Louis Braille School

To some, Valentines Day is a day of romance. To others, it is a day of just the ordinary. The Seattle Area Delta Gamma Alumnae Group and members of the Delta Gamma sorority at the University of Washington made Valentines Day extraordinary for the children at Louis Braille School by presenting them with valentines that are truly a work of art.

As I write this article, I have before me one of the large valentines that were made with love and care. I feel a variety of textures. I happen to love things with texture. I especially love the fluted borders on the edges of the large sheet of heavy paper on which the valentine was made.

The valentine is filled with an enticing variety of textures that encourages me to explore further. I feel hearts on the card made of items such as pasta, sandpaper, and embossed paper. Rice is also used for texture, and even faux fur. Sound is included with a string of jingle bells that trims one side of the card.

Because at one time I could see color, I keep asking a co-worker, “What color is this?” I  love the red traditionally used for valentines and the shades of blue.

The DGs didn’t miss a thing. What a unique treat they prepared for those whose eyes do not see.

The technique used for these valentines could be adapted to all sorts of occasions. What a difference a card made with such loving care could make for someone! The card will keep on living long after the event has passed.

For more about Delta Gamma and its philanthropic focus on sight conservation and aid to the blind, visit www.seattledg.com

Curley Cooke and Annette Tayborn of Blues in the Schools returned to the Louis Braille School for a rousing, interactive performance. Curley sang and played his guitar. Annette backed him up with vocals and her blues-harmonica.

Joining Louis Braille School students for the performance was Ms.Hogue’s second-grade class from Maplewood Elementary School in Edmonds

Curley talked to the children about harmony. He asked the students what harmony meant to them, and they gave answers such as “not fighting, living in peace, and getting along.” Curley then related these fine definitions of harmony to music. He played the guitar and, using the strings, gave samples of both harmonious and dissonant sounds.

Curley and Annette also taught what they called “sing and response.” This is where Annette would sing and the children would then sing back the same words. One song the children particularly enjoyed was “Moon Don’t Go.”

The children enjoyed learning that they, too, could easily write blues songs. Curley explained that song writing is easy for almost anyone and encouraged them make up words while he played his guitar.

The foot-stamping, clapping, rousing performance ended with a request from the audience for “Hound Dog,” a song made popular in the 1950s by Elvis Presley. That brought the house down!!

Truly it was a day for all to remember. The blues can make you happy.

On January 12, 2008, Louis Braille School staff members Carolyn, Christina, Janie, and guide dog Tammy participated in the “Touch to See” program at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, Washington.

Janie read a short story about Sarah and her guide dog Perry. It was exciting for the children, for some had never seen or felt the touch of braille. A child asked,”How will Janie read when she can’t see?” Many of the children had no idea. The book was passed around for them all to literally see and feel, for the book not only had braille but also was filled with colorful pictures for them to enjoy! It really was a touching experience for everyone.

Janie then gave a short example of obedience with Tammy and answered questions. She demonstrated one of the ways Tammy helps her by saying, “Tammy, find the door.” Tammy immediately led Janie to the door leading out of the room.

Carolyn and Christina showed museum visitors how to write their names in braille on a braille writer. It was good to hear the sound of the braille writers as the children busily worked away. They also explored a talking calculator and a talking watch. These experiences helped the children to better understand what a blind person truly experiences.

The Louis Braille School provided sheets of real braille for the children to finger paint on. Finger painting is something they love to do, but on top of braille . . .  Wow! How good is that!

This truly was an enlightening event for all. Whether we are blind or sighted, touching, seeing, believing, and living is what it is all about.

The Imagine Children’s Museum is quite an adventure. You just never know what you will encounter. It is an exciting outlet for the children and keeps them greatly occupied with all sorts of educational and creative activities!

For more information about the Museum and its many activities, visit www.imaginecm.org/