you would like to have a workshop in your area and do not have the minimum number please complete the interest form and MDE-LIO staff will look for other people in your area to take the class.

Where will the workshop be held?

Once we have the minimum number of participants who have registered for a workshop in your area staff from MDE-LIO will make arrangements for a room in your area for the workshop. You will need to provide an embosser, printer, and your own BrailleNote (or VoiceNote).

Are Michigan State Board of Education CEU’s or ACVREP Credits available?

SBE CEU’s will be available upon request. When SBE CEU’s are requested there will be a delay in providing the workshop (about 45 days). This delay is required by the Department of Education to process the request for CEU’s.

ACVREP Credits will also be available upon request. There will be approximately a 30 day delay in providing the workshop due to the time needed to process the request for the credits. There will be a fee of $15.00, in addition to your registration for the ACVREP Credits.

For more information

For more information, contact msdb-outreach@michigan.gov or call (888) 760-2206.