03/05/2026

Posted By: DreamingCode Admin

Tags: InMyOwnWords

Hello, my name is Ashley. I am currently part of The Braille Cell, a certification program within OCE designed to train and certify Braille Transcribers. I'm on Lesson 18 of 20, and once I complete these lessons, I'll submit my 35-page manual to the Library of Congress. After that, I'll be eligible to earn additional certifications in Braille. The one I'm most excited about is becoming a certified grader, which will allow us to speed up turnaround times for grading other women's work in the program. I can also pursue certifications as a proofreader and in specialized areas like Math, Science, and Foreign Languages. There are so many different paths in this career!

Since joining the Braille program, I've regained a sense of purpose in my life. This work challenges my mind and keeps it sharp by teaching me something new every day. It gives me structure and routine, which is so important here. I never imagined I would have the chance to do something so meaningful while incarcerated. Being able to contribute to the visually impaired community in a real way means so much to me. I'm passionate about this work and excited about what it means for my future - not only while I'm here, but also after I'm released.

This opportunity came at the perfect time. I thought it would be incredible to join a program in its early stages and help build it from the ground up. I hope to stay involved long-term and see how far we can take it. We're constantly growing and evolving, and I work alongside amazing women who support each other through challenges and celebrate triumphs together.

I look forward to welcoming new participants and guiding them through the process. This is an incredible job with countless opportunities, both inside and outside these walls. I can't wait to see what the future holds - not just for me, but for this program as well.