blind_html Fwd: Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind
- From: Nimer Jaber <nimerjaber1@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: blind_html@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:38:24 -0600
Some of these are good for students.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:08:37 +0000
From: Fred's Head <fredshead@xxxxxxx>
To: nimerjaber1@xxxxxxxxx
Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind
<http://www.fredshead.info/>
Link to Fred's Head <http://www.fredshead.info/>
Brigance Diagnostic Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills, Revised,
1999
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/7YYn7OdN3q8/brigance-diagnostic-comprehensive.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 12:30 PM PDT
Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills by Albert H. Brigance Student
Large Print Edition
This assessment is also known as Brigance Green. CIBS-R is a
criterion-referenced inventory that assesses, on an individual basis, a
student's strengths or weaknesses in specific skill areas. The CIBS-R
has been especially useful in support of IEP development and program
planning.
The revised 1999 edition spans grades pre-kindergarten through nine.
Innovations include options for group administration, updated grade
placement tests, updated skill sequences, and alternative assessment
options for pretests and posttests. Two spiral bound volumes contain the
student pages, which can lie flat or be used on a bookstand or with a CCTV.
Features:
* Color-coded tabs and divider pages match the print test colors
* Spiral bound volumes can lie flat or fold back
* Enlarged illustrations and maps printed on separate 11 x 17 inch
"pull-out" pages
* Large Print Toss-Away Rulers supplied for math subtests
* GlaReducers glare-reducing sheets included
Note: Administration and scoring of this large print edition should be
carried out by trained paraprofessionals and professionals precisely in
accordance with instructions found in the regular print edition.
/Note: This student large print edition was designed to be used only in
conjunction with the print inventory./ To order the print test, student
record books, and other regular print materials, contact: Curriculum
Associates, Inc., 153 Rangeway Road, North Billerica, MA 01862-0901,
800-225-0248, Fax: 800-366-1158, www.curriculumassociates.com
<http://www.curriculumassociates.com>
Catalog Number: 4-00000-00
Click this link to purchase the Brigance Diagnostic Comprehensive
Inventory of Basic Skills (Green), Revised, 1999: Student Large Print
Edition
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Brigance%20Diagnostic%20Comprehensive%20Inventory%20of%20Basic%20Skills%20%28Green%29,%20Revised,%201999:%20Student%20Large%20Print%20Edition_4-00000-00P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
Student Large Print Edition
4-00000-00 Replacement Items:
Large Print Toss-Away Ruler (24 pack):
Catalog Number: 1-03011-00
GlaReducers (pack of 4):
Catalog Number: 1-03062-00
Click here to purchase this item through our Quick Order Entry page:
http://shop.aph.org/quickentry.asp <http://shop.aph.org/quickentry.asp>
If you need assistance, click this link to read the Fred's Head
Companion post "Purchasing Products From The APH Website Is Easy"
<http://fredsheadcompanion.blogspot.com/2005/11/purchasing-products-from-aph-website.html>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
Improve Your Wireless Network
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/HU6nGurE884/improve-your-wireless-network.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 12:09 PM PDT
With the introduction of APH's Braille+ Mobile Manager
<http://fredsheadcompanion.blogspot.com/2007/05/braille-mobile-manager.html>,
people have been asking about wireless networks for their homes. They've
also been asking how to get the most from their network. Here's some
tips to insure that you get the best speed and the strongest connection
from your network.
1. First, keeping the wireless router in a central place is a good
idea. If you had four computers in two different rooms, placing
the router somewhere in the middle ensures equal flow to both
sides. This also insures good coverage as you walk around with
your Braille+.
2. Contrary to popular belief, a wireless signal is not just sent
from the router to the computer or notetaker. It is also sent back
from the computer or notetaker to the router. So, even if the
computer or notetaker is able to receive the signal easily, it, at
times, is not able to send them back as smoothly. That is mainly
because of walls or other wireless electronics that may be in the
path of you and your router. This can also be caused by the
incompetence of the wireless network adapter inside some PCs.
Replacing the internal wireless adapter with a USB version (which
has an external antenna) can improve this to a great extent.
3. Sometimes, the area that needs the wireless access is too vast for
the wireless router to cover effectively. Hence, the signal
strength problem arises again. To combat this, you can use
wireless repeaters. Wireless repeaters extend your wireless
network further, without you having to install another router. The
repeater simply intercepts the signal from the wireless router and
extends it further, thus increasing the range of your signal.
4. Wireless routers can operate on different channels, much like
radio stations. Now, by radio, I don't mean Internet radio, but
the regular good ol' radio. Sometimes, you can hear one radio
station clearer than another. Similar is the case with the
wireless routers. The channels they operate on in the U.S. are
channels 1, 6 and 11. At times, one channel is clearer than the
other, so in case of problems, it's a good idea to change the
channels every once in awhile in the wireless router settings.
5. Wireless routers use the 2.4 GHz frequencies, which means that if
you have other wireless electronics in your home that use the same
frequency, there's going to be a clash. Although the router will
function normally, it might have to work harder to send/receive
the signal. Hence, it's a good idea to buy wireless electronics
that use other frequency ranges.
6. As with most applications, it's very important to constantly
update the firmware for your router and the drivers for your
wireless network adapter or portible device. This will usually
improve the performance, as well as, the reliability.
7. Most of the wireless networks are type 802.11b, but what most
people don't realize is that 802.11g is about five times faster.
If you are using an 802.11b and in spite of following the above
advice, your speed still doesn't improve, then as a last option,
consider upgrading to an 802.11g. This essentially means upgrading
the router and any network adapters to 802.11g equipment as well.
That's certainly bound to show a considerable improvement in your
network speed.
Larry Skutchan: a Blind Cool Tech
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/Vi0WYYDm3Lo/larry-skutchan-blind-cool-tech.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 12:08 PM PDT
Larry Skutchan holding his John R. Mattioli Jr. Technical Innovation Award
With the introduction of APH's Braille+ Mobile Manager
<http://fredsheadcompanion.blogspot.com/2007/05/braille-mobile-manager.html>,
I thought it was time to talk about someone I've looked up to for many
years.
As a student at the Kentucky School for the Blind, I became aware of
Larry Skutchan when I began working on the apple II E computer. My
screen reader was a program called Bex and I remember seeing Larry's
name on the credits. I would later meet Larry as I toured APH and
stopped in his office to hear some of the latest speech-enabled products
offered at the time. It's people like Larry who fired up my interest in
technology and computers.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak with Larry at
different events and now that we work in the same building, I get to
speak with him a little more often. He's just one of those people who
you learn something from everytime you talk to them. He's always up on
the latest computer gadgets and filled with great ideas of how to make
technology work for the blind. There's a handfull of people that have
made a difference in my life, and Larry is certainly one of them.
Larry began his career writing software for use with the Apple II
computer, the ProWords talking word processor and ProTerm, a
telecommunications program. He created the ASAP and ASAW screen readers
for DOS and Windows, respectively, to make computers accessible to the
blind. Skutchan later formed the company, Microtalk, and later the
BlindCoolTech Podcast <http://www.blindcooltech.com>, an internet forum
for people involved in developing technology for persons who are
visually impaired and blind.
Born in Nebraska, Skutchan has lived all over the world as his dad spent
20 years in the Air Force. After his father retired, the family bought a
farm and settled in Arkansas. He graduated from high school in Arkansas
and received a B.A. in English from the University of Arkansas in Little
Rock. He lost his eyesight at the age of 19 due to retinal detachments.
People like Larry have opened so many doors for the rest of us. I
wouldn't be the Coordinator of Fred's Head without the work of Larry
Skutchan.
Braille Contraction Recognition Kit
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/XPHxt8NsL1I/braille-contraction-recognition-kit.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 12:21 PM PDT
Braille Contraction Recognition Kit
New Name, New Components, New Configuration, Same Objective: APH's
previous BCR kit (Braille Code Recognition) has changed to Braille
/Contraction/ Recognition kit!
New BCR Components:
* Teacher's Manual explains the program, provides suggestions for
its use, and suggests additional practice material and helpful hints
* Pretesting and Posttesting Components provide a formal measurement
tool
New Configuration:
* Teacher/Student Kit contains one teacher's manual in either large
print or braille and one Student Kit in braille
* Student Kit contains same materials as in the kit above, but
without the teacher's manual
Same Objective:
* Increase braille reading accuracy
* Increase braille reading rate
Teacher's Kit, Print:
Catalog Number: 1-03251-00
Teacher's Kit, Braille:
Catalog Number: 1-03252-00
Student's Kit, Braille:
Catalog Number: 1-03253-00
Click this link to purchase the Braille Contraction Recognition Kit
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Braille%20Contraction%20Recognition:%20Teacher-Student%20Kit,%20Large%20Print_1529870P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
Azer's Interactive Periodic Table Study Set
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/iLfxfoiu_eY/azers-interactive-periodic-table-study.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:54 AM PDT
Azer's Interactive Periodic Table Study Set
This interactive study set is designed to make learning about the
Periodic Table of the Elements accessible to students with visual
impairments or blindness.
The tangible materials included with this study set complement APH's
Periodic Table of the Elements Reference Chart and allow students to
enhance their understanding of concepts consistent with the National
Science Standards. Inspired by Samir Azer, a science teacher at the
Kentucky School for the Blind, this set can assist in the instruction
and demonstration of concepts related to the arrangement of the periodic
table, atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, and balancing of
chemical equations to students who benefit from a hands-on, interactive
model. Special attention was given to make the materials tactually
discriminable and visually appealing to the target population, yet
appropriate for all students regardless of visual acuity.
Includes:
* 294 interactive hexagonal element pieces (a minimum of one per
element, as well as polyatomic ions)
* Additional interactive accessories including coefficient,
oxidation, and subscript numbers, arrows, plus signs, parentheses,
and assessment pieces
* 2 atomic models with accessories
* Storage binder with accessories
* Tri-fold Veltex® board (37" x 24"), used to balance chemical
equations and/or display the entire periodic table
* Large Print Guidebook (with CD containing html, brf, txt, and dtb
versions and a Word® file of the Skills Checklist). Braille
Guidebook available separately.
Note: Some assembly required. Recommended ages: 10 years and up.
/WARNING: Choking Hazard-Small Parts. Not intended for children ages 5
and under without adult supervision./
Catalog Number:1-08856-00
Optional Braille Guidebook:
Catalog Number: 5-08856-00
Replacement Large Print Guidebook:
Catalog Number: 7-08856-00
Click this link to purchase Azer's Interactive Periodic Table Study Set
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Azer%27s%20Interactive%20Periodic%20Table%20Study%20Set_1-08856-00P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
The Periodic Table of Videos
Here's a great site from the University of Nottingham, designed for
students in Grades 7 to 12. Every element in the periodic table has a
video which provides background information, ties in to new discoveries
or application to everyday life, and can contain an experiment for
better understanding.
Click this link to visit http://www.periodicvideos.com
<http://www.periodicvideos.com>.
Technical, Scientific and Mathematical Tables in Braille
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/zRVhkn49vC0/technical-scientific-and-mathematical.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:03 AM PDT
Braille copies of more than 400 standard technical, scientific and
mathematical tables found primarily in high school and college textbooks
are available for purchase from the Braille Technical Tables Bank of the
National Braille Association. The collection includes standard tables
found in mathematics, computer science, statistics, chemistry, physics,
finance, and other subjects.
A great idea for transcribers is to insert these tables into their
textbook transcriptions and avoid brailling the standard tables.
Free catalogs are available from NBA. Some of their titles include:
Periodic table of the elements
Mileage chart in kilometers
Powers, roots, and reciprocals table
Dietary allowances
Trigonometric functions, natural and logarithmic table
A brief table of integrals Normal curve, areas and ordinates
Reference tables for general chemistry
Table of metric units of measurement
Table of English units of measurement
Factorials tables
Normal curve, areas and ordinates table
Regression and least squares tables
Statistics tables
Fraction, decimal, and percent equivalents table
Multiplication table
Metric conversion tables
Present value of $1 at compound interest table
Metric system tables of data
Area and volume formulas tables
Conversion table
Table of units of measurement
For more information or to order a catalog please contact:
National Braille Association
3 Townline Circle
Rochester, NY 14623-2513
Phone: 716-427-8260
Fax: 716-427-0263
Web: http://www.nationalbraille.org
Quick Reference Braille Guide
Charlotte W. Ovard's website contains The Quick Reference Braille Guide
and Braille and Nemeth Charts, written and designed as tools for the
Braille Student or Braille Transcriber and Translator who is already
familiar with Braille. These tools serve as quick memory joggers and
include examples for Braille rules and symbols.
The Quick Reference Braille Guide is also available in Braille. For a
copy of this Guide in Braille, please contact Charlotte W. Ovard by
clicking this link: charlotte.ovard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:charlotte.ovard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>.
The Quick Reference Braille Guide and Braille and Nemeth Charts can be
viewed, accessed, and printed by going to the Braille Rules/Charts Icon
on her site at
http://teacherweb.com/UT/Granite/VisionBraille-CharlotteWOvard/. For
more information, contact:
Charlotte Werner Ovard
Braille Transcriber/Translator
Granite School District
Special Services - Vision Department - Braille
2589 South Main, Room 223
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone: 801-646-4633
Email: charlotte.ovard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:charlotte.ovard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Virtual Vision Glasses
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/8LBZlZCDluY/virtual-vision-glasses.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 09:45 AM PDT
Do you have enough vision to watch television? Are you uncomfortable
sitting so close to the TV in order to see the screen? Do you get in the
way of other family members who are also trying to watch the latest
movie with you?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Rimax Virtual Vision Glasses
may be a solution for you.
The Virtual Vision 3.0 glasses strap to your head and deliver the
equivalent view of a 36-inch TV direct to your eyes. The glasses have an
internal LCD screen, so not only do you get your very own personal
cinema, you also get great picture quality. The glasses also feature a
set of stereo earphones that sit snugly in your ears while you're
wearing them.
Main Features:
* Mini LCD display
* Unique optical system is adapted to replicate a 36-inch screen 2
meters away
* Broad adaptability; can be connected to DVD players, Game Consoles
or other standard AV products
* Supports PAL and NTSC video signals
* External battery for complete freedom - up to 8 hours maximum per
charge
* Easy operation and convenience of portability
* Variable volume, brightness and contrast
* Can be worn over conventional glasses
* Power adapter: output DC 9V stable voltage
* Rechargeable Lithium battery: LP900 lithium battery, 7.2V / 900mAH
* Compatible with all kinds of audio video devices: can be connected
to a TV, a DVD player or a games console
I can think of a variety of uses for this device. How about using it
with your computer? Many video cards now offer an optional "TV Out" jack
that these glasses could be connected to. No more leaning over the desk
to see the monitor!
How about portible CCTVs that send their video to a television monitor.
Connect these glasses and really get close to your documents.
Click this link to purchase the Rimax Virtual Vision Glasses from
Paramountzone.com <http://www.paramountzone.com/virtualvisionglasses.htm>.
iTheater: Watch Movies Anytime, Anywhere
Do you wonder how exciting it would be to watch your favorite action
movie on a big screen TV? Maybe you have a secret passion for new
high-tech electronics? Perhaps there is just not enough room in the
living area for the Big screen TV you always wanted?
Well, now you can make your dreams come true with one amazing set of
video glasses. To say video glasses is an understatement considering the
sound and visual quality the iTheater provides.
It's more of a personal entertainment center. It features an amazing
230,000 pixel resolution along with surround sound. Only weighing 3
ounces it fits very comfortably around the head. So, when you decide to
watch that action packed thriller or that touching love story you can
just sit back and relax.
Well, now you're probably wondering, "what exactly can I watch with this
iTheater?"...Anything you want. With the included RCA cables, just plug
the glasses into any number of entertainment devices (portable DVD
player, Video iPod, Gaming stations, Computers). DVD's have become quite
the hit and with these glasses, you can just plug them into your DVD
player and watch a beautiful theater style movie.
Perhaps your passion is video games; then your in luck, it connects
right into your gaming station so you can have hours of fun on a 50 inch
screen. Perhaps you have a video cell phone or a photo iPod and you
would like to see your photos or clips on a huge screen? Then, just plug
it in with the special adapter and your ready to go.
Do you need to purchase any expensive or hard to find batteries or power
sources? Nope. iTheater comes with a portable power source as well as
two "AA" batteries that will keep this entertainment center going for up
to 6-8 intense viewing hours. So whether you're on the go or just
relaxing at home, the iTheater is ready for you.
Product Specifications:
* Resolution: 320x240 (QVGA)
* 230,000 pixels each LCD
* Color configuration: vertical stripe
* Field of view: 24°
* Eye relief: 20mm
* Exit pupil diameter: 10mm
* Audio: surround stereo
* NTSC/PAL compatible
* 10 foot A/V cable
* Completely portable
* Battery operated: requires 2 "AA" batteries (not included)
* Weight: 3 ounces
Click this link to purchase the iTheater from first STREET
<http://www.firststreetonline.com/product.jsp?&id=38106>.
Vuzix iWear - Virtual Cinema Glasses
The Vuzix iWear line of lightweight multimedia eyewear gives the user a
big screen experience by creating a virtual display equivalent to a
62-inch screen viewed from a distance of 9 feet (depending on model).
Ingenious optical trickery allows all Vuzix iWear to replicate the
effect of watching a big screen from a safe viewing distance. It's like
having a high-quality home cinema grafted on your retinas. These hi-tech
specs are 3D enabled for automatic 2D/3D control.
Click this link to see the four models currently available
<http://www.firebox.com/product/2029>.
Cinemizer Plus
Though meant for the luxury gadget market, this device has obvious
accessibility potential for the visually impaired. According to the web
site, the Cinemizer Plus’ “image is optically tuned to appear as virtual
45-inch (diagonal) screen, as viewed from six feet away (2 meters)“.
This makes the iPhone’s little screen into one much, much bigger.
This video eyewear from Carl Zeiss is your take-along personal video
screen. You'll be able to watch any movie stored on your iPod anywhere.
Click this link to learn more about the cinemizer
<http://www.zeiss.com/cinemizer>.
Signature Guide For Signing Checks
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/xBiNpgKSegk/signature-guide-for-signing-checks.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:55 AM PDT
Knowing where to put one's signature on a check is an ongoing
problem--and it is one which can be inconvenient and time-consuming to
solve if you have to teach a new person each time to show you where to
sign.
Here are three methods that might prove useful:
1. Slip a check into a braille slate with its bottom aligned, or
even, with that of the slate. Find the location of a line that can
serve as a guide for placing your signature in the right place,
then braille a line of dots across the check from the starting
point of the signature line to the check's edge. Next put an
"up-and-down line" from the signature line to the bottom of the
check. Doing this creates a guide to mark the spot where your
signature should start. Remember where these two lines meet on the
series of checks that comprise this particular book of checks, so
you will be able to mark each check appropriately until you finish
the book. Then, when you start a new book of checks, remember the
printing may be different enough from that of the first that you
may need to make adjustments in the positioning of your dotted
guidelines. This being the case, be sure to check each book of
checks prior to use and to make any adjustments that may be
required for your guidelines.
2. Ask a sighted seamstress to unthread a sewing machine and to set
the "stitch length" as long as it can be. Then, after sewing along
the signature line, instruct her to turn the book at a right angle
and to sew down to the bottom edge of the check to where the
signature should begin. Someone can do a whole book of checks this
way, so a blind person is able to enjoy the independence of
signing checks until there are no more left in the book.
3. Make a signature guide by folding in half a piece of heavy weight
paper (such as braille paper)--or a piece of thin plastic (should
you have such). After folding, the finished product should be at
least half of the check high and three-quarters of the check
wide--with the fold on the right edge. Have someone cut a
rectangular box on the top layer of the guide that corresponds to
the signature area of the check. Start the right end of this
rectangle at the fold so you will have as long a signature line as
possible. Then, slip a check into the folded signature guide,
making sure its right edge is straight against the fold of the
guide and that the bottom of the check is even with the bottom of
the guide. If you position a check in the guide correctly and the
rectangle has been cut properly, you can sign within the rectangle
and have your signature in the right place.
APH Signature Guide
Aids people who are visually impaired in writing their signatures.
Small, pocket-size frame has an opening with an elastic band. The band
provides a guide for writing and flexes to allow for the descenders of
letters.
Revised guide is made of durable, flexible plastic with the same rubber
backing as before to prevent sliding. Measures 4 1/2" x 2 1/4".
Recommended ages: 8 years and up.
Catalog Number: 1-03530-01
Click this link to purchase the APH Signature Guide
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_APH%20Signature%20Guide_1-03530-01P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
A Bit About Braille
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/OGklX4TeRWU/bit-about-braille.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:57 AM PDT
Louis Braille
Here at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), we frequently
receive questions about braille and topics related to it. What follows
is an attempt to answer many, if not most, of these questions and to
give an overview of both the history of braille--and the means by which
it is produced.
Braille is the raised dot system for reading and writing used by blind
people all over the world. It takes its name from Louis Braille, its
French inventor, who was born in the town of Couvray, France, in 1809.
He was the son of a blacksmith.
At the age of three, he injured one of his eyes with an awl. (This is a
sharp, pointed instrument used by blacksmiths and harness makers to
punch holes in leather.) In time, Louis's other eye lost its sight
through infection.
Braille's education began at home, where he was taught by a local priest
who thought him to be very bright. In due time, he was sent to Paris to
begin his formal education. There he studied at the Institute Valentine
Hauy--a school named for its founder, who established it in 1784, five
years before the French revolution.
Before Hauy, little or no attention was paid to educating blind people.
How did Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, set his words to
papyrus or parchment? Nobody knows for certain, but most likely, he
dictated his words to scribes who wrote them down.
Those books used at the Institute Valentine Hauy were raised print
books. Ordinary letters were stamped into paper, so their outlines could
be felt. Reading by this method was slow; and because this "touchable
printing" was done on large presses, the individual student could only
read. He or she had no way of writing down his or her thoughts.
Some time after going to Paris, Louis Braille learned about a method of
writing in the dark. Actually, this was a code developed by a French
army major, Charles Barbier, that was made up of raised dots that formed
letters and other expressions. Messages written in this code could be
circulated to soldiers in the field at night.
As a military code, Barbier's night writing was a failure. However, it
was the spark that set Braille to thinking about how the code could be
adapted for use by the blind. Barbier's code was made up of a pattern of
twelve dots. Braille reduced the number of dots in the pattern from
twelve to six. Braille, as we know it today, still uses the six-dot
pattern developed by Braille.
Every braille character, no matter the language in which it is written,
is written in a unit of space called a "cell." The braille cell is two
dots across and three dots high. This means that within a single braille
cell, 64 possible combinations are possible, including the blank space.
The genius of Louis Braille's writing system is that it placed in the
hands of blind people the means to write and read. The writing
instrument he developed is much like those in use today for writing
braille by hand. It is made of two metal plates that are hinged
together. The front, or top plate, has rectangular windows cut into it.
The back, or bottom plate, has little cups set out in patterns of two
across and three high. In the United States, this part of the braille
writing system is called a "slate." In Britain, it is called a "frame."
To use this device, paper is placed between the two plates of the slate
and held in place by pins. The writer uses a small pointed object (much
like the blacksmith's awl that blinded Braille) to press dots downward
through the windows in the top plate into the cups in the bottom plate.
For convenience when teaching braille, each dot within the braille cell
is numbered. To write braille, one writes in a right to left direction.
One begins a line at the right end and works toward the left. The dots
are pressed in a downward direction. Then, when writing is done, the
sheet of paper is turned over and reading is done from left to right.
In the writing position, the three dots at the right half of the cell
are numbered 1, 2 and 3 from top to bottom. Dots 4, 5 and 6 are the
upper, middle and lowest dots in the left half of the cell. When the
paper is turned over so it can be read, dots 1, 2 and 3 are on the
left--and dots 4, 5 and 6 are on the right. While this may seem
confusing, it is a system to which learners seem to adapt with relative
ease.
Originally, because Braille was a musician, he designed his system to
enable blind people to set down music scores. It was sometime later that
he and his fellow students at the Institute Valentine became aware of
its possibilities for ordinary writing. Despite this fact, braille did
not become a main stream system; rather, it was discouraged by school
authorities, which meant that those who were interested in learning it,
had to study in secret after regular school hours. It was not until
1854--two years after Braille's death, that his system of raised dot
reading and writing was adopted officially at his own school (where he
eventually became a teacher)!
If you were to look at a sheet of text written in braille, it might seem
like a meaningless jumble of dots. It would look nothing like raised
printed letters. In fact, it is a very logical system. The letters a
through j are written using the upper two thirds of the braille cell;
that is dots 1, 2, 4 and 5. The letters k through t repeat this same
pattern, except that dot 3 is added to each of the a through j letters
to form the k through t set.
The letters u, v, x, y and z are the same as a, b, c, d and e--except
that both dots 3 and 6 fill in the bottom of the cell. You might ask why
does the letter w not fit in here? This is because the letter w didn't
exist in French in Braille's time. It is found in position 40 in the
chart of the order of dot patterns within the braille cell.
While braille is a logical system, it also is bulky. In "Standard
English Braille," four braille characters take up one horizontal inch.
Five lines of braille require two inches of vertical space. For this
reason--and to place maximum information under the fingers of the
braille reader--many languages have developed contracted forms of
braille. In English, the system is called "Grade Two Braille" or
"Braille Grade Two". With ordinary uncontracted braille, which is known
as "Braille Grade One," the word "internationally" takes fifteen
character spaces. In Braille Grade Two, this number is reduced to eight.
In general, Braille Grade Two takes about 28-30% less space than does
Braille Grade One.
Braille characters often have to do multiple duty. The letters a through
j also serve as the digits for one through zero. When this is the
intention, a symbol called a number sign is written in front of a
letter, or group of letters, to show they don't stand for letters, but
rather, that they are intended to be read as numbers. Take the number
sign away from 3122175, for example, and you will have the word cabbage.
Another symbol is used to show that the letter following it is a capital
(upper case) letter.
Before the braille system of reading and writing made its way to the
United States by the middle of the 19th century, raised print was used
in this country. Boston Line Type was a form of this printing. In its
museum, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has samples of
this early form of writing that was used to produce schoolbooks for
blind students.
The braille slate or frame has changed little in the past century and a
half. Whereas a pen or pencil can be used to write on any size sheet of
paper, braille slates and paper sizes are related. There is a slate
designed to mark playing cards and another for 3 by 5 cards. There is a
German slate that covers an entire page. Most slates are four lines
wide--and from 19 to 41cells long.
In the mid-1800s, interest in the education of blind people had spread
its way to this side of the Atlantic. From 1829 to 1831, schools to
educate blind children were established in Boston, Philadelphia and New
York. In about 1852, seven southern states began to pool their resources
to provide text materials for the education of blind children. In 1858,
the American Printing House for the Blind was established. It was based
at the Kentucky Asylum for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky.
During the Civil War, the education of blind people suffered along with
other aspects of society. At war's end, reconstruction also saw a
revival in the area--when a system of raised dot writing was introduced
in this country. Cleverly, it was known as "American Braille."
Meanwhile, at the New York Institute for the Blind, a system of dot
writing called "New York Point" was developed. American Braille used
Louis Braille's six-dot cell pattern, while New York Point was based on
a pattern that was two dots high, but of variable length (usually up to
eight).
Until the early 1890s, braille was written either on a slate--or
produced by huge presses that were located at the Perkins School for the
Blind in Boston, Massachusetts--or at the American Printing House for
the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1892, Frank Hall, superintendent
of the Illinois School for the Blind, invented the Hall Braillewriter.
This machine resembled a typewriter--in that it had a moving carriage
that traveled along in a right to left direction as braille was written.
With this machine and its successor, the Perkins Brailler (1952),
braille dots were pressed upward from the under side of the page. The
braillewriter had seven keys for writing-- six keys to produce the
individual dots, and a space key. Keys were arranged in a straight line
with keys for dots 1, 2 and 3 going outward to the left of the space
key. The keys for dots 4, 5 and 6 were to the right of the space key.
With the braillewriter, dots for a single letter or other characters
were pressed all at once; whereas, with the braille slate, each dot was
pressed individually. So, the braille slate can be thought of as a
braille pencil, while the braillewriter is more like a braille typewriter.
In the early part of the 20th century, much of the braille read by blind
school children was produced on presses--or transcribed by hand by
volunteer braille transcribers. These dedicated individuals often used
braille slates to produce their work. Shellac was applied to the
backside of pages to strengthen the dots and prevent early wear.
With the coming of the smaller, lighter Perkins Brailler in 1952, much
braille was produced by transcribing groups located throughout the
country. For a time, the work of a transcriber was limited to a single
copy. Then, in the mid-1950s, the THERMOFORM machine was developed.
To use this machine, a sheet of paper is first placed into the
thermoform chamber. A sheet of special plastic, called "brailon," is
laid on top of the paper sheet. Then, air is pumped out of the chamber
and heat is applied. The plastic softens and forms a tight skin over the
paper master copy. So close is this fit that the plastic sheet becomes a
copy of the master. With this machine, a transcriber could produce a
master copy which could be multiplied twenty or thirty times.
In 1968, IBM Corporation introduced its Braille Electric Typewriter.
This machine was a typewriter with a full keyboard. With it, a typist
with no knowledge of braille was able to produce perfectly readable
braille copy in Braille Grade One. The machine itself was capable of
producing Grade Two Braille, but to do so, the typist must know which
keys to press to produce the special contraction symbols. The Braille
Electric Typewriter was a break through in communication; however, it
did not last very long. By the late-1970s, it was replaced by
computer-driven equipment.
In the 1960s, IBM and the American Printing House for the Blind teamed
up to use computer power to produce braille textbooks. The actual
dots-on-paper part of the operation still was done with large presses.
At about this same time, line embossing devices were being introduced.
These were relatively fast braille printers that could emboss 120 lines
of text in a minute.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, home computers emerged--and it was
just a matter of time before someone produced computer software capable
of translating text typed into a computer into Braille Grade Two. The
job of translation software is to examine a block of text and rearrange
it into those symbols needed for Braille Grade Two. Earlier, we
considered the word "internationally" and its Grade Two equivalent. The
job of the translation software was to examine the word
"internationally" and change it into "9that}n,n,y".
If the home computer was to be used for the production of braille, a
missing link had to be forged in the 'braille chain.' That link would
become a small, low volume, slow speed personal braille embosser. In
1981, T. V. Cranmer, Director of the Technical Services Unit of the
Kentucky Department for the Blind, undertook the development of a
modified Perkins Braillewriter that could respond to signals from a
computer. The engineering of this work was begun by Taylor Davidson and
completed by Wayne Thompson. The success of this effort caused many
commercial manufacturers to produce personal braille printers of their own.
Meanwhile, during the 1970s, work was being done on transitory or
refreshable displays. To this point, we have been talking about braille
dots on paper. Such braille is static--or frozen--if you will. The
raised dots on paper to be read by touch compare, in effect, to ink
marks on paper to be read by sight.
Transitory or refreshable braille is formed by having pins, or the ends
of reeds, pop up in the patterns of braille characters. When a block of
text is read, a signal is sent that causes it to disappear and to be
replaced by another block of text. This signal can be the press of a
button--or a signal from a computer. Again, if you will, the pins that
pop up to form refreshable braille characters can be likened to the
pixels on a computer screen which change as needed.
In the late 1970s and early 80s, the VersaBraille was a commercial
product equipped with a refreshable braille display. Its seven key
keyboard was like that of a braillewriter. It used audiocassettes to
store data. The equivalent of 200 pages of braille could be stored on a
single, 60-minute cassette.
Within a year of the development of the Kentucky Modified Perkins
Brailler, the Kentucky Department for the Blind began development of a
device called the Kentucky PortaBraille. This device was an outgrowth of
the electronic circuitry of the modified Perkins Brailler. Fred Gissoni,
who took charge of Kentucky's Technology Service Unit after succeeding
T. V. Cranmer, developed the concepts and keyboard command structure for
the devise; and Wayne Thompson did the engineering for the project. In
turn, these Kentucky prototypes led to the development of small, light,
and compact note-taking equipment such as the Braille 'n Speak, the Type
'n Speak and the Braille Lite--with all being quite powerful despite
their small size.
With devices such as these, blind people can use braille writing skills
to do school homework, write letters, lists, recipes, send and receive
e-mail, write computer programs and much more. Though the nature of
braille will probably change in the years ahead, it still offers a
powerful tool to educate and inform blind people. And while its form may
change from paper to refreshable braille, it still relies on the six-dot
pattern developed by Louis Braille more than 150 years ago.
I'm going to give a presentation on how to read braille. Do you know of
anything I could use as handouts?
APH Alphabet Card Folder
APH Alphabet Card Folder (50-pack)
Designed to raise the awareness of braille among print readers, this
card displays the braille alphabet, a sample of large type, and provides
a brief history of APH. Folds in half vertically. Sold in packs of
fifty. As an educational service, up to five individual cards are
available free on request by phone. Note: Not available on Quota.
Catalog Number: 1-04000-01
Click this link to purchase the APH Alphabet Card Folder (50-pack)
<http://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_APH%20Alphabet%20Card%20Folder%20%2850-pack%29_1-04000-01P_10001_11051>.
Braille Alphabet and Numbers Card
Braille Alphabet and Numbers Cards
Intended to increase the awareness of braille among print readers, this
card presents the alphabet, numbers, and limited punctuation signs in
braille and in regular type. A simple sentence in uncontracted braille
is included, allowing for translation practice. 100 per package. Not
available free. Note: Not available on Quota.
Catalog Number: 1-04020-00
Click this link to purchase the Braille Alphabet and Numbers Cards
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11051&krypto=w%2FE%2FZ6s4BbPWrvdsJEOQwkQGsjTfiG1uEGz1M4FNNdcSwJ5hu4lF5SVt%2BsplbislD09WlLpqs5%2Bs%0D%0AiM1cK2Pj9JGjfKS07suBHUQNVc5AQ4boixclN3Zarg%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductDisplay>.
Braille Contraction Sheets
Braille Contraction Sheets
Pamphlet contains many of the common English braille contractions,
including word signs, short-form words, punctuation, and composition
signs. As an educational service, one print and one braille version are
available free on request by phone. Additional copies are sold individually.
Print:
Catalog Number: 7-35960-00
Braille:
Catalog Number: 5-35960-00
Click this link to purchase the Braille Contraction Sheets
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Braille%20Contraction%20Sheets:%20Print_1096180P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
Demonstrate Braille With Cards From APH
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/XhKOhsn9wjM/demonstrate-braille-with-cards-from.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:58 AM PDT
I'm going to give a presentation on how to read braille. Do you know of
anything I could use as handouts?
APH Alphabet Card Folder
. APH Alphabet Card Folder (50-pack)
Designed to raise the awareness of braille among print readers, this
card displays the braille alphabet, a sample of large type, and provides
a brief history of APH. Folds in half vertically. Sold in packs of
fifty. As an educational service, up to five individual cards are
available free on request by phone. Note: Not available on Quota.
Catalog Number: 1-04000-01
Click this link to purchase the APH Alphabet Card Folder (50-pack)
<http://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_APH%20Alphabet%20Card%20Folder%20%2850-pack%29_1-04000-01P_10001_11051>.
Braille Alphabet and Numbers Card
Braille Alphabet and Numbers Cards
Intended to increase the awareness of braille among print readers, this
card presents the alphabet, numbers, and limited punctuation signs in
braille and in regular type. A simple sentence in uncontracted braille
is included, allowing for translation practice. 100 per package. Not
available free. Note: Not available on Quota.
Catalog Number: 1-04020-00
Click this link to purchase the Braille Alphabet and Numbers Cards
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11051&krypto=w%2FE%2FZ6s4BbPWrvdsJEOQwkQGsjTfiG1uEGz1M4FNNdcSwJ5hu4lF5SVt%2BsplbislD09WlLpqs5%2Bs%0D%0AiM1cK2Pj9JGjfKS07suBHUQNVc5AQ4boixclN3Zarg%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductDisplay>.
Braille Contraction Sheets
Braille Contraction Sheets
Pamphlet contains many of the common English braille contractions,
including word signs, short-form words, punctuation, and composition
signs. As an educational service, one print and one braille version are
available free on request by phone. Additional copies are sold individually.
Print:
Catalog Number: 7-35960-00
Braille:
Catalog Number: 5-35960-00
Click this link to purchase the Braille Contraction Sheets
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Braille%20Contraction%20Sheets:%20Print_1096180P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
ALL-IN-ONE Board (Magnetic, Velcro, Dry Erase)
<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/ImjTtg84Hng/all-in-one-board-magnetic-velcro-dry.html>
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:59 AM PDT
All-in-One board, dry erase/magnetic side All-in-One board, Velcro side
APH's ALL-IN-ONE Board (Magnetic, Velcro®, Dry Erase) is intended for
classroom use with students of all ages. This multi-platform,
easily-adjustable board can be used in combination with either
hook-Velcro accessories or magnetic pieces (homemade, obtained from APH,
or purchased commercially), as well as with dry erase markers to
facilitate a variety of learning activities. The ALL-IN-ONE Board can be
positioned at a variety of angles, from nearly flat to fully upright.
Target populations include young children, students, and adults with
visual impairments, as well as parents and teachers working with these
populations.
The ALL-IN-ONE Board can be stored and carried in the included
carrying-case. A starter package of dry erase markers is included, as
well as a Product Information Sheet and recommended Cleaning/Care
Instructions, in both print and braille.
Catalog Number: 1-08836-00 Click this link to purchase an ALL-IN-ONE
Board
<https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_All-In-One%20Board%20%28Magnetic,%20Velcro,%20Dry%20Erase%29_1-08836-00P_10001_11051>.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@xxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxx>
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org
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