[nabs-l] New on the list

[Kaiti Shelton]

Hi Shelby,

Welcome to the list!  Here are my answers to some of your questions.

For class I rely mostly on my laptop and BrailleSensse.  It depends on
the assignment, but typically if it needs to be emailed in I'll write
it on the computer in microsoft word and if it's just personal notes
for me I use my BrailleSense, although I have my default file type set
to txt to make the files interchangeable.  The school I attend has a
Focus 40 display, but I don't use it in everyday class work.  It's a
nice display, although not the most portable one.  If you're planning
to use one on a daily basis I'd recommend getting one that's smaller
like Ashley said or using a notetaker as a display via bluetooth if
you have one.

For notes it really depends on your typing speed and how you
understand the information you take down.  I like to write mine in a
way that sort of paraphrases what the teacher says, but I don't use
abreviations or anything.  I number things if they're presented in a
list and write down exaples to help me remember, but I'm a pretty fast
typist so my notes tend to read more like a book or something than
actual notes.

I'd start on Bookshare or Web Braille first.  I don't use Learning
Ally at all but if that works for you that too.  Get anything you can
for free.  Then if you don't want audio or still have books you can't
find anywaere else get them through your disabilities office.  Usually
mine will just scan the books, edit them, and email me text files
which I can read with Jaws or put on my BrailleSense if I want to
physically read the braille.  It may seem like a pain if you have to
buy the print textbook but you can always sell it back.  If you don't
like the bookstore's price you can always sell it to another student
directly, and you can actually get closer to the original price than a
sighted person might since the book will be in mint condition.

Hope this helps.

On 2/1/13, Ashley Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
> Shelby,
> I forgot to add some things to answer your questions.
> I do not use a braille display as its so expensive; I have one through my
> braille Note only.
> If you get one through rehab, I suggest getting one of 20 cells or more.
> This way you can read several words without having to advance the display.
> If you are connecting it to a laptop/netbook, you want something portable so
>
> a huge 80 cell would not be a good idea.
> Personally,  if I get a braille display, I'd probably pick the one with 18
> or 20 cells. This way its smaller and portable so I could
> carry it without breaking my arms from the weight of it and hook it up to a
>
> laptop or desktop when I'm at home.
>
> I use a Braille note for notetaking. But its up to you what you do.
> I write notes in a rough outline form. What I mean is I have major headings
>
> but do not use a formal out line structure with letters and numbers.
> I have a heading; then notes underneath. Each major point I place a dash
> before it since I cannot write bullets with a notetaker.
> If the professor lists items, I list those too with numbers. For instance
> Four family theories I'd write
> Family Theories:
> 1.
> 2.
> 3.
> 4.
> Then the words that go with that list. I also write down definitions and key
>
> vocab we go over. Certain subjects have their own vocabulary. For instance
> psychology has words like cognitive distortions,
> classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and self efficacy.
> After writing down the terms, I write down an example or two if that is
> given or discussed.
>
> HTH,
> Ashley
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Shelby Young
> Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 3:17 PM
> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nabs-l] New on the list
>
> Hi,
> My name is Shelby. I am going to start school in the fall. I am wondering
> Where is the best place to get my text books? Would you recommend getting
> them on audio or getting the print copy and scanning them on my Mac. Do some
>
> of you use brille displays, and if so what is your preference? What are
> different ways you take notes in class?
> Thanks in advance for any information.
> Shelby
>
>
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-- 
Kaiti