A 3 year project to develop a beginning braille reading series was undertaken, beginning with research reviews on concept development, tactual perception, braille reading, and general reading. Analysis of vocabulary lists and specifications followed, culminating in development of the readiness, preprimer, and primer readers with accompanying workbooks and teacher editions. Materials were reviewed by a consulting committee and field trials were completed in seven public and residential sites before final review and revision. In addition, criteron referenced tests were developed to accompany each level of the program. The resulting series, "Patterns: The Primary Braille Reading Program," may help to meet the needs of beginning braille readers. (CL)