[blindkid] Why JAWS?

[Heather Field]

Hello Brandon,
If your child is a braille user then braille proficiency should take first 
place. She will always build on the literacy she has developed on the 
braille device. So, whether a braille note taker or a computer with 
refreshable braille display, braille must always be part of the writing and 
reading experience. "listening" to what a laptop says is not reading, it is 
listening. Given your tvi's willingness to get a braille note taker, why not 
start with the free screen-reader from Sarotech {spelling :(] and work on 
developing braille skills with the Perkins and the braille note taker.
My thoughts as a teacher of blind students who is  also blind.
Regards,
Heather

-----Original Message----- 
From: b&s
Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 11:02 PM
To: blindkid at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [blindkid] Why JAWS?

I absolutely agree with Jim's expression of "Grrrr," as it applies to the 
notion that cost should not be an issue in a blind kid getting their 
educational needs met…I also shouldn't know more about blind technology than 
the TVI at this phase, but I do - which isn't saying much for either of us. 
However, this is the situation we seem to have. I have to educate myself so 
that I can then educate the TVI on what's appropriate and when.

With that said, I am keenly aware that we can only take on a certain number 
of learning projects at a time. I think it may be overload for Emilia to 
learn a notetaker and JAWS/computer and do regular schoolwork and work on 
increasing braille reading speed. Do kids really manage all this at the same 
time? My thought has been that I'm willing to go with a phase in approach - 
My impression from the comments so far is that maybe JAWS/computer with 
braille display might take first priority, then notetaker once she's 
cruising on the computer. Brandon

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