I used to use an optacon, too. I wish mine still worked, as it would be handy for checking books that don't scan properly, rather than waiting until a sighted family member is available. When I visualize words, I sometimes picture them partly in braille and partly in print, because of having used an optacon. Regards, Paula ----- Original Message ----- From: "Donna Smith" <donnafsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 2:48 AM Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Re: about braille > When I convert language into written words in my brain, it's always in > braille, though I can convert it to print if I make a conscious effort to do > it. Even when I use to read with the Opticon, (I know, that means I'm > slightly older than Shelley's 23 years, <grin>), which had to be read one > print letter at a time, I had to convert those letters into braille in my > brain in order to put together the final word. It is also the method I use > to remember phone numbers...visualizing them written in braille. > > I also find it very difficult to explain in words how I visualize objects or > mental maps or people or exactly how I experience dreams. That is, I have > no trouble describing events around these things such as what the dream was > about, but when people ask me about the images in my dreams, or what I > process from detailed descriptions of things around me that are larger than > I can reach, such as descriptions of a mountain view or particular > architecture, I have trouble giving explanations that are understandable. > It's like my frame of reference is different and I lost the ability to > describe it because it wasn't understood by others. Still, when a person's > name is mentioned, I get a mental image of that person, and it's > disconcerting for me as a very verbal person, not to be able to explain it. > > This is a very fascinating discussion and I'm glad that we're having it even > though we're deviating from the topic of books for the collection. But then > after the discussion of lascivious hardware and blueberries, I guess it's no > surprise that we're deviants! > > Peace and Hope, > > Donna, who really has no business being awake at this time of the morning!