From Alan Bartlett, Boronia, Australia:

I am fascinated and also saddened to read about the Ziegler's falling braille circulation. Braille is still the only true form of literacy for those who can no longer see enough to use print. A colleague said to me the other day that since losing his sight, he had forgotten how words looked. He was just starting braille and had been using a screen-reader for his work. Braille gave him the opportunity to see words again. He also pointed out that when you read with braille, you can hear the reading voice in your head, as when reading print.

I know braille is not for everyone, but it has its benefits. It is similar to reading lips as opposed to sign language for hearing-impaired people. I've heard debate about that issue as well. Braille definitely gives a person independence in interpretation of any material. It is not faster than, or as efficient as, electronic screen-readers. In favor of braille is the satisfaction it gives the reader. I would not be able to read music, label items or give speeches if I did not have braille as one of my literacy tools. I would be interested to hear about how popular electronic braille is becoming. Has the high cost of refreshable braille displays put people off using the format electronically?

I think braille is a wonderful, modern language invented by a genius. If blind people don't use braille, it may become a dead language--that would be very sad. I am enthusiastic about braille, and it has been a life-saver to me over the years since I lost my sight. That includes being able to read the Ziegler Magazine.