[Blindmath] Hello

[Susan Jolly]

Most of the people on this list know me but since there are two new persons, 
here again is a quick introduction prior to saying something to the new 
persons.  I'm a retired sighted computational scientist who became 
interested in developing braille software because braille had been a hobby 
of my father's.  My main interest is software that can interconvert print 
math and Nemeth braille.

What I wanted to say is, hey guys, learn to read braille.  Beg, borrow, or 
steal a refreshable braille display, hook it up to your computer, and teach 
yourself.  You can set the system up so what you type on your standard 
keyboard pops up as one-for-one computer braille on your display.  Or you 
can use Jaws to produce contracted or Grade 2 braille.  There are a number 
of different brands of braille displays so if you don't like the feel of the 
first one you try, try some others.

Make yourself practice at least thirty minutes a day.  (And even if you have 
some vision don't use it at all for braille; stay tactile.) Start with 
something simple like a line of identical cells but with one different one 
somewhere in the middle with the goal of simply spotting the different one. 
Remember to move your fingers horizontally and not too slowly.

Best wishes,
Susan J.