[Nfb-science] Computer engineering for blind students

[Salisbury, Justin Mark]

A few of you have asked me about it off-list, so I want to fix a spelling error in my last posting.  Instead of "Wiki Sticks," be sure to search for "Wikki Stix."

Here's a link to the main producer's website:

http://www.wikkistix.com/

Justin

Justin M. Salisbury
Undergraduate Student
The University Honors Program
East Carolina University
salisburyj08 at students.ecu.edu

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."    -Aristotle
________________________________________
From: nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org [nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Salisbury, Justin Mark [SALISBURYJ08 at students.ecu.edu]
Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 8:47 PM
To: NFB Science and Engineering Division List
Subject: Re: [Nfb-science] Computer engineering for blind students

Hi Kartik,

     I am not an engineer, but I am a mathematics major.  I will tell you that this list is full of blind engineers and also includes a few computer scientists.  Let me assure you that it is indeed possible for a completely blind person to study these topics.  I do not have specific responses to all of your questions because I have not experienced the same needs that you have, but there are many blind people who have earned degrees in Computer Science and Engineering.  I'm pretty sure that you can look forward to a volley of responses on this list that address your specific needs.  Like I said, many people have done it.  Let me lastly urge you to learn Braille.  Braille is so important for blind people, and it opens so many doors for us.

   From my experience, I will share with you a few techniques.  With diagrams in physics, you can use tactile diagrams with Wiki Sticks, which are essentially strips of wax that will hold a shape.  If a person places them on a thick piece of paper, they should stick to it and remain a good diagram.  You could use this type of diagram for two-dimensional diagrams in chemistry, too.  I used ball-and-stick models for three-dimensional models, too.  They are a very common and inexpensive instructional tool that essentially every high school in the northeastern United States has today.  It's very possible that your school has such a kit.  To help you identify the different balls, you can stick something small to each ball as a marker.  If anything that I'm trying to say is unclear, please let me know.

Again, I really encourage you to learn Braille.

Good luck!

Justin

Justin M. Salisbury
Undergraduate Student
The University Honors Program
East Carolina University
salisburyj08 at students.ecu.edu

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."    -Aristotle
________________________________________
From: nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org [nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Kartik Sawhney [sawhney.kartik at gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2010 12:37 AM
To: nfb-science at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfb-science] Computer engineering for blind students

Hi,

This is Kartik Sawhney from India. I've posted onto this list earlier
too. I wanted to know if pursuing Computer Science and Engineering is
possible for a completely blind person in universities like MIT and
Harward etc. as someone told me that they have some portions in the
curriculum that are not accessible. Is it true? What about other
universities? Further, I do not know much of braille, as I've been
using computer since class I (now, I'm in class X). Therefore, how can
I draw organic structures and Lewis structures in Chemistry on the
computer. Any special software? And, one last question, how can I
comprehend Physics. I've absolutely no exposure to tactile aids as
yet. Kindly suggest.

I know that I've asked too many questions in a single mail. However,
your help is greatly required!

Anticipating your quick reply,
Regards,
-Kartik Sawhney

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