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Braille Displays VS Notetakers

Everything you need to know

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MEET THE PRESENTERS

Brittney Walters

Assistive Technology Instructor

Megan Aragon

Technology Services Administrator

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Describe how braille displays & notetakers are different
  • Determine when to introduce braille devices to new learners
  • Give two scenarios suited for each type of braille device
  • Access two braille device skill building resources

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BACKGROUND �MAKING THE CASE FOR BRAILLE DEVICES

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PREVALENCE OF BRAILLE READERS

< 10%

read braille

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READING SPEED

Method

Average WPM

Sight

238 to 2601

Braille

70 to 1002

Screen

Reader

334 (visually impaired users)

297 (sighted users) 3

See slide notes for sources.

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EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES & BRAILLE

NON-BRAILLE READERS

​

44% employed

$34.8 K avg. salary

​

BRAILLE READERS

​

58% employed

$45.9 K avg. salary

37% of people who are blind are employed

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PREVALENCE OF BRAILLE READERS

+ $11,000

annually

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MAKING THE CASE

  • Power of choice
  • Efficient editing & proofing
  • Combine` QWERTY & Perkins commands
  • Better focus with quiet, braille-only option
  • Mainstream tech with medium of choice
  • Empower deafblind community
  • Employment correlation

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DEEP DIVE�DISPLAYS & NOTETAKERS

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FEATURES OF DISPLAYS

  • Forms braille by dynamically raising & lowering metal pins
  • Utilizes external device’s screen reader
  • Prints the audio output as braille
  • May have Perkins or QWERTY keyboards

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FEATURES OF HYBRIDS

  • Capable of limited notetaking & computing
  • Functions independently for simple tasks
  • Includes Perkins or QWERTY keyboard
  • All features of braille displays

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FEATURES OF NOTETAKERS

  • Stand alone computer & OS
  • Independent screen reader software
  • Internet connectivity, memory, etc.
  • Download & use popular applications
  • All features of hybrids & displays

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DISPLAYS, HYBRIDS, & NOTETAKERS

A Simple Analogy

KEYBOARD & MONITOR

Must connect to another device

BRAND NEW CPU

Keyboard, monitor, & basic apps

FULLY CONNECTED CPU

Independent, multi-purpose device

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DEVICE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

Factor

Example

Primary Purpose

Personal or employment

Task’s technical complexity

Budget

$3,500 to $15,000

Braille Screen Size

Desk space

Portability

Cells needed for task

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RANGE OF DEVICE SIZES

Size

Text Displayed | US Constitution Preamble

Cells

Contracted Braille

Uncontracted Braille

12

We the people of the

We the peop

14

We the people of the

We the people

20

We the people of the United

We the people of th

40

We the people of the United States, in Order to form

We the people of the United States, i

80

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insu

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,

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DEVICE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS P. 2

Factor

Example

Compatibility

OS & screen reader software

Connectivity

USB or Bluetooth

Multiple device support

Preference

Feel of braille output

Shape of braille cell setting

Controls & keyboard arrangement

Tech Support

Domestic or International

Length & scope of support

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DISPLAY EXAMPLES

Braille Me

Basic Braille 40

Focus 80 Blue

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HYBRID EXAMPLES

Brailliant BI 20X

Mantis Q40

Chameleon 20

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NOTETAKER EXAMPLES

BrailleNote Touch Plus

Braille Sense 6

QBraille

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TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE BLIND

No hard & fast rules on when to introduce braille devices

We recommend considering:

  • Student’s level of responsibility
  • Student’s braille reading & writing skills
  • Developing the concept of switching between applications will improve learning

Additional Thoughts

  • Devices with QWERTY keyboards will improve touch-typing skills
  • Start earlier & students will pick up concepts faster

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YOUR TURN�SOLVE THE SCENARIOS

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SCENARIO ONE

A 5th-grade student is learning braille and needs to access a range of applications to participate in class during the day and to study and complete homework at night.

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SCENARIO TWO

A college student heard that she could use braille with her iPhone and wants to explore whether this would allow her to efficiently surf social media from her dorm room.

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SCENARIO THREE

A teacher who prefers braille needs to take and refer to notes during departmental meetings.

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SCENARIO FOUR

A software developer is assigned to a project which requires her to review existing programming and write new code.

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RESOURCES

Manufacturer & Product Information

Government & Nonprofit Sources

  • NLS for the Blind, Braille Displays & Notetakers Product List
  • National Federation of the Blind
  • American Foundation for the Blind
  • American Printing House for the Blind
  • The Braille Press

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QUESTIONS? �AUDIENCE Q&A

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VISIT BOOTH 519

Visit Booth 519�&�Take our Quiz�Do you Know your iPhone Commands?

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Thank you!