[nabs-l] Reasonable technology requests from Rehab and some other college questions

Tue Apr 26 06:09:51 UTC 2011

For taking notes, I would also consider an iPod Touch along with a small bluetooth Braille display (that is, if you want braille). I can't remember the brand or model, but there is a small bluetooth braille display out there which has a braille keyboard built in. I tried that with my iPhone and I can tell you that it makes a terrific notetaking device. It's also a lot smaller than any of the blind-specific products.
Just an idea...

IC
On Apr 25, 2011, at 9:10 PM, Jorge Paez wrote:

> That's true,
> I think JFW is ten times better then Window Eyes.
> I've tried both, but JFW does seem more responsive.
> 
> Jorge
> 
> 
> On Apr 25, 2011, at 8:09 PM, David wrote:
> 
>> I don't that the keyboard should be too loud to prevent you from taking
>> notes. I have the same model, and took notes in high school all the time,
>> and will continue to do so in college. If you're not completely set on
>> Window Eyes, I would get JAWS, and keep the PAC Mate. You could use the PAC
>> Mate Braille display on your computer that way, as Window Eyes does not
>> support it.
>> David
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>> Of Jordyn Castor
>> Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 7:06 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Reasonable technology requests from Rehab and some
>> other college questions
>> 
>> Right now I have a PAC Mate with a braille keyboard and a 40 cell 
>> display which is mine. I'm just concerned about using the keyboard in 
>> class since it's so loud! lol I also use a laptop, but mine is pretty 
>> out of date and I have NVDA. So, I want a new laptop with Window Eyes or 
>> something. I also have a Booksense.
>> I'm just going to say this. My name is Jordyn, spelled J o r d y n, just 
>> so people don't think I'm a guy. lol! I've seen it spelled with a lot of 
>> variations on this list so I'm just letting you all know.
>> Anyway, thanks so much for the great suggestions on the technology! What 
>> do you guys think in your preference of the BrailleNote to the PAC Mate 
>> and why if it is just used for notetaking and book reading and such? I 
>> really don't want to get into a huge BrailleNote versus PAC Mate debate, 
>> just wondering though. lol You can email me off list with your opinions 
>> if you want.
>> Do you think people get annoyed with the loudness of your notetaker in 
>> class?
>> Thanks again,
>> Jordyn
>> On 4/24/2011 9:46 PM, bookwormahb at earthlink.net wrote:
>>> Gordyn,
>>> Technology depends on your needs and it has to relate to your college 
>>> goals.
>>> Everyone likes laptops now a days; but IMO an advantage to bringing a 
>>> regular desktop to the dorm is its stable and you don't have to worry 
>>> about battery life and its more fragile.  Now if you intend to take 
>>> notes on it during class, then yes bring a laptop to college.
>>> Do you have a notetaker already such as  a BrailleNote?
>>> If so, you already have a braille display.
>>> I agree ask for a scanner with OCR software like Openbook.
>>> 
>>> The braille display, your choice of screen reader, and computer are 
>>> personal preference.
>>> Rehab bought me my BrailleNote and Openbook software with scanner.  
>>> But I already had some technology like jaws and duxbury because my 
>>> family is supportive.
>>> 
>>> What are you going to use the braille display for?  That is more 
>>> expensive than a computer, scanner, and OCR software combined.
>>> So what justification will you have for them to spend that much money 
>>> on it? Something to think about.
>>> In VA I don't know one college student who got a
>>> 40 cell braille display!  Students typically get a screen reader, OCR 
>>> software, scanner and a notetaker; state buys either the PacMate or 
>>> BrailleNote.
>>> Just be prepared to justify the braille display as this is not a 
>>> common request. If you need it, go ahead though.
>>> But the state might think "oh why should we buy this when we paid for 
>>> a screen reader and Openbook to read to him?".
>>> 
>>> Regarding roommates, I'm with you. Get a roommate, unless you have a 
>>> guide dog.  Then the dog might pose a problem living with a roommate 
>>> because of allergies or something.
>>> Meet with housing so they don't assume you need a special placement or 
>>> something.  I think blindness should not affect where you live as long 
>>> as you can walk down stairs in an emergency; so live whereever 
>>> freshman live and don't let blindness be a barrier.
>>> Ashley
>>> -----Original Message----- From: Jordyn Castor
>>> Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 8:09 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>> Subject: [nabs-l] Reasonable technology requests from Rehab and some 
>>> other college questions
>>> 
>>> Hi again guys!
>>> I'm going to college in the fall, as I already said yesterday. This is
>>> why I have so many questions! I just want to be sure I'm doing
>>> everything right, and what better way to do this then asking other blind
>>> students? :) So, thanks for all your great advice on everything!
>>> My other question is, what are reasonable things to ask Rehab for in the
>>> way of technology?
>>> I'm thinking a laptop, 40 cell braille display, Window Eyes, and a
>>> printer scanner combo thinggy with software like OpenBook or Kurzweil. I
>>> don't know if I'd get a notetaker though as these are super expensive.
>>> lol Any suggestions or other things you'd ask for? What are you all
>>> using as far as technology in college?
>>> My college also has a place where I can, I think, borrow technology like
>>> an embosser or Braille Display. Should I use that rather than asking
>>> rehab for some of the things like the display and the printer? I think
>>> it would be awesome to have a printer in my dorm though lol!
>>> Oh, speaking of dorms, do most of you have a roommate or a single room?
>>> A lot of my blind friends seem to have single rooms because of the
>>> expensive technology, but, I want a roommate, I think. lol Thoughts?
>>> Anyway, I'll stop rambling! :)
>>> Thanks again,
>>> Jordyn
>>> 
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