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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

The Braille Literacy Advisory Council

The Braille Literacy Advisory Council was established by state law in 1996. The council consists of nine members including those with experience and expertise in using computer technology for the production of Braille, educators of students with visual impairments, parents of a blind child, blind persons who are regular and effective users of Braille, and representatives of advocacy organizations of blind persons. The council will discuss and provide recommendations on topics such as Braille instruction, literacy assessment for students with visual impairments, teacher certification and recertification, MCAS testing, and availability of instructional materials and Braille production activities. The council works in partnership with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and DESE.

Massachusetts Unified English Braille (UEB) State Implementation Plan
In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) as an official braille code for the United States. The Braille Literacy Advisory Council (BrLAC) was charged with developing a plan for approval by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regarding the implementation of UEB in Massachusetts.

Meeting Schedule

DateTimeLocation
March 19, 20243:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
October 17, 20233:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
June 6, 20233:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
March 14, 20233:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
January 10, 20233:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
October 4, 20223:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting
June 7, 20223:15 – 5:00 pmZoom virtual meeting

Committee Members

Name TitleTown
Wendy BuckleyEducatorWatertown, MA
Kim Charlsonconsumer rep/BSCBWatertown, MA
Katherine CrohanBraille readerArlington, MA
Shuai LiParentNewton, MA
Amy Ruellconsumer representative/NFBMHingham, MA
Amber PearcyBraille producerAllston, MA
Ms. Katrena Traut-SavinoTVISharon, MA
Joseph WeisseBraille readerNatick, MA
Jessica WetzelParentWoburn, MA

Contact

Martha Daigle
Family Engagement Coordinator, Special Education Planning & Policy
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
mdaigle@doe.mass.edu
781-338-3366

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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