National Prior Tactile Pre Braille Learning Day
National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about pre-braille skills and their importance in preparing visually impaired and blind children for braille literacy. It emphasizes tactile learning through simplified letter shapes, helping children develop fine motor skills, letter recognition, and phonics understanding as a foundation for future braille learning.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 26
- Tagged as: Education, Accessibility, Visual Impairment Awareness
- What’s the hashtag?: #PRIORTactileLearning
- When was it founded?: 2023
- Who founded it?: Jade Kathryn Prior-Smith
History of National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day
The day was first celebrated in 2023 at The Royal School for the Blind Liverpool. It was initiated by Jade Kathryn Prior-Smith on her 30th birthday to highlight the importance of tactile pre-braille learning. The PRIOR system, named after her family surname, introduces visually impaired children to tactile letter shapes using a five-stage development model focused on sensory play and motor skills.
Timeline
- 2023: National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day is first celebrated.
- 2024: The day gains international recognition through educational activities.
- 2025: Schools worldwide adopt PRIOR-based activities to promote inclusion.
- 2026: The hashtag #PRIORTactileLearning trends globally on social media.
- 2027: New tactile learning resources are launched to support the initiative.
- 2028: The day becomes a staple in educational calendars for inclusivity.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 26 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | September 26 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | September 26 | Thursday |
Observed
National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day is observed with creative and inclusive activities such as tactile scavenger hunts, PRIOR-themed crafts, and sensory play. Schools and communities engage in awareness campaigns to highlight the significance of early tactile learning for visually impaired children.
Fun Facts About National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day
- The term “PRIOR” stands for Play/Participation, Realisation, Identification, Orientation, and Recognition/Refine.
- The system simplifies braille dot formations into tactile shapes accessible to young learners.
- It was inspired by the founder’s passion for making literacy accessible to all children.
Quiz
- What does PRIOR stand for?
- When is National Prior Tactile Pre-Braille Learning Day celebrated?
- Who founded this special day?
(Answers: 1. Play/Participation, Realisation, Identification, Orientation, Recognition/Refine; 2. September 26; 3. Jade Kathryn Prior-Smith)
FAQs
- Why is pre-braille learning important?
Pre-braille skills help children develop the tactile awareness and motor skills necessary for braille literacy. - How can schools participate in this day?
Schools can organize sensory activities, create tactile displays, and promote inclusive education. - What resources are available for teaching pre-braille skills?
Various tactile learning kits and free resources are available online to support educators and parents.
Related
- World Braille Day (January 4)
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Inclusive Education Initiatives
