Low Tech Devices
Your braille reading student will be using a variety of devices that will help them access the general education curriculum. The following is a description of a few of the devices that your braille-reading student may be using.
Perkins Brailler
The Perkins Brailler is a portable low-tech braille-writing tool. It is the most commonly used device in schools today although other tools for producing braille are also very popular. This tool has six keys that the user will press in different combinations to produce braille. The Perkins Brailler has a handle on the top of it for easy portability. However, due to the tool’s larger size and weight, it is usually only transported within the school or home.
Slate and Stylus
The Slate and Stylus is a low-cost, highly portable low-tech writing tool. It is equivalent to the pencil and paper used by your sighted students. The Slate is made from two metal or plastic panels that are attached together on one side, similar to a book. There are holes located on the top panel, while the bottom panel is smooth. You can place a piece of paper between the two panels by opening it up like a book. Close the slate over the paper and use the stylus to punch through the holes to create the braille dots. The slate comes in many sizes, from two-line to full-page.
Jot-A-Dot
The Jot-A-Dot is a portable low-tech braille-writing tool. It made from light weight plastic materials that make it light enough for your braille-reading student to wear around his or her neck. The braille is embossed through six keys entry onto note-sized paper. The Jot-A-Dot comes in handy when needing to make quick and short notes on the go. However, it’s not useful for jotting down longer notes or larger pieces of writing.
Dymo Braille Labeler
The Dymo Brailler is tool used to make quick braille labels. It is a wonderful tool for classroom teachers who have little to no knowledge about the braille code, but would like to label materials in the classroom or school. This portable and lightweight tool includes print letters that are viewed on a wheel. Spin the wheel to choose the letter you want and press on the handle to emboss that letter onto the label. Teachers love this tool because it gives them quick and immediate access to braille.
Tactile Drawing Pad
The simplest tactile drawing board is made from a piece of tinfoil that is placed on top of a rubber pad. The student uses a stylus or tracing wheel (used for sewing) to emboss a graphic onto the tinfoil. When finished, take the tinfoil off and turn it around to view the picture. You can purchase tactile drawing kits that may come with different types of styluses.