New braille teaching course for purchase

Simply Touch and Read (STAR) is the RNZFB's new braille teaching course for adults. STAR uses the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) to teach reading and writing of braille to adults by touch.

STAR emphasises practical application and is suitable for people who have prior knowledge of uncontracted braille and the ability to use a braille writing device.

The STAR pack

The STAR course contains five lesson books, each supported by a tutorial in DAISY audio format, a summary sign list and reading practice books. These complete a standard STAR course. A supplementary reference booklet with additional signs and an explanation of the differences between UEB and American braille is also included. You can also create your own additional braille practice materials using the STAR graduated tables in Duxbury (version 11).

Purchase the STAR pack

Overseas customers wishing to purchase STAR materials can email workflow.coordinator@rnzfb.org.nz or phone +64 9 355 6962 or +64 0800 24 33 33.

If you are a member of the RNZFB, you do not need to purchase these materials. If you're interested in learning braille, please phone us on 0800 24 33 33 and ask to have an assessment by your local adaptive communications instructor.

The STAR materials will be sent to you on CD for you to emboss yourself. We cannot supply hard copy braille, but hope the supplied files in Duxbury, BRF and Microsoft Word file formats will enable you to produce your own copies, according to the type of license you purchase from us. If you have purchased a license for multiple copies then identical copies can also be made of each audio CD. The following information details how many copies you can emboss.

STAR pack contents and charges

All prices are in New Zealand dollars.

Pack 1 contains:

Six audio CDs (lesson books one to five, as well as the supplementary book) and one CD of braille files (lesson books one to five, as well as the supplementary book).

• Permission to make one braille and audio copy: $200 plus postage.
• Permission to make five braille and audio copies: $500 plus postage.
• Permission to make 10 braille and audio copies: $800 plus postage.

Pack 2 contains:

One CD with 23 practice readers (as braille and MS Word files) as well as braille files for the five lists of braille signs.

• Permission to make one braille and print copy: $100 plus postage.
• Permission to make five braille and print copies: $250 plus postage.
• Permission to make 10 braille and print copies: $400 plus postage.

Pack one and two together:

• Permission to make one braille and audio copy: $300 plus postage.
• Permission to make five braille and audio copies: $750 plus postage.
• Permission to make 10 braille and audio copies: $1200 plus postage.