[Blindmath] Ways to create math solutions for sighted instructors

Wed Aug 17 20:18:44 UTC 2016

Does the student in question use a Braille note-taker such as a HumanWare BrailleNote Apex, HIMS Braille Sense U2, etc., for taking notes and completing assignments in non-STEM courses? As a user of Braille note-takers for many years through high school and college (I'm currently completing degrees in physics and music as of this year), I have devised a method for producing semi-standard math notation in print that involves using computer Braille code and extended Unicode characters on a BrailleNote Apex. Any document with math notation written in this system can simply be printed out or e-mailed to a sighted instructor to evaluate. In a nutshell, the system is sort of a hybrid between the Nemeth Code, LaTeX, and standard math notation. Part of the effective implementation of the system also involved assigning special dot combinations (using a custom eight-dot Computer Braille table) to the math Unicode symbols such as infinity (∞), element of (∈), or the integral sign (∫), as well as the upper- and lower-case Greek alphabet. The similarity with LaTeX is evident by the use of a caret (^) for the beginning of a superscript expression and an underscore (_) for a subscript expression, with the Computer Braille double quote mark (which happens to be the dot 5 from Nemeth) used to return to the baseline (the curly braces {} don't perform their LaTeX function, instead being used as they might be found in standard notation).
Anyway, if the student has expressed interest in using a Braille note-taker in a STEM course, they and their sighted instructor(s) may find the key to modified math symbols (which I have created and revised over the years), along with some little examples, to be helpful. Please let me know if this is the case.

Thank you,
Daniel

On Aug 17, 2016 3:26 PM, Russell Solowoniuk via Blindmath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Neal, 
>
> Does Duxbury 12.1 include the ability to translate from nemeth directly to LaTex print file? How is this done? 
>
> Also, the student in question uses a Mac. I know there is a Duxbury version available for the Mac, but will the student be able to do what you suggest on a Mac? If not, we may be able to provide a loaner Windows laptop. 
>
> Thanks to all who responded! 
>
> Best, 
>
> Russell 
>
> >>> Neal Kuniansky via Blindmath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> 2016-08-17 1:05 PM >>> 
> First the disclosure, I am with Duxbury Systems the manufacturer of DBT (the 
> Duxbury Braille Translator). 
>
> If the student uses DBT Win version 12.1, the they can six key in their 
> braille math directly [in either UEB or Nemeth]. 
> Then the student can translate that file to LaTex print file. 
> The student can open the resulting file in any LaTeX software, such as the 
> free Scientific Viewer, and print it out for the braille impaired teacher. 
> This can all be done independently by the student with their access 
> technology. 
>
> Cheers, 
> Neal 
> neal at duxsys.com 
> +1 978-692-3000 
> www.DuxburySystems.com 
> Duxbury Systems, Inc. 
> Your braille solution around the globe since 1976! 
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Russell 
> Solowoniuk via Blindmath 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2016 2:51 PM 
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org 
> Cc: Russell Solowoniuk 
> Subject: [Blindmath] Ways to create math solutions for sighted instructors 
>
> Hi everyone, 
>
> We are supporting a student who is blind and taking Math 099. We are trying 
> to figure out a way for the student to complete assignments and print them 
> out in a format that a sighted instructor is able to read and comprehend. 
> The student will be working on things like quadratic equations. 
>
> The student does use nemeth. He has a BrailleNote Apex QT. The problem with 
> printing from the Apex is that things like superscript, subscript, 
> fractions, etc. are written out as (superscript) 2 (endscript), (subscript) 
> 2 (endscript) (open frac) 1Over 2 (close frac) etc. 
>
> Is there a method of working with math for the blind that will allow the 
> material to be exported to a format that is easy to understand for sighted 
> instructors? 
>
> Any help will be greatly appreciated. 
>
> Russell 
>
> Russell Solowoniuk 
> AT Educational Assistant, Services to Students with Disabilities MacEwan 
> University 
> 7-198 D4, 10700-104 Ave. 
> Edmonton, AB  T5J 4S2 
> E: solowoniukr at macewan.ca 
> T:  780-497-5826 
> F:  780-497-4018 
> macewan.ca 
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