Technology Info.

Name:  Linda Lustig
 
Features key to the category
Features that differentiate devices within the category
Characteristics of a task that make this tool a good fit
Personal characteristics that are a good match
Other notes for yourself, might want to include vendor links here

Refreshable braille display
Does the job of display and keyboard – no ‘guts’
Needs a screen reader running to work
Length of the display (in braille cells)
Connection type (bluetooth or cord)
Which screen readers can run it
 
40 cells for high school / college, others can get by on 20
Computer access
(esp needing detail spelling, clickable text websites such as elearning, numeric entry on spreadsheets, computer in quiet environments)
Braille is or will be primary reading medium
 
Tactile learner
Humanware
Freedom scientific
HIMS
 
Contact LIONS for help funding for families, or have school purchase (but usually not kid’s to keep then)

Braille notetaker
Generally small and portable, keyboard, refreshable braille display notes can be transferred to a computer for storage printed in braille or print
Have word processors
6key braille keyboard or standard or both  Some have calendars, calculators or clocks
Some have speech program with braille input
Some have Bluetooth so they can be used with iphones and ipads,
Book readers, do homework, find directions, record lectures and listen to podcasts.
This tool is designed for Visually Impaired students to take notes in classes  or professionals in meetings  It’s light weight and portability make this a great fit
This is a great option for students who are tech savvy or at least comfortable with technology.  I could see it working from middle school and up.
This item is a quota fund item. 
 

iOS braille apps
Turns IOS device into a braille writer  allow to text and use social media
instructs or helps with braille code  some are intended for students with vision to learn.  Some have games and can be used for small children  cost
Texting
Social media
Portable
Learning tool ease of use
Portability, ability to use to be more socially involved on media venues. 
Need to be aware of apps requirements.
Don’t assume they are easy to use.

Screen readers
Software program that  text is read .  All read text as it appears,   User command by pressing different combinations of keys
Style of the voices
Cost
Mechanics and supports
Ease of access.
Reading of text on computer screen  word processing, searching internet, social media use
Reading email….
Jaws is more technical
Dolphin is easier to use
You need ti research programs to fit users computer abilities, and needs of use.
Jaws is difficult to get good at using

Mountbatten/ smart braillers
Both braillers are similar in size
AC power
Both use 8.5 x11 inches
Both have programs for young learners
Both UEB
Mountbatten develops awareness of Braille symbols by using audio response.
Ergonomic keyboard facilitates literacy
Simple editing functions for correcting and erasing
Free software for PC
Smart brailler interfaces with Patterns program –
Head phone jack and volume control
Acapela Text to speech
Mechanical Braille Capabilities
sMultiple languages
 
price
 
Great for learning braille allows for parents and teachers to see real time what is being brailled.
Self monitoring with braille to voice
Can work like manual brailler as well
 
 
fGreat for students of braille both children and adults.
Allows for greater interaction with parents and non braille readers for homework and leaning.
Engages in games and learning
Cost is really high 2000 range for smart brailler and 4000 for Mountbatten.

embossers
 All 120cps
Single sided printing
Vertical printing
Adjustable line spacing
Braille font 2.2,2.5,.3.2
100dpi
USB
WiFI
Network
Support mobile devices
Mac/ PC compatable
Does the model need to:
produce tactile graphics,
only text,
run fast, long, or unattended such as for producing textbooks
solenoids vs hammers
Creates standard and 8.5x11” embossing
Size and cost vary with intended use. 
School
Printers
Transcribers
Again use determines the type of embosser. 
Schools need to purchase models adequate for use.
Models need to be compatable with programs
Older model embossers are not set up for UEB
Embossers need to be maintained regularly in order to get best performance.  All papers do not emboss the same.