[NFB-Braille-Discussion] Slate and Stylus

Wed Jun 9 17:28:39 UTC 2021

Hello all,
I was taught how to use a slate and stylus when I was learning
braille, but I found that my hand tended to cramp up, so I stopped
using it. Not sure if it was a technique issue or if I was using the
wrong type of stylus, but it was not pleasant. However, I am
interested in trying to learn it again if I can find an instructor to
work with.

On 6/9/21, Debbie Gabe via NFB-Braille-Discussion
<nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I have never had any TSA agent question my stylus going through airport
> security -ever!. TSA agents have found my folding scissors that folded up
> into a circle. Don't know how they recognized that one. But I always have a
> slate and a couple of styluses in my carry on backpack.
> Debbie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Braille-Discussion <nfb-braille-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org> On
> Behalf Of Steve Jacobson via NFB-Braille-Discussion
> Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 3:23 AM
> To: NFB Braille Discussion <nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Steve Jacobson <steve.jacobson at outlook.com>
> Subject: Re: [NFB-Braille-Discussion] Slate and Stylus
>
> Tony,
>
> Regarding labeling, I was not sure if you had tried the labeling options
> using a slate or not.  In case you haven't, there are one line slates
> specifically for use on labeling tape, and there are many slates that have
> a
> little slot at the beginning and end of the second line through which you
> can thread labeling tape.  If you already know and have tried this, sorry
> for stating the obvious.
>
> Regarding security at airports, I always carry a slate and stylus in my
> computer bag.  When things were really tense, I did have trouble
> occasionally, but I have not had any trouble now for years.  Since most
> slates are metal, they will probably show up on the X-ray scanners, so I
> usually put mine where it can easily be found in case a question is raised.
> The stylus doesn't seem to raise much of a concern any more in my
> experience.  Of course, this could vary if an alert level is raised.  I
> have
> gotten more questions about my braille display.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve
>
> From: kg 6sxy (kg6sxy) <kg6sxy at gmail.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 5:02 AM
> To: NFB Braille Discussion <nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Steve Jacobson <steve.jacobson at outlook.com>
> Subject: Re: [NFB-Braille-Discussion] Slate and Stylus
>
> Hello Steve,
>
> So far the easiest tool I've found to braille with is a Fiskars Dual Tip
> Embossing Stylus because of the spongy barrel:
> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YZ413I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o0
> 5_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https
> %3A%2F%2Fsmile.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000YZ413I%2Fref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_as
> in_title_o05_s00%3Fie%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cf7bc6269494640d196c
> 308d92b2d91b4%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C63758829717625805
> 7%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haW
> wiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=PM8fF6ue6%2BEJQhXwOVcT95jpNYYao3aZzn1VvWjt7BI%
> 3D&reserved=0>
>
> I also found these clear label protectors they use for books a lot easier
> to
> use than plastic label tape and it appears to hold the embossed braille
> pretty well:
> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B081LM97P5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o0
> 4_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https
> %3A%2F%2Fsmile.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB081LM97P5%2Fref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_as
> in_title_o04_s00%3Fie%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cf7bc6269494640d196c
> 308d92b2d91b4%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C63758829717626804
> 3%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haW
> wiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=YzI3UwOKcMKceZO%2FtFvofJwE4WwNpUiHSV%2FdlSSbFY
> Y%3D&reserved=0>
>
> I've been experimenting with different weights of paper too.  I've never
> used official Braille Paper. I've tried post-it notes which fade pretty
> quickly.  I have some light card stock index cards that have been laying
> around for ages that work pretty well.  Junk mail is always in abundance
> and
> a lot of them work well when cut down to pocket size.  I used to use my
> junk
> mail for origami.  There's always way too much junk mail.
>
> I've seen a few of the ready-made labeling tools but I didn't like the
> limitations unless you are willing to pay $800 for an electronic one with a
> Perkins keyboard so you can use contracted braille.
>
> I've made voice recordings at times but they are not always the most
> reliable.  I've returned home to find that the recording was unintelligible
> because of the background noise so I feel more comfortable with a physical
> note that I can quickly verify before the information evaporates into the
> ether.
>
> All this experimenting is definitely giving me a lot more practice with a
> slate and stylus which is great.
>
> Has anyone had any trouble getting through TSA with a slate and stylus?
>
> Take care,
> Tony
>
> On Jun 8, 2021, at 11:34 PM, Steve Jacobson via NFB-Braille-Discussion
> <nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>
> Tony,
>
> It sounds like you are already experimenting with different styli, and that
> is great.  I have a stylus with a broader flatter top that I find useful,
> but I have no idea where I got it.
>
> Another thing that you might find helpful, though, is to use a lighter
> weight braille paper,  for writing quick notes, the use of the normal
> weight
> braille paper isn't that essential.  In a pinch, I have put two sheets of
> printer paper together to give more weight, but even one sheet of printer
> paper will hold dots for a while and work fine for temporary notes.  If you
> use printer paper, you may notice that more dots break when embossing them,
> but they are still readable.
>
> I would add my concern to that of others regarding sharpening a stylus.  It
> can result in more broken dots, but obviously some have tried it and been
> happy with the results.
>
> I have used a slate and stylus a lot in my life but readily admit I use it
> less now.  However, I have found it to be the most reliable and most
> flexible way to write on labeling tape.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Braille-Discussion
> <nfb-braille-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfb-braille-discussion-bou
> nces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of kg 6sxy (kg6sxy) via NFB-Braille-Discussion
> Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 5:19 PM
> To:
> nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfb-braille-discussion at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: kg 6sxy (kg6sxy) <kg6sxy at gmail.com<mailto:kg6sxy at gmail.com>>
> Subject: [NFB-Braille-Discussion] Slate and Stylus
>
> Hello,
>
> I just joined this list today and didn't a little looking through the
> archives but didn't see anything in the past few months about slate and
> stylus use.
>
> Does anyone still use a slate and stylus that has found a comfortable
> stylus
> to use with arthritis or neuropathy?  I'm working on getting my brain to
> properly flip braille for a slate but I find that the couple of styluses I
> have are hard to use after a line or two.
>
> Take care,
> Tony
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