Braille more than a language lesson for Collierville students
Fifth-grader Aalando Perry uses ping-pong balls while learning Braille on Thursday, Feb. 4, at Tara Oaks Elementary. Classmates of Aalando’s, who has lost most of his vision, asked to learn Braille also, as a way to encourage him. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Fifth-grader Hudson Talbot uses a paper keyboard while learning Braille on Thursday, Feb. 4, at Tara Oaks Elementary. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Collierville Schools’ vision specialist Lou Harber teaches fifth-graders at Tara Oaks Elementary on Thursday, Feb. 4. She visits the class twice a week to help the students learn Braille. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Fifth-grader Aalando Perry jokes with teacher’s assistant Heather Hollaway during class on Thursday, Feb. 4,. Aalando, who is visually impaired, spends most of his schoolday with Hollaway at his side. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Aalando Perry is guided by his classmates and best friends Cade Vanzant (left) and Hudson Talbot (right) as vision specialist Lou Harber walks with them on Thursday, Feb. 4, at Tara Oaks Elementary. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Mailan Pence uses ping-pong balls while learning Braille on Thursday, Feb. 4, at Tara Oaks Elementary. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
When Shelandra Ford took her visually impaired grandson to Tara Oaks Elementary School, she found not only needed educational supports but a loving community as well. Now a group of fifth-graders are learning Braille alongside their friend.
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Collierville Collierville Schools Tara Oaks Elementary Braille marfan syndromeAbigail Warren
Abigail Warren is a lifelong resident of Shelby County and a graduate of the University of Memphis. She has worked for several local publications and covers the suburbs for The Daily Memphian.
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