[bksvol-discuss] Re: technology for blind proofreaders
- From: "Nancy Martin" <nancyam@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 11:34:45 -0500
Hi Monica and everyone,
I checked with APH and .rtf files can be saved on the braille+ so this would
save page breaks, etc.
Nancy Martin
Oklahoma
----- Original Message -----
From: Monica Willyard
To: bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 10:05 AM
Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Re: technology for blind proofreaders
Hi Nancy. Most notetakers don't require you to translate rtf files into
another format before editing, and they can still display the text in grade 2.
If you actually use a Braille translator like Duxbury to translate files, you
will lose your page breaks and other formatting that Bookshare asks us to leave
intact. Before purchasing an Icon or BraillePlus, I would ask the company that
sells it if it handles rtf files so that it preserves page breaks. Some devices
can't do this and just let you read a file without saving it. The Icon uses a
form of Linux as its operating system, and I don't know if the company has
provided software to handle rtf files. I don't know of any volunteers who are
using the set-up you're describing, though it may work well. You might also
consider a BrailleSense as it has a Braille display, takes Braille input, and
is more compact and affordable than a BrailleNote. GW Micro sells it, and they
offer payment plans to help people afford their products.
Finally, just so you know, the majority of our volunteers proofread with
speech. If the cost of Braille technology is a stumbling block for you, it's
something that you can work out over time as your finances permit. I don't mean
that Braille access isn't important. I just want you to know that Bookshare
volunteers use a variety of technology to proofread. Braille is just one option
among many. Some of our most diligent and consistent volunteers don't own
Braille devices due to preference or cost. Others do use Braille. A third
group, of which I am part, uses a combination of Braille and speech. We also
have people who can read print on a CCTV, sighted people who use print books
for comparison, a lady who reads her books with an Opticon, and a person who
uses voice recognition software due to the inability to use her hands to type.
There are pluses and minuses to using any of the technologies we choose. You
can be effective with the technology you already own, and you can add Braille
if you want to as soon as you're ready. You can work in the way that's best for
Nancy, and that will be best for Bookshare because you'll enjoy your work and
will stay involved. I'm looking forward to hearing about what you decide to do,
especially if you find out more information about the Icon or BraillePlus.
Monica Willyard
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." -- Peter Drucker
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: bksvol-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:bksvol-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Nancy Martin
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 8:04 AM
To: bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bksvol-discuss] technology for blind proofreaders
Hi everybody,
In my search for the best overall tech choices for the best price, I'd be
extremely interested to know if any blind proofreaders use the braille+ or Icon
attached to a braille display.
For all blind proofreaders, do you translate the book into grade two braille
or would that interfere with computer braille symbols too much? I realize this
won't be easy, but I'm determined to get it done.
thanks much,
Nancy Martin
Oklahoma
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