[Blindmath] Nemeth code algebra, ttrig and calculus books for loan?

Sun Jul 18 17:03:15 UTC 2010

Hello folks,

I am one of those who is going through a Computer Science program  using
Nemeth code and many other tools.  I have found that most of the services
that provide transcription are very expensive.  One quote I got recently was
for $14 per page to produce Nemeth code.  Right now, I have partnered with a
professor in the University who has taken interest in my wanting to complete
this degree.  she has been creating diagrams and translating the book
content to MathType so that I can get it to Nemeth code.  You may not find
all the tools you require and need but it will be very important to let
yourself be known.  Let people know that you are interested in doing
something different and that you are willing to put the time and effort to
get it done.  The professor I am working with was someone that I approached
a couple of years ago.  she understood my goals and offered to help.  Right
now, I receive much content from her and the disability resource center
often reimburses her for preparing the content I require.

I guess I am providing one example of my particular situation but that is
how I am able to obtain content for classwork.  The content has not always
come on time but I have been able to work through my coursework.

If I may be of further assistance, please let me know.

Regards,
Jose Tamayo 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Steve Jacobson
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2010 10:20 AM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Nemeth code algebra, ttrig and calculus books for
loan?

Peter,

I won't say anything more on this after this note.  I truly do feel for your
financial problems, but the fact is that most blind 
people going to college, even without major debt, could not affort to pay to
get braille or even audio books on their own.  
Some states tend to be tighter than others, and I can't say how tight your
state is.  However, part of the federal laws are 
intended to allow state agencies to help with book costs, and the college
you attend also has some responsibilities.  I 
was not saying you need a private transcriber, but rather, I was referring
to the fact that there are organizations that do 
transcribing to assist with textbooks.  There is such an agency in
Minnesota, for example, but they charge for out-of-
state borrowing, and they give priority to persons in-state for transcribing
new books.  You didn't say if you have 
contacted your college yet, but you will have to make some contacts to find
out what is available already transcribed 
and also if you have any options to get something transcribed.  Your VR
counselor may not be of much help, but 
sometimes you have to "play the game" to get whatever help is available, but
that option won't work until you know 
what the college is able to do.  I know RFBD has produced some books
primarily with audio but with braille 
supplements, and that might be worth investigating.  Some publishers will
provide electronic copies of their books, but it 
can be problematic with math.  I believe it is the American Printing House
for the Blind that maintains the database of all 
books that have been transcribed by organizations around the country.  NLS
does very little of this kind of work.  I just 
don't know what else to say, but I fear if you don't look at some of these
other issues very soon, you won't have any 
texts in nemeth and the practice will be of little value.  I truly hope
things work out for you, and maybe there are people 
on this list who live nearer to you who can make more specific suggestions
than I am able to make.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:51:37 -0500, Peter Wolfe wrote:

>Steve,

>    I'm trying to see how the nemeth code will look like for
>orientation purposes and for the pracctice in my rusty abilities in
>math. I haven't done serious math in almost three years. I have a VR
>counsuler and they are mainly only good in most cases with financial
>support. With the down turn in the economy and my personal financial
>restraints the other option would also be thrown out too. Looking at
>someone transcribing for me is probably way way too expensive for the
>normal blind college student. I also have a house with other debt
>credit card issues and an apartment with utilities including a
>dependent  brother as well. So, needless to say financial restraints
>are a huge problem.

>On 7/17/10, Steve Jacobson <steve.jacobson at visi.com> wrote:
>> Peter,
>>
>> What kind of books are you requesting?  Are you looking for books to
learn
>> the Nemeth Code or to see how it is used?
>> Have you made contact with the college you will be attending to see if
they
>> can help you find out what books you will
>> be needing?  There are databases around that can be searched to see if a
>> given book has been brailled by anyone.
>> Do you have a Vocational Rehabilitation case open with your state agency?
>> Part of what they might be able to do is to
>> help with purchasing braille copies of the books you will need if they
are
>> available.  They probably would not buy books
>> for practice, though.  There are some places that will transcribe books
for
>> you, but they need lead time and I don't know
>> who serves your state.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Steve Jacobson
>>
>> On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:56:10 -0600, Peter Wolfe wrote:
>>
>>>Blind Math list,
>>
>>
>>>    It's me Peter with about a month to go, I am trying to find a
>>>place to have nemeth code braille math books for loan from? I tried
>>>NLS and they have utterly blasted me out of the water via the
>>>telephone. I don't have the kind of money to purchase that sort of
>>>mammoth priced math information either. Most blind people don't have
>>>it either. I'd appreciate any help in this regard. By the way, when
>>>you guys finished your first calculus book, did you keep your notes
>>>and books for the next calculus? Thanks for any hints and tips like
>>>always.
>>
>>
>>>God bless,
>>>Peter, AS
>>
>>>--
>>>Peter Q. Wolfe, AS
>>>sunspot005 at gmail.com
>>
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>>
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>-- 
>Peter Q. Wolfe, AS
>sunspot005 at gmail.com

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