That's very well put Dave. I do believe if Braille has a future at all it is on electronic devices. As if to emphasise this point - and Victor Stream isn't a Braille device - it can now in fact read BRF files with its TTS. So, if you don't have dual sense impairment, here's another example of having good quality audio (and) dots under your fingers too) if you have the choice of using a Braille display.
I think this code change could do its bit towards increasing choice of Braille format material, but it's not the whole story. As always, resourcing is important not to mention clearing outmoded copyright restrictions out of the way, and increasing availability of teaching.
I'd go further and say a grant aught to be in place for helping to pay for Braille displays, particularly for those who's need is greatest, as well as helping with the cost of maintenance. That way we could scrap the whole cumbersome business of posting and storing Braille, not to mention the actual cost of production.
I do like this topic as its one of those that really genrate a lot of heat -and we need this just now what with the lack of summery weather!
Cheers, Ray.----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [access-uk] Re: when is the new Braille coming out as I have had some information
Well, here we go again, making unfounded judgements about people! OK, let me give you some answers. You are simply going to have to realise that what I and no doubt many others are saying is true. I know you won't believe me, because you don't want to believe me, but you need to realise the world is moving on!Some people who are braille readers find that the braille won't fit throughtheir letter box, and would rather have it delivered in a format they can have delivered any time. In fact, many get them by email now.Others do it simply because it is quicker to listen to something than it isto read it in braille. Others because they can put it on a portable device and listen to it on the move, or even read it on a braille display without having all the bulk. Others do it so they can keep back copies for longer. Others do it because it is quicker to navigate an HTML file than a braille volume.When, many years ago, I was on RNIB's Executive Council, I remember starting receiving committee papers by email. I was the first person to term up at ameeting with the entire papers on a Braille Lite. There was one point in a particular meeting where the exact wording was being debated. There wereblind and partially sighted people in the meeting, but I was able to searchfor the relevant piece of text, find it within seconds, and read it out to the whole group. This was over 10 years ago now! And these are just a few examples. On your point about talking books, I know plenty who read loads of braille so find them more relaxing, others who run out of braille reading, and so on.And I also know many working people simply don't have time to read hard copy braille. Using notetakers gives them the advantage of both braille and quick navigation, so they have more choice how to consume the media they are given if it is electronic. This is the future of braille. While there will alwaysbe people and situations that demand hard copy, more and more will useelectronic devices, even with braille displays, more and more often, and formore and more tasks! Cheers Dave
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq] ** or send a message, to ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
