Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology for Students who use Braille Cassette Tape Recorder/Player

This cassette tape recorder/player is capable of recording at two speeds, standard and slow speed. Information can be recorded on two separate tracks on each side of the tape. With this capability, a vast amount of information (six hours) can be stored on a single tape. While recording the student can insert tone indexing which assists in locating specific information. The control buttons have raised symbols to distinguish one function from the other. The tape motion sensing window provides a tactile indication of whether the tape is moving. The dual power supply utilizing AC power or nickel-cadmium batteries provides for portability and convenience. The student with a visual impairment can use the cassette tape recorder/player to listen to audio books, record assignments and research information.

Prerequisites

• ability to understand robotic speech (hearing and listening skills)
• discrimination of tactile shapes
• knowledge of spatial relationships (top / bottom - front / back)
• ability to follow two to four step directions sequentially

Skills (Kindergarten to Grade 3)

The student will be able to:

• distinguish between the various control buttons
  • stop/eject
  • pause
  • play
  • forward/preview
  • rewind/review
  • record
• utilize both sources of power ( nickel-cadmium battery and AC power cord)
• locate and utilize accessory connections (ear phone/head phone)
• insert a cassette
• rewind/review the tape to any desired position
• fast forward/preview the tape to a desired position
• locate the tape motion sensing window and determine the tape motion
• set the player/recorder to the correct speed for the tape being used

Strategies

• If your recorder has a pause control, using it will reduce clicking sounds that occur when you stop and start the machine during a recording session.
• Encourage the student to bring his/her favourite music/story tape from home.
• Play a music tape and teach the student how to change the various speeds, tracks and tones. The students will enjoy hearing the variety of voices/sounds.
• Select short taped stories and have the student listen for content. Have the student tell the class what the story is about (listening, comprehension skills).
• Use various tactile geometric math shapes, or alphabet letters to teach the tactile indicators on the operational buttons.
• Use peer to record information.

Skills ( Grades 4 to 7)

The student will be able to :

• select and record at both standard and half-speed
• locate and select variable speed
• select the cassette side switch position for the appropriate side to record
• use the record index features
• label, store and retrieve appropriate cassette when necessary
• learn the steps necessary to prevent accidental tape erasure
• utilize the accessory connections ( remote microphone, auxiliary in/out connections)
• independently check various possible trouble sources when having difficulties with the equipment (ie: power source, battery charge, power cord plugged into AC outlet, cassette slide switch setting, tape speed, tape movement, volume control setting or earphone connection)

Strategies

• Have the student record homework or short assignments onto tape.
• At the end of each day have the student use the index feature which will help them locate specific information.
• Label and store tapes in an organized fashion.

Skills - Grades 8 - 12

• At the secondary level the student is expected to independently and proficiently independently the tape recorder.

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