title: Parallel versus sequential processing in print and braille reading.
abstract: In the current study we investigated word, pseudoword and story reading in Dutch speaking braille and print readers. To examine developmental patterns, these reading skills were assessed in both children and adults. The results reveal that braille readers read less accurately and fast than print readers. While item length has no impact on word reading accuracy and speed in the group of print readers, it has a significant impact on reading accuracy and speed in the group of braille readers, particularly in the younger sample. This suggests that braille readers rely more strongly on an enduring sequential reading strategy. Comparison of the different reading tasks suggests that the advantage in accuracy and speed of reading in adult as compared to young braille readers is achieved through semantic top-down processing.
authors: Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 32-PO Box 3765, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Anneli.Veispak@ppw.kuleuven.be
authors: Anneli
authors: A
authors: Veispak
authors: Bart
authors: B
authors: Boets
authors: Pol
authors: P
authors: Ghesquière
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D011932:Reading; D012016:Reference Values; D012660:Semantics; D012682:Sensory Aids; D012691:Serial Learning; D014825:Vocabulary; D055815:Young Adult