Save, spend, and be charitable. Can you do that in the dark?

Three Cups is a simple and sweet picture book that I stumbled across without pictures, because my copy was in braille. Yet even without images the narrative evokes a tangible way for students with low vision or blindness to relate to money and how to manage this resource. One cup for saving, one cup for spending, and one cup for charity.

http://www.3cupsbook.com/

I look forward to expanding my thoughts on the topic by sharing resources on money management with the angle of accessibility, as in using the Cranmer Abacus, Braille, or other preparation that a TVI would make. TVI stands for Teacher for the Visually Impaired.

Some concepts that need explaining: the Cranmer Abacus is different from the typical abacus, because the beads do not slide up and down according to gravity. Instead, the beads may be adjusted by touch, but, are held in place by a velvety backing similar to the felt top of tables used for playing cards or dice. Braille is a form of writing that usually fits under one finger tip with six dots, or sometimes eight dots, depending on the system or code. Visually Impaired: visual impairment includes but is not limited to being “in the dark,” since vision loss may impact the individual with some change in light perception, glare in the presence of light (think about trying to sail into the sunrise), limited peripheral vision, spotty vision, or other conditions. 

So, no need to put on a “bird box” challenge of a handkerchief over your eyes.  You might just place some clear contact paper on a pair of safety goggles and try to see through that as well. Now then, set your abacus for $100 divided by 3. Well that doesn’t divide as neatly for a beginner, how about $99 divided by 3, that’s $33, right?

Then, adjust for that “extra” dollar by putting it into saving.

Terrific, you’ve done 1/3 or one-thirds for each cup. Write that in Braille.

While you’re at it, clear your abacus and write 1/3 on your abacus.

Learning a new skill is worth the effort, especially the skill of learning how to manage your resources. Whether your vision is blurry or darkened, your understanding can be clear and tangible! It may just take some practice.