[nabs-l] Techniques for Doing Math in Braille

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Laney and all,
As we know, when choosing alternative techniques to get our work done
we often have to make trade-offs. In this case there is a trade-off
between the amount of stuff we carry around and the extra clarity
provided by doing math using Braille writing equipment. Everyone will
come to a different opinion about what works best for them, and that
is fine. For some of us it is worth the back pain and hassle to carry
a Perkins Brailler between home and class; for others of us working on
the Braille Note is efficient and clear enough that we decide not to
bother with the heavy Braille books and equipment. I can definitely
see some compromises, though. For example could you use your Braille
Note for taking notes in class but use your Perkins for doing homework
assignments at home? Also, do you need your calc textbook with you in
class every day or is it mostly used for working homework problems?
I have not taken calculus since high school, but when I did I did all
my notetaking and homework assignments on a Braille notetaker (Braille
Lite was the best device at that time). I have also taken four
statistics classes in college and grad school and in all cases, I took
notes on a Braille Note or laptop and completed homework using my
laptop, with my Braille Note as a calculator and way to write down
equations and formulas for my own reference. While reading long
equations on a small Braille display can be a nuisance, and isn't the
best method for everyone, it might be worthwhile to practice
notetaking on your Braille Note to build up your speed and confidence.
When taking notes, it is not necessary to write in perfect Nemeth code
or computer Braille. I often did my notes in a combination of Nemeth,
literary Braille and other shorthand I made up that would only make
sense to me. Your notes only need to make sense to you and they don't
have to be exhaustive--they just need to capture the main ideas.
Again, I think the best way to lighten your load would be to try using
your Braillewriter only outside of class, and also see if you are able
to forgo your Braille text while you are in class.
Best of luck,
Arielle