Factors related to braille reading acquisition among aging braille learners

Abstract

The prevalence of older adults with acquired vision loss is expected to double by 2050 as life expectancy continues to increase, and reading difficulties remain the most common reason for referral to vision rehabilitation services. Refreshable braille technologies provide expanded access to information in braille, and may be beneficial to older adults who experience age-related declines in tactile acuity. Despite this, very little is known about the impact of aging on braille reading, how reading performance differs between hardcopy and electronic refreshable braille, or whether such technologies would improve training outcomes for older adults who pursue braille training. The goal of this research is to answer fundamental questions about aging on braille reading performance through both traditional and technological methods and to explore whether use of refreshable braille technologies within training interventions would help to better meet the unique needs of a quickly aging population.