Chayla Robles’s Story with Braille and Accessibility

Braille is more than just a system of raised dots—it’s a gateway to literacy, independence, and opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision. In the latest episode of the Envision Podcast, community specialist Charmaine sits down with Chayla Robles, an Envision Glasses user and certified braille transcriber, to discuss her lifelong connection with braille and its impact on her life.

Discovering Braille Through Play

Chayla’s journey with braille began at the young age of three. Unlike traditional classroom learning, her first experiences with braille were interactive and playful. Her teacher, Dr. Bill Hawkins, introduced her to braille using a tin tray with six holes that simulated a braille cell. Instead of simply teaching letters, he made the experience fun—placing M&Ms or Cheetos in the tray to represent braille dots. Every time she correctly identified a letter, she’d get to eat the treat, reinforcing her excitement for learning. This hands-on approach not only made braille enjoyable but also built the foundation for her literacy and independence.

Braille and Mobility: A Life of Independence

Learning braille early on helped Chayla navigate the world with confidence. In preschool, she developed essential mobility skills alongside braille literacy—something that was considered unconventional in the 1980s. She recalls how her teacher used music as a tool for orientation, playing “I Can’t Get Started” by Bunny Berigan as a guiding sound. Through these experiences, she gained an early understanding of echolocation and independent travel, skills that would serve her well throughout her life.

From Braille Reader to Transcriber

Chayla’s love for braille eventually led her to become a certified transcriber. However, this wasn’t part of her original career plan. After facing challenges in finding employment due to discrimination, she found her way into braille transcription through word of mouth. A teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) introduced her to a position where she could proofread and transcribe braille materials for students. Despite the long and complex commute—requiring four different modes of transportation—Chayla loved her work. The experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges of providing accessible materials in a timely manner, something she had experienced as a student herself.

Her dedication paid off when, after nearly three years of study, she earned her certification in braille transcription from the National Library Service (NLS). Now, as a certified transcriber, she plays an essential role in making information accessible for future generations of braille readers.

Braille in Everyday Life

Beyond books and academic materials, braille can be found in public spaces, menus, elevators, and even unexpected places. One of Chayla’s favorite braille discoveries was a fortune cookie with a braille message inside—a rare and delightful surprise. Another memorable moment was finding an emergency evacuation guide in braille on a train. These encounters highlight the growing awareness of the importance of braille in everyday life.

Labeling with Braille: A Practical Approach

For people who are blind or have low vision, braille is often used for labeling household items. Since space is limited, many braille users develop their own shorthand systems. Chayla, for example, labels her valve oil and slide grease for her trumpet with simple abbreviations like “GR” for grease and “O” for oil. For medications, she recommends using the first two letters of the drug’s name, making it quick and easy to identify the correct bottle by touch.

Braille, Envision Glasses, and the Future

With the advancement of AI-powered technology like Envision Glasses, people who are blind or have low vision now have more ways to access information. However, Chayla emphasizes that braille remains an irreplaceable tool, especially for literacy and personal organization. The ability to read independently, take notes, and label items is still essential, and technology can complement, but not replace, the value of braille.

Braille and Technology: A Powerful Partnership

Chayla’s story is a testament to the impact of braille in fostering independence and accessibility. From learning through play as a child to becoming a professional transcriber, braille has shaped her journey in profound ways. As technology like Envision Glasses continues to advance, it serves as a valuable complement to braille, but never a replacement.

To hear more about Chayla’s journey and her insights on braille, listen to the full episode of the Envision Podcast. Let’s continue the conversation and celebrate the impact of braille in our communities!

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