[nabs-l] question about braille

[Darian Smith]

RJ and all:
 
 I think that Braille is a very important tool for someone who is blind (no matter what  visual acuity).
 It is essential if you don’t have access to the printed word, but even if you do, it allows you the flexibility to operate in a more efficient manner than  just simply having access to print or braille by it’s self.
  
 Something that often gets lost in discussions of independence and the tools you need is the  Importance of the use  of the Long White cane.
  Now  granted  there are quite a few different types of canes and the one you end up using ultimately comes  down to personal  preference,  but in my view we would be remiss  if we only mentioned braille and not  mention  cane use.
 both tools  are ways to  go about living the life you want, and being armed with these tools  as soon as you can get them can only serve to benefit a person.
  So, while this was a question about braille, I don’t know if it can only be a question  of braille by it’s self because both the ability to be literate and be mobile  are essential to the blind  as much as it is our sighted peers.
   respectfully,
  Darian                   
On Jul 30, 2014, at 10:48 AM, Manners, Derek via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Part of the drawback of being visually impaired or blind is that a lot of
> things in the world are geared toward those with site.  Like any other tool
> in the blind toolkit, braille is a workaround for a number of issues that
> we all face or have the potential to face.  It can alert you that you are
> about to enter the wrong gendered restroom or the wrong room number. it can
> let you enjoy the sensation of reading a paper book instead of having to
> have someone read it to you. It can allow you to send hand-written notes to
> those who would appreciate a personal touch. In general, it can help you
> maintain your independence and individualism despite the loss of site.
> 
> 
> On Wed, Jul 30, 2014 at 1:31 PM, Matthew Dierckens via nabs-l <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
>> You need to learn how to spell. A speech synthesizer can't teach someone
>> how to spell per say.
>> Also, if you get tired of hearing synthetic speech all day you can use
>> braille.
>> 
>> Matthew Dierckens
>> Macintosh Trainer
>> Blind Access Training
>> www.blindaccesstraining.com
>> 1-877-774-7670, extension 3
>> matthew at blindaccesstraining.com
>> Introduction to the Macintosh Operating system and voiceover course
>> available now. Spots are limited, sign up here
>> http://blindaccesstraining.com/training-courses/
>> 
>> On Jul 30, 2014, at 13:29, RJ Sandefur via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> How has Braille impacted your life, and do you believe your life would
>> be different had you not learned Braille? If you were talking with a person
>> who is going blind, and they asked you, "Why do I need to learn Braille?"
>> What would you say to  them? RJ Sandefur, Doctor of theology, Andersonville
>> theological seminary
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