Access, Literacy, and Learning: The Assistive Technology Center and Why Braille Matters

Using the Comparative Literature course CompLit 133x: Why Braille Matters as a case study, this event will showcase how assistive technologies enable deeper engagement with reading and writing systems, expand access for blind and low-vision students, and enrich the learning experience for the entire class.

Co-taught by Katie Sevier (now a doctoral student at HGSE) and Professor Emeritus Marc Shell, Why Braille Matters introduces students to tactile reading and writing systems, the history and applications of Braille, and the ways Braille reshapes how we think about literature, the brain, and accessibility.

During this event, attendees will:

• Hear from Professor Marc Shell and Katie Sevier about the course and their work with the ATC.
• Learn from Tanya Washburn how the ATC supported the course, from Braille training to accessible course design.
• Explore tactile tools and materials used to learn and produce Braille.
• Learn how the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework can inform more inclusive course and activity design.

We hope you will join us for this opportunity to learn more about Braille, assistive technologies, and inclusive course design at Harvard.

Open to all Harvard affiliates (HUID required for access to Lamont Library). Light refreshments will be served.