[nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

[Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)]

Hi Listers,

If anybody cares, I too have at least two perkins Braillers.  I even bought a new generation Perkins from APH.  (By the way, I'm not impressed with it, and would as soon just keep using the older generation).  I use one at the Office and mostly Braille notes on it.  I use 5 by 7 cards, and have a whole pile, (I'd like to say organized) with case numbers, telephone numbers, passwords, etc on them.  I also use 8 and a half by 11 braille paper on the newer perkins at the Ofice to write l onger notes that need my attention.

I do of course use my computer and Braille embosser for long documents I either draft or review.  At home, I use the Perkins for labeling as also mentioned by  Chris, I use it to write notes on important documentnts, and even use it for phone numbers, etc.  I wouldn't do without my Perkins.  I also refer to an article I once wrote called, "Technology is not the answer" to more generally argue that hand written Braille, with either the slate and stylus and the Perkins is very important when the technology fails us.  Besides, sighted folks have never completely given up the pen and pencil.  So, while an "Underwood" may not generally be in use, old style tools haven't been completely abandoned.

Mary Ellen, I took this route to respond, rather than writing to the address you gave. Hope this is enough.
/s/
Bennett Prows 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 8:00 PM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

Mary Ellen:

I have a Braille Sense Plus and a computer. I also have two
Perkins Braillers, both of which need repairs. I do not own a Braille embosser.

I don't use the Perkins much as I find a refreshable Braille display quite satisfactory under most circumstances. However, were I still doing a great many math calculations (algebra, calculus, differential equations, page-long physics equations and the like), I would accept nothing else except a Perkins. Spatial display of math elements (or poetry, for that matter) just doesn't work with a refreshable Braille display and blind college students are handicapping themselves mightily if they try to do math or other natural sciences without use of a Perkins Brailler.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mary Ellen" <gabias at telus.net>
To: unknown <gabias at telus.net>
Date: Monday, Sep 13, 2010 10:23:04
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

>
>
> I'm writing to ask what may seem to be an absurd question. 
>  
> Is the Perkins Brailler still a useful piece of equipment?
>  
> The Perkins is obviously used by blind people who don't have access to
> advanced Braille technology, but I'm particularly interested in the opinions
> of those who use computer assisted Braille.
>  
> Though I have a Braille Lite and an embosser, I wouldn't want to give up my
> Perkins. Its role has changed for me over the years, but I still find it
> useful.
>  
> The question has arisen because of an accommodation assessment I just read.
> The person doing the assessment described the Perkins as "akin to a 1950's
> Underwood." He clearly meant to indicate contempt for such an antiquated
> piece of machinery.
>  
> Perhaps I'm merely demonstrating my advanced age and Luddite tendencies, but
> I cringe at the "If it don't have a computer chip, it ain't no good,"
> mentality.
>  
> I would like to compile a list of ways in which tech savvy blind people
> still use the Perkins, as well as reasons why people have stopped using it. 
>  
> We're all familiar with "experts" who denigrate the slate and stylus. We've
> done a very good job of countering their arguments, though the "experts"
> still aren't listening very well. I believe it may be time for us to pull
> together information and information on best practice once again. If I'm
> right in believing the Perkins is still a useful tool, technology
> consultants need to know it in detail. If I'm wrong, then it's time for me
> to change my Luddite ways and "get with the program."
> Please e-mail me at gabias at telus.net with your views.
>  
> Mary Ellen Gabias
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