Increasing the reading rate of Braille through telegraphic text and scaffolding

Abstract

Braille reading is a significantly slower process than sighted reading, but manipulations can be introduced to affect this speed (Knowlton & Wetzel, 1996). This study removed 20% of words within the text (known as telegraphic text) and provided context-based scaffolding to increase reading rate and maintain high levels of recall. Participants read six stories, were timed for reading rate, answered questions concerning details, and completed a demographic questionnaire about their reading experiences with Braille. Telegraphic text significantly increased reading rate and scaffolding significantly increased participants' memory for story details. Age, age of Braille acquisition, and age of blindness were negatively correlated with reading rate and amount of time spent using Braille was positively correlated with reading rate. User preference does not coincide with either speed or ability to recall story details. Implications for future research and applied technologies are discussed.