Writing & Computers

Blind students often use standard keyboards with computers. Tactile key labels help identify keys, while Talking Word Processors and Typing Tutorials are available with speech output. Portable note takers provide complete independence for writing!

Tactile Key Indicators

Tactile Indicators
Commercially available, adhesive-backed, clear or colored dots with a raised bump in the middle are unobtrusive. They help non-visually impaired typists as well.

Tactile indicators are helpful in positioning the fingers on the home row keys and for quickly finding the left and right WINDOWS keys . They can be found as home row indicators, loc-dots and bump dots at Hoolean and MaxiAids.

HINT: For beginning computer users, placing a small piece of Velcro™ on the BACKSPACE key, the TAB key, the HOME key and the F4 key and on additional keys that are particularly troublesome to the specific user can help achieve more immediate success. As proficiency increases, these indicators can be removed.

Typing Tutorials

Special typing tutorials with speech output are available for blind students. Some are available on audiocassette, others are software programs.

Typing for Everyone (Hadley School for the Blind)
audiotape

Talking Typing Teacher (I Can See Books)
audiotape & software

Talking Typer for Windows (American Printing House for the Blind)
software - (free, downloadable demo available)

Talking Word Processors

IntelliTalk II (Intellitools)
Once blind students learn keyboard commands, IntelliTalk II provides independent access to most word processing and reading tasks. It may be a good choice for a very young student just beginning to use the computer. See our Tips for using IntelliTalk II.

Note Taking

Examples:

• Braille Lite

• The Braille Note

• The Braille Window

Creating Braille Copies

Once text is entered or scanned into the computer, it can be converted into hard copy Braille by connecting a Braille embosser -- a Braille printer -- and using Braille translation software that converts text into Braille.

Some programs actually produce a simulated Braille font on the screen so you can see how the final product looks. In general, one text page will be converted into three Braille pages.

Translation Software Examples

Duxbury Braille Translator (Duxbury Systems, Inc.)

Mega Dots (Duxbury Systems, Inc.)

Braille Embossers

These printers create the actual raised Braille dots on Braille paper. Embossers range in price, size and speed. Speed is indicated by the number of characters printed per second ("cps"). Which embosser you purchase depends on the volume of material to be Brailled. For example, a personal embosser is fine for use for one or two students. If more than two students frequently require Braille, consider a mid-range embosser. The high volume embossers are designed for commercial production. See our handout on Braille Embossers as well as other Resources for Children with Visual Impairments.

Other Resources

State Pals
Pen pals who write in Braille