[access-uk] Re: The Benefits of Braille - for Tink

  • From: "Tink Watson" <tink@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2005 12:00:58 +0100

Mel and others,

        Thanks for your thoughts on the benefits of Braille. 

        Although I've heard many good arguments, I haven't really heard
anything that I can't  accomplish as easily with technology, and all without
the learning curve of Braille.

        I don't have any difficulty listening to a book in one ear, and the
tube announcements with the other, or Jaws in one ear and the telephone in
the other. Labelling is as easy as recording a voice message, and although
it's possible the reader batteries could run out, they've yet do do so at an
inconvenient moment. 

        As Yusef said, and I agree completely, this is a very personal
choice. For me technology works perfectly well. I'm a very technology
focused person, so it's logical that this should suit my requirements more
fully perhaps.

        I think the strongest argument I've heard so far is from Mel, who
mentioned scrapping books on account of not liking the reader. I have had
this happen and it is a pain, especially if the book has been long
anticipated. But it isn't something that can't be overcome by technology and
listening to a screen reader or Book Courier. Not that that is a tremendous
alternative either, but it appeals to some more than others.

        I suppose that in conclusion, I'm a technology junkie, I'm at home
with it and I'm too old and disinclined to learn Braille efficiently. Others
have more talent for Braille and greater love and experience for it.

        Either way, it's great that a step has been taken forward in print
accessibility for published books. Thanks all.

Tink.

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