How To Find A Computer Keyboard That Can Be Used To Enter Braille

The Fred's Head Companion Friday, July 14, 2006
How to Find a Computer Keyboard That Can Be Used to Enter Braille
By Michael McCarty
An increasing number of braille transcribers are using computers to produce braille. Some use conventional word processing programs and braille translation software to change the standard text to grade two braille. Many transcribers are using software that enables a conventional PC to simulate a mechanical braillewriter. Six keys on the PC keyboard serve as the dot keys of a brailler. Usually the letters s, d, f, j, k and l serve in this way.

Unfortunately, not all keyboards allow the operator to do this. Recently, we had a query from someone wanting a list of keyboards that could be used this way. We went to Betsy Burnham, a veteran transcriber and teacher of transcribers. She pointed out that to make and keep an up-to-date list would be difficult, if not impossible. As an alternative, she suggested this very practical test. When selecting a keyboard, go to a dealer and ask that a demonstration model of the keyboard be connected to a computer in the store. Then, in a word processing or editing program, press the s d f j k l keys all at once. If all six of these letters appear on the screen, the keyboard will be able to enter braille. If any of the letters is missing, do not use this board.

We tried this test on a computer using screen access software. On one computer as many as five of the six letters appeared but never all six. On another, all six letters were entered every time.

SixIn Sixin gives access to the PC for Braille users. Sixin allows the braillist to use a standard QWERTY keyboard braille-style. With fingers on keys s d f and j k l and thumbs on the spacebar, either grade 2 or computer Braille can be written at speed and print appears on the screen. This text can be read with speech or a Braille display, and saved or modified as usual with a PC. Sixin is ideal for the student, the would-be speed writer or those having difficulties with QWERTY keyboards. It is best used with NotePad and may not work with all versions of MS Word.