[nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

Wed Sep 15 22:52:18 UTC 2010

I love technology so much that I am so proud to have a slick computer
running the latest version of JAWS and a Braille Note and I use those very
much now, like 99%. I can just hook up my Braille Note to the PC and run it
as a Braille Display as well--no need to just carry around a bulky unit that
is just going to make me more stress... (well, in my opinion). 
Also, just like some of you just pointed out, things don't last forever and
who knows, maybe our technology will give up the ghost on us. So, braillers,
slates and styluses are always going to be the "backup" plan.

Humberto

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Kaye Kipp
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 3:44 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

I don't know what I'd do without my slate and stylus.  They're always in my
purse.

Kaye
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mary Ellen" <gabias at telus.net>
To: "'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 2:45 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers

> Thanks to all who have taken the time to respond, either privately or on
> list, to my question concerning the Perkins Brailler. Ben, your article
> about the use of the slate and stylus was part of the inspiration for my
> query. Just as educators and experts abandoned the slate and stylus and 
> the
> Federation has had to fight for its recognition as a valuable tool, I fear
> the unique place of the Perkins Brailler is also not fully understood by
> those making decisions about which technology to recommend or purchase. I
> think we won't have as much trouble explaining the need for the Perkins as
> we continue to have with the slate because it's easy for those not fluent 
> in
> Braille to understand the mechanics of the Perkins. We won't have to 
> listen
> to a lot of silly talk about reversals and how difficult it is to learn.
> I've received enough comments to begin a short article on the topic, but 
> if
> anyone hasn't commented and would like to, please feel free
>  --  particularly if you have what you believe is a specialized or unique
> use for your Brailler.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)
> Sent: September 15, 2010 2:22 PM
> To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Perkins Braillers
>
>
> 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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