Gene.Sale@f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Gene Sale) (01/06/90)
Index Number: 6158 Hi Pat Hope you had a HAPPY NEW YEAR and may it be one of happiness, good health , peace and prosperity. Allen has done quite well with his braile, and I would say has excelled beyond the expectations of his Special Ed Teacher. To be honest though , the school was reluctant to teach or even introduce braile to Allen. Last year , when Allen was four, I had asked his teacher when would Allen be introduced to Braille? Her reply was, not until he was 6 or 7. My next question was, Who was recomending this? Did she feel that Allen had a learning disability? Her responce to this was that the educators , the ones who were suppose to be the experts in the field, recomended this. But she did not feel that Allen had a learning disability. So to prove my point that Allen was able to learn this is what me and my wife were able to accomplish at home when Allen was four. We purchased some three dementional letters and was able to teach Allen the ALPHA BET within two to three weeks. He at first had no concept of how the letters went as for as position of the letter as a sighted person would see them, but he could destinguish at random the letter. The last month of school his teacher had loaned us the brailler for the summer. I then aquired some plastic cards that were used in making I D cards. I cut the left top corner of the card to designate as the top and front of the card. I preceded to make a set of braille flash cards so to speak. Allen and I would take a letter from his three dementional letters and Allen would tell me the letter and I would give him the card for it. Before long Allen knew the three dementional letters and the brail letter that matched it. So by the time he started back to school he had some idea what braille letters were. We did this against the advice of Allen's educators because in thier view the three dementional letters would only confuse him. And he was not ready to learn braille. Around JUNE there was a siminar for the BLIND sponcered by the SCHOOL for the BLIND of RUSTON La. The speakers were all blind...I had also envited ALLEN'S teacher.....It deffinately had the desired effect... Now at the age of five Allen is reading stories in braille and is using his cane to manuver around school, within the school grounds only. I whish there were more childrens books in braille. I was shocked when I call The National Light House For The Blind and was told there were no books or tapes available for children. I would say that keeping the faith has brought us a long way and will take us as for as the imagination will allow. Allen sometimes falls on the I can't do it attitude but with a little encouragement and a little prodding , Allen is able to do most anthing he wants. One of his Teachers' AIDS told me how ALLEN would scare her when he CLIMBED the JUNGLE BARS by his self. I think Allen will go far if the educators do not impose their own road blocks upon him. Well , I must go for now. Thanks for the reply and GOD BLESS. Signed: A friend in Louisiana Gene -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!8!Gene.Sale Internet: Gene.Sale@f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org
Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (01/12/90)
Index Number: 6188 Hi, Gene! That was a neat description of how you helped Allen learn Braille. Isee we have another Montessorian among us! These are precisely the kinds of methods I prefer to use. They work quite well. The reason most young kids don't learn things at early ages is that we don't know how to teach them; NOT because they have limitations of their own. My theory is that a baby has maximum potential, and it begins to decay unless effort is made to help him do something with it. The more you do with it at an earlier age, the brighter he will be when he grows up. I've worked with kids a lot with this idea in mind, and we have done some experiments, and gotten the most remarkable results. For example, I had each of my kids reaching and grasping objects within hours of birth (except the oldest, who was born before I started this, my LD, who did it at 3 weeks, and my youngest, who, it turns out, doesn't like to let people know what he knows: he did it at 4 days when I wasn't looking, out of a total of 7, and also the newborns of several friends of mine.) Normally babies are not expected to do this until they are 3-4 MONTHS of age. More on this when I have more time. I can sympathize with your inability to find children's books in Braille. I like to study foreign languages, and the way I like to do it to begin with is to read children's books. I have a limited budget, and this means buying used books. Although the bookstores have racks full of books in foreign languages, I am lucky if I find five or six children's books in all foreign languages combined. And with a child like Allen, it would be prohibitive, timewise, to Braille books for him. He'd read you out of house and home! Hark, you Brailling volunteers! Here's an unmet need. Pat -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!300!3!Pat.Goltz Internet: Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org
Barbara.Akin@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Barbara Akin) (01/12/90)
Index Number: 6214 Gene, I just happen to see your message concerning Allen to Pat where you mentioned that you were having a hard time finding good children's books in Braille. I have a wonderful solution for you! Seedlings Braille Books For Children 8447 Marygrove Drive Detroit, Mi. 48221. Phone 313-862-7828 Director Debra J. Bonde This organization is a non proffit origanization that produces all the best sellers, etc in Braille, both in Grade 1, and Grade 2 Braille as the child progresses along with their reading skills. The best part of this whole deal is that the books cost no more than do the print books. And yes, your child gets to Keep the books!!! I am a blind parent, and so I use these books in reveerse manner, I read them to my sighted children. Allen would find them absolutely Wonderful, and they will enhanse his interest in reading all the more. The catalog for these books is available from the above address in both print, and in Braille. A grade level is listed after each book title so you know wheather or not the book is suitable for your child's level. Enjoy! And, by the way, if you'd like to talk with me at any time, my phone here at Insight International Inc is 602-956-1459.{ I grew up blind from birth, (was a premature baby) and thus lost my sight. I am now age 37, and have two girls who are sighted, ages 4 and 8. I was a "main streamed" kid and went to public schools all my life. So, would be glad to help with anything you may have questions about. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Barbara.Akin Internet: Barbara.Akin@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Parsons) (01/12/90)
Index Number: 6218 Hi Gene, As a certified teacher of the visually impaired I say great! If Allen's ready to read, fine! I think that the trouble with many teachers is that they have a tendency to say all children, blind or sighted are all alike. They aren't. As a blind braille reader, I say great! I was a grief to my teachers because I am a one-handed, one-fingered braille reader. But, I get along. No, I don't have another disability, I just read better with one finger. <grin> As for books for kids, try Library of Congress, also try your local library for taped books, there are a lot of them around. You can get them in bookstores, you know the kind that have the print book accompanying them? There are also a lot of albums out too. The reason you don't find too many braille books is that only about twenty percent of all blind people read braille. As for Allen's teacher being scared about his climbing the jungle jim by himself, I had a nursery school teacher who allowed me to climb into one of the trees on the playground. Then, she handed me a blanket and a broom so I could play that I was Polynesia The Parrot, in nest. <grin> Keep squeaking, "the squeaky wheel gets oiled." Take care and God bless. Ann P. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!204!Ann.Parsons Internet: Ann.Parsons@f204.n260.z1.fidonet.org
Carla.Campbell@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Carla Campbell) (01/17/90)
Index Number: 6249 GS> Before long Allen knew the three dementional letters and the GS> brail letter that matched it. So by the time he started back to GS> school h idea what braille letters were. We did this against GS> the advice of Allen's educators because in thier view the three GS> dementional letters would only confuse him. And he was not GS> ready to learn braille. Around JUNE there was a siminar for GS> the BLIND sponcered by the SCHOOL for the BLIND of RUSTON La. GS> The speakers were all blind...I had also envited ALLEN'S GS> teacher.....It deffinately had the desired effect... Now at the GS> age of five Allen is reading stories in braille and is using GS> his cane to manuver around school, within the school grounds GS> only. I whish there were more childrens books in braille. I GS> was shoc call The National Light House For The Blind and was GS> told there books or tapes available for children. I would say GS> that keeping the faith has brought us a long way and will take GS> us as for as the imagination will allow. That's marvelous news! I'm very glad to hear Allen is progressing so well, and even more pleased to hear of your ingenious ways of helping him along in spite of the ol' system's reluctance. YOu do, indeed, show imagination, and I suspect that will take you quite far! I know that Barbara has already given you ideas of places to contact for Braille books, but if you are also interested in taped books, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides a great many children's titles on cassette. If you are not already in contact with your regional library, try calling the state library in your state's capital and asking for the Department for the Blind & Phycially Handicapped or "Talking Books Library" and find out what you need to do to sign up. While I think the Braille is wonderful for Allen's continued progress in reading and writing, a few books in recorded format can suppliment Braille reading and accustom him to getting written information from several types of source. Best of luck. Allen sounds like a great kid and he has great parents. He's lucky to have the type of support you're providing and more power to you all! ... Happiness is a warm modem. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Carla.Campbell Internet: Carla.Campbell@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) (01/17/90)
Index Number: 6265 BA> Gene, I just happen to see your message concerning Allen to Pat BA> where you mentioned that you were having a hard time finding BA> good children's books in Braille. Hi Gene, I missed the beginning of the conversation, so this may be a repeat, but there are also kid's magazines available in Braille. Here's the list from "Magazines in Special Media": Boy's Life Children's Digest (published by Parent's magazine) Current Events (for grades 7 & 8) Expectations (Anthology of books and selected chapters from outstanding books for 8-13; includes poetry, embossed pictures, and a scratch-and-sniff section. (annual, free) My Weekly Reader Wee Wisdom Playboy (just kidding) and many others. More details on request. Some are available in both large print and braille for sharing reading experiences. -rsr- ... Only the young die good. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!101!460!Ron.Rothenberg Internet: Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org
Linda.Iverson@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Linda Iverson) (06/06/90)
Index Number: 8680 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Hi, Al! Glad to find another dedicated braille user! I have never seen 20 weight form-feed paper such as you were describing, but I know that at one time, at least, American Thermoform Company in California, offered a draft quality paper--$21.95 for one thousand sheets. I have never seen it, but I gather it is the type of paper braille magazines are done on. I don't know if it was punched. Some places will punch paper on request; some not at all, and others do it for a fee. Since Blazie Engineering's Braille Blazer is designed for the narrow paper, perhaps they would be a good source. I know Clovernook Printing House sells regular lightweight braille paper. I don't know if they offer computer paper or not. I have a standard hole punch. I can only do about three sheets of braille paper at once, but it works! I wait till there's lots to read from you guys before I start a big punch job--some entertainment to alleviate the boredom! If you need the addresses of any of the places I have mentioned, let me know and I'll try to find them. How is the braille with the LED by the way? What translator do you use? I have a VersaPoint 40 which I am using with Hot Dots. Keep brailling! Linda # Origin: DD Connection 2, Arlington TX (817/640-7880) (Opus 1:130/10) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Linda.Iverson Internet: Linda.Iverson@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org
David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (06/07/90)
Index Number: 8703 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] LI> Hi, Al! Glad to find another dedicated braille user! I have LI> never seen 20 weight form-feed paper such as you were LI> describing, but I know that at one time, at least, American LI> Thermoform Company in California, offered a draft quality LI> paper--$21.95 for one thousand sheets. I have never seen it, LI> but I gather it is the type of paper braille magazines are done LI> on. I don't know if it was punched. Some places will punch LI> paper on request; some not at all, and others do it for a fee. I have been using the draft paper from American Thermoform. It is somewhat thinner then magazine paper, and a little more grainy. It doesn't produce great braille because of its thickness, I would guess about 40 or 50 pounds, but it is good braille for draft work. As I said, it isn't as smooth as regular braille paper, and it is somewhat difficult to rip apart and remove the tractor strips, but it does save you money. I don't know whether or not they will punch it. David Andrews ... Your Sound Alternative -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!David.Andrews Internet: David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Tom.Gerhart@f210.n273.z1.fidonet.org (Tom Gerhart) (07/19/90)
Index Number: 9331 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] MA> HI, Tom. Could you tell me what turbobraille lacks that you MA> just can't live without? I'm interested in how it compares MA> with other programs and would value your opinion. MA> marda Hi Marda, Your msg was to Al and I so I'll answer for me and he can answer for himself. I have a demo of the Turbo braille program, and the only thing that I wish it could do is multiple copies, other than that I really think it is the best thing out there for a very good price. I finally got my thiel up and running. It is just incredible to watch. Tom G P.s. We should be able to start producing braille for the public in September. Tom G -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!273!210!Tom.Gerhart Internet: Tom.Gerhart@f210.n273.z1.fidonet.org
David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (07/27/90)
Index Number: 9548 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] AH> David: AH> Sorry about being so late with a response, but I moved. AH> Anyway, I really like you'alls attitude about support for AH> Turbo Braille--its probablly the best out, but Joe still is AH> nice to me even if my questions have at times taken him a long AH> time to answer. Let me play with this demo I have a TB and AH> I'll send you a list of "missings and wanted,". I sort of AH> doubt my list would meet a lot of people's expectations, but AH> if I can make my program do what I want, they'll be surprised. AH> I don't think I am viewing translation in the same "black AH> box" mode as most people do, its more a process then just AH> "make me braille,". There are a lot of variables as you know, AH> I think there are a lot of methods to achieve nearly perfect AH> braille format, composition, and output that haven't been AH> tried yet. If I gave out my approach you'd get it done first. AH> Besides I'm probablly gonna give mine away, source and all. AH> Hope you like Pascal, thats the source language unless I get AH> kicked in the butt soon and rewrite this in C++. Al, Yes, Joe Sullivan is a nice guy. When we introduced Turbo Braille, he came up to me and introduced himself and wished us luck. Duxbury is a good program, and undoubtedly the most accurate. It is a little expensive though and can be complex to use. I think braille translation is pretty straight forward, but the formatting sure does get tricky. Turbo Braille is written in C. Chuck tells me that Pascal is easier to write in, but does not have as much available as C, so a good programmer will eventually runout of steam with pascal. Looking forward to your feedback. David Andrews ... Your Sound Alternative -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!David.Andrews Internet: David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Susan.Wimberly@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Susan Wimberly) (08/12/90)
Index Number: 9767 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Doug, The Dipner driver within Brailletalk enables me to use a modified ink print printer to produce braille. I think it was originally written by the people at Grass Roots Computing. Someone else on the echo might be able to give you further information. Susan -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!5!Susan.Wimberly Internet: Susan.Wimberly@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org
David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (08/21/90)
Index Number: 9889 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] SW> Doug, The Dipner driver within Brailletalk enables me to use a SW> modified ink print printer to produce braille. I think it was SW> originally written by the people at Grass Roots Computing. SW> Someone else on the echo might be able to give you further SW> information. Susan Susan, The Dipner Dots method was originally developed by Raised Dot Computing and put in their Braille-Edit and BEX programs. It allows an ink-print printer to produce draft quality braille using the period to punch holes. It involves modifying the platen, wraping it with a soft material. I didn't know that Braille Talk had such a driver, but it may. David Andrews ... Your Sound Alternative -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!David.Andrews Internet: David.Andrews@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Al.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Al Hoffman) (01/11/91)
Index Number: 12876 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Hi Bonnie: If you are interested I can run a test document through PC Braille for you and send it, or you could download it from here. If you are interested, this bbs is at 703-768-2751 24 hours 2400 baud, etc. I think it would be nice to put a translator on-line, something like, you upload, and call back for the automatic download the next day, or in a certain time set. This could be an interesting idea, but probablly won't get too far. For the very occasional braille user this would be great. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!143.0!Al.Hoffman Internet: Al.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.org
Walter.Siren@p18.f5.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren) (01/11/91)
Index Number: 12889 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] AH> it would be nice to put a translator on-line, something like, you upload, AH> and call back for the automatic download the next day, or in a certain time AH> set. This could be an interesting idea, but probablly won't get too far. I wouldn't think so. By the time you spend all those bucks for an imbosser, the amount in comparison extra for a translator wouldn't make that much difference for the inconvenience of having to send and download text. Walter -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!5.18!Walter.Siren Internet: Walter.Siren@p18.f5.n396.z1.fidonet.org