VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 1
dual O&M/VIL program, which is completed in three to four years. We
anticipate an increase in students seeking the dual credential.
Current Research and Community Outreach
One aspect of Lawson's scholarly agenda is creating open source
technology to promote braille literacy while incorporating Universal Design
principles. This is realized through Unified English Braille using a Powerful
and Responsive eLearning Platform (UEB PREP, 2014) – a project funded
by the Rehabilitation Services Administration ($550,000.00). As Co-PI,
Lawson led the braille curriculum development process, consulted regularly
with the software development team, and, along with Co-PI, Dr. Sennott
designed an innovative, accessible braille eLearning platform. It was field
tested four times by PSU teacher candidates enrolled in their first braille
course across three cohorts of students. In addition, Lawson mentored
three candidates with their master's thesis who conducted a usability study
on the UEBPrep app with four parents of young braille learners. After
numerous iterations of the braille learning tool, version 1.1.0 of the iOS app
was launched in September 2019. The first course, Braille for You and Me,
is targeted specifically for family members. UEBPrep represents a unique
braille learning app that allows users to read and write in braille and
complete short gaming exercises on a mobile device. Within one week of
