Over the past 13 years, Casey has developed and implemented an innovative strategy called the Natural Order of Contractions (NOC) for braille literacy instruction. This strategy follows a natural learning progression, mirrors aspects of the Science of Reading, and utilizes multi-sensory engagement, structured discovery, and individualized support—yielding remarkable gains in braille fluency, comprehension, and confidence among learners.

What sets Casey’s work apart is not only the strategy, but the scalability and heart behind it. She has trained hundreds of educators and parents, and has collaborated with schools and universities across the country. Casey is well recognized as an authority on braille literacy, has presented at 14 state and national conferences, and is authoring a forthcoming foundational text and teacher’s guide that formalizes this approach. Outcomes consistently illustrate students are learning and retaining contractions more quickly and reading with greater joy and independence through implementation of the Natural Order of Contractions. Her passion to enter the blindness field was initiated by advocating for her niece who was born blind and struggled to achieve literacy, and continues as she empowers students to lead their own journey in literacy, and develop the self-efficacy to choose a life with no limits.

Innovation

Casey’s NOC strategy challenges the misconception that braille must be taught in a rigid, linear sequence. Traditional braille instruction often follows a rigid, letter-by-letter and teaching groups of contractions in isolation can be less meaningful and slow down learning. Casey Robertson’s NOC teaches braille in a natural order that follows how sighted peers learn to read—by recognizing patterns, meaning, and whole words, with the goal to read meaningful material as soon as possible. This aligns closely with the best practices in literacy, but has rarely been applied so effectively to braille education.

For instance, a first grader who loves horses would learn the specific contractions needed to read a short, engaging passage about horses—written with repetitive structure and high-interest vocabulary—which boosts motivation and accelerates mastery.

For adult learners, Casey’s method offers an empowering alternative to traditional Braille instruction, which can feel slow and disconnected from real-life needs. Instead of starting with abstract sequences, the NOC approach begins with relevant, meaningful content. For example, an adult learning braille to become more independent might start by learning the contractions found in a favorite recipe, a transit schedule, or a Bible passage—whatever aligns with their personal goals. By focusing on real-world application learners stay motivated, gain confidence quickly, and build literacy that supports immediate, practical independence. 

Students using Casey’s method read earlier, retain more, and show increased fluency and independence—often in half the time of traditional methods.

She also leverages technology and AI tools to support teachers, track progress, facilitate individualized instruction, and increase collaboration among the entire team. Her commitment to universal design and blind-positive pedagogy ensures that her approach is inclusive and empowering—not remedial.

Leadership

Beyond her teaching and curriculum development, Casey is a tireless advocate for braille literacy. She continues to mentor other teachers, train paraprofessionals, educate parents, and  present at conferences to share her resources widely. She is often found in classrooms and in homes —working hands-on with children and families to unlock each learner’s full potential. Her impact reverberates far beyond her direct students.

Collaboration

Casey is skilled in working with teachers in the field, and the families that they support to encourage a team-wide approach to robust braille literacy instruction for students. See the current collaborations page for more information.