Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology for Students who use Braille Computers (Text based systems)

Proficiency in the use of a computer is essential for a student who is blind. Students need to develop equivalent or better skills than those of their sighted peers The inherent limitations of braille demand that alternatives to produce work in a timely manner be available via an electronic writing tool. The interface and most of the information transmitted on current computers is visual and consequently presents many challenges for the student who is blind. Therefore it is helpful to have competency in the use of a text based system prior to beginning to learn how to access a visual (Graphic User Interface - GUI) system. The introduction to linear text based systems for most students will be on the Braille n' Speak or Braille Lite. Success with these braille computers is often easier to achieve due to their simple and easy to use operating systems developed specifically for the blind student. Another somewhat less desirable means to gain the necessary experience and pre requisite skills for a graphic user interface (MAC and /or Windows) is with a text based computer system. (DOS and/or Apple IIe) A text based system is composed of a computer with DOS, a speech synthesizer, a word processing program and a screen review program. The speech synthesizer, which can be internal or external, speaks text and/or keystrokes. Often a braille translation program is included whereby the student is able to print their work in braille. Screen review software allows the student to control what is read by the speech synthesizer. This software has the capability of reading a character, word, line, any portion of a line, or a block of text, currently displayed on the screen. The following order in which concepts and skills are presented may require adjustment for individual students. Sufficient time and support should be planned, in order for the student to learn computer skills in an organized and systematic way.

Introductory Level

Prerequisite Skills

• ability to understand robotic speech
• ability to follow at least two step instructions
• keyboarding skills (at this level accuracy is more important than speed)

Skills

The student will be able to:

• turn computer system on
• customize the speech (set tone, rate, volume) [refer to the Vision Resource Teacher in your area for further information]
• understands and uses appropriate vocabulary when referring to the parts of the computer system (eg. monitor, disk drive)
• turn on and begin writing in a file
• read by character, word, and line
• move writing/reading cursor around in a document [refer to the Vision Resource Teacher in your area for further information]
• name files using legal file names according to system software
• save work to disk
• send work to print printer or braille embosser
• exit from the application program,
• open and work in an existing file
• control screen review software to go to the beginning/end of document
• use keyboard commands equivalents (eg. F7 to print in Word Perfect for DOS)
• begin to use help menu and online tutorial

Strategies

• Initially use an easily accessible power bar with one switch which turns on and off all the components of the computer.
• It is helpful for the beginning student if the computer is set up in a way in which the word processor and a new document load automatically when the computer is turned on. Due to the limited compatibility of DOS word processing packages and screen review software MegaDots and Word Perfect for DOS 5.1 are recommended.
• Use the computer for simple writing tasks like writing Journal entries
• Proficiency in understanding robotic speech can be enhanced by listening to stories and poems and play speech accessed games.
• Concentrate only on those keys which the student will use most frequently and add tactile markers to those keys which may be difficult to locate (alt. control)
• Teach the backspace/delete key early so that mistakes can be corrected
• Use a computer with adequate memory to run the required applications
• Configure the system so that the student only has to turn on and write in a file. Depending on the screen review package, the teacher may want to customize the speech. However, eventually the student needs to learn the necessary skills to customize speech independently.
• Floppy disks should be labeled in braille.

Intermediate Level

Prerequisite Skills

• mastery of introductory skills
• Touch type 20 wpm (recommended)

Skills

• use technical vocabulary (operating system, DOS, formatting, hardware/software, dialogue box)
• execute basic DOS commands
• make directory
• change directory
• delete file
• copy file
• get a listing of files within a directory
• make choices from menus and submenus
• use the Help menu
• handle floppy disk independently - label, insert and store
• organize and store information independently
• read blocks of text
• name files using DOS conventions
• format floppy disk
• change drives when saving or opening files
• check content of disk
• use DOS filename extensions, modifiers and switches appropriately
• use different styles and fonts
• react appropriately to dialogue boxes
• begin to use some print attributes (Style, bold, underline etc.)
• be able to connect/disconnect cable to the braille printer
• set top of form and print when the print command is executed.
• print hard copies, print and braille independently
• label cables
• independently recharge system (portable computer)

Strategies

• Initially create a default directory for the student. Eventually the student should learn to create their own directories. (Note: A directory cannot be deleted if you are still in it, you must change directories in order to delete it.)

Advanced Computer Skills

Prerequisite Skills

• mastery of beginning and intermediate skills.
• willing to solve problems
• active, independent learner

Skills

• type 30-40 words a minute
• reconnect cables independently and plug into electrical outlets and/or ports on computers, peripherals and power bar
• install software
• set up systems, modify configurations/preferences
• name files using DOS conventions
• remove a directory - remove subdirectory
• use DOS filename extensions appropriately (colon, backslash, excluded characters)
• copy and rename files
• delete files
• use all print attributes (eg. Style, bold, underline, superscripts )
• modify Auto.exec.bat, Config.sys. files and other system files
• highlight, copy, cut and paste text
• move blocks of text
• copy a group of files using wild cards
• use paths to specify the location of files
• access the Internet
• reformat a disk
• load and unload sections of program as required
• recover deleted files
• change communication parameters
• obtain information from peers
• know when to get technical support
• be able to check configuration for different printers - be aware of DIP switches
• be aware of problems that can arise when printing
• Control the printer (load paper, turn printer on, on-line/off-line, set top of form, remove printout, label printout with a sticky dot or a label, to know which is right side up)
• Print part of text
• Print entire text - single copy or multiple copies
• Interface with Braille 'N Speak, Braille Lite and other computers

Strategies

• When formatting a disk any data on the disk will be removed, read contents of disk before formatting
• Commands can be typed in either upper or lower case letters
• Teach wild card character when working with files

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