Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology for Students who use Braille Calculator

Relatively inexpensive, talking calculators with basic and scientific functions, are available that speak each entry and result, in addition to performing all the computations of a non-adapted electronic calculator. Alternatively the Braille 'n Speak, Braille Lite and standard computers have full calculator functions.

Prerequisites

• finger strength and dexterity
• finger isolation
• one-to-one correspondence of numbers

Skills (Kindergarten to Grade 3)

The student will be able to:

• locate and accurately use the number keys
• locate and accurately use the plus, minus, multiplication, equals, and clear keys

Skills (Grade 4 to 7)

The student will be able to:

• locate and accurately use the division keys
• locate and accurately use the memory keys
• locate and accurately use the decimal and percent keys
• use order of operations to arrive at the correct answer
• use estimation, especially with large numbers, to check answers

Skills (Grade 8 to 12)

The student will be able to:

• transfer his or her skills to a scientific calculator
• locate and accurately use the function keys on a scientific calculator

Strategies

• It is helpful for beginning calculator users to have time to explore and familiarize themselves with the device prior to the commencement of direct instruction.
• Adhering braille labels to the keys can help facilitate accuracy in beginning calculator instruction. In the purchasing of calculators for young users, the key should be wide enough to accommodate the label but not so large as to make reaches difficult for the beginner.
• The student should have demonstrated mastery of math operations with the brailler, abacus, and/or manipulatives, prior to using the calculator as their primary calculation tool. [refer to the Vision Resource Teacher in your area for further information] A calculator is helpful as a tool to check answers which are derived using another means.

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