BrailleNote Tutorial

1Module B

raille

Note

Tu

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by Katie Beaver, Director of Services for Assistive Technology

University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkBuffalo, New York, USA

2Module

Module 1 - Introduction to the BrailleNote, part 1

Module 3 - Files, text,words,sentences, Braille advance

Module 2 - Introduction to the BrailleNote, part 2

Module 4 - Spelling, searching, shortcuts, printing & erasing

Module 5 - Organizing files and folders

Module 6 - Block commands, embossing

Module 7 - Disk drive, importing & exporting files

Module 8 - Protect & unprotect, place makers, erasing folders

Module 9 - Formatting

Main Menu (click on any selection or simply page down to next

slide)

3Module

Module One

4Module

Module One

BrailleNote Overview Battery Information BrailleNote Controls Adjusting the Speech Adjusting the Key Echo Navigating Menus Turning off the system

1Click here to return to Main Menu

5Module

The BrailleNote has …

A word processor - KeyWord A calendar - KeyPlan An address book - KeyList An e-mail program - KeyMail A book reader program A scientific calculator - KeyPlus A file manager An internet browser - KeyWeb


6Module

The BrailleNote can be:

connected to an ink printer to produce ink copies

connected to a braille embosser to produce hard copy braille output

connected to the computer to be used as a refreshable braille display


7Module

The BrailleNote can be:

connected to the computer to display information from the BrailleNote on the monitor

connected to a phone line for email and the internet

connected to a disk drive


8Module

The BrailleNote Battery

The BrailleNote comes with an AC adapter and a rechargeable, built-in battery

A full battery charge will last about 20 hours The BrailleNote will warn you when the

battery is low When the battery is low, you need to plug in

the AC adapter


9Module

More about the battery -

It takes about 2 hours to charge You can’t “overcharge” it The battery will last longer if you store

the BrailleNote at room temperature You will need to send the BrailleNote

back to the company to replace the battery about every 2 years


BrailleNote Controls

Braille Input Keys 1

23 4 5 6

Refreshable Braille Cells

Thumb Keys

Click here to return to Main Menu

BrailleNote Controls (con’t)

Backspace Enter

Space Bar

Back Advance

123 4 5 6

Previous or Exit

Next or Select


12Module

Lesson 1 - Adjusting the speech

On the left side, find the on/off rocker switch and press the side closest to you to turn it on

This may take you directly to the “main menu”

If not …

On/Off Switch


13Module

Go to the Main Menu

Dots 1,2,3,4,5,6 and space take you directly to the Main Menu

123 4 5 6

space


14Module

Some tips to help you…

If you are not sure what the BrailleNote said, you can read the braille display or

You can press space with the letter R (dots 1,2,3,5) to REPEAT the last spoken item

To check your battery power, press space with the letter O, then press the letter P


15Module

Changing the speech rate,pitch and volume

The braille input keys, used in specific combinations with the Enter key, are used to change the speech.

123 4 5 6 Enter


16Module

Changing the speech rate,pitch and volume (cont’d)

Tip: The braille input keys on the left make things go down & the keys on the right make things go up

1, 2, 3, ………………………………14, 15, 16, …

123 4 5 6


17Module

Changing the speech rate, pitch and volume (cont’d)

There are 32 volume levels, 16 speech rates and 16 pitch levels

1, 2, 3, ………………………………14, 15, 16, …

123 4 5 6


18Module

Changing the Volume

The ENTER key and Dot 1 reduces the volume

The ENTER key and DOT 4 increases the volume

1 4 Enter


19Module

Changing the Pitch

The ENTER key and Dot 2 lowers the pitch

The ENTER key and DOT 5 increases the pitch

2 5 Enter


20Module

Changing the Rate

The ENTER key and Dot 3 slows down the speech rate

The ENTER key and DOT 6 increases the speech rate

3 6Enter


21Module

Before continuing …

Set the volume to 20

1 4 Enter


22Module

And …

Set the pitch to 8

2 5 Enter


23Module

And …

Set the rate to 5

3 6Enter


24Module

Lesson Two - Keyboard Echo

You can instruct the BrailleNote to … speak each letter that is typed speak each word when you press the

spacebar speak both letters and words or speak nothing


25Module

This is a 4-Step Process

You must … first enter the OPTIONS MENU then choose KEYBOARD then type the letter of the option you

want and then EXIT


26Module

Change the echo to speak nothing

Press space with the dots for the letter O (dots 1, 3, 5) – BrailleNote says “options menu”

Press the letter K (dots 1,3) – BrailleNote says: “keyboard voice currently … ”

Type F for OFF (dots 1,2,4) Press space with the dots for the letter E

(dots 1,5) to exit


27Module

Change the echo to speak each letter



Type S for spell letters (dots 2,3,4) Press space with the dots for the letter E

(dots 1,5) to exit


28Module

Change the echo to speak each word



Type w for words (dots 2,4,5,6) Press space with the dots for the letter E

(dots 1,5) to exit


29Module

Change the echo to both words and letters



Type b for both (dots 1,2) Press space with the dots for the letter E

(dots 1,5) to exit


30Module

Lesson 3 - Navigating the Menus

If you are not already at the Main Menu, press dots 1,2,3,4,5,6 and space

123 4 5 6

space


31Module

Moving forward through the menus

Press the space bar or the advance key to move you forward through the menu choices

space

Advance

space


32Module

Moving backward through the menus

Press the backspace or the back key to move you backward through the menu choices

Back

Backspace


33Module

Selecting an item from a menu

Press the ENTER key or the Next/select key to select an item from a menu

Next or Select

Enter


34Module

Exiting a Menu

Press space with the letter E (dots 1,5) or press the Previous/Exit thumb key to exit a menu

space1 5

Previous or Exit1


35Module

Practice

Turn on the unit and go to the Main Menu

Change speech rate to 6 Set key echo to SPELL From the Main Menu, select the Word

Processor


36Module

Lesson 4 - Turning the system off

The BrailleNote remembers where you were working when you turn it off, and will return there when you turn it back on

While it is designed to automatically save files, it is always recommended that you return to the Main Menu first


37Module

Practice

Return to the Main Menu Locate the on/off power switch on the

left side Press the side farthest from you to

turn the BrailleNote off.


38Module

Module One Skill Checklist

Can turn device on/off Can locate Backspace key Can locate Enter key Can locate Advance key Can locate Back key Can navigate menus Can raise/lower volume/pitch/rate Can set keyboard echo to

words/spell/off/both letters & words


39Module

Module Two


40Module

Module Two

Creating a File Moving the Cursor Listening to a File Reading the Braille Display


41Module

Lesson 5 - Creating a File

Files are created using the Word Processing program called “KeyWord”

Turn on the BrailleNote If you are not at the Main Menu, go

there by pressing 1,2,3,4,5,6 and space

123 4 5 6space


42Module

Selecting the Word Processor

Using the space or the advance key, move to the Word Processor

Select the Word Processor by pressing the Enter key or the Next/Select Key

space

Advance

Enter

Next / Select


43Module

Navigating the Keyword Menu

space

Advance

Enter

Next / Select

Using the space or the advance key, read all the keyword menu items.

Move to “create a document” and select it by pressing the Enter key or the Next/Select Key.


44Module

Setting up a new file

The BrailleNote says “Folder name? Press enter for GENERAL” – Press the ENTER key to select this folder to store your file in.

Later on, you will learn how to create other folders that will help you organize your work.


45Module

Typing a file name

The BrailleNote says “Document to create?” – Type your first name in grade 2 and press Enter

The BrailleNote says “Top of Document. Blank.”

You are ready to begin typing.


46Module

The Cursor

Keep in mind that as you begin to type, the cursor, which represents your typing position, is displayed as dots 7 and 8.


47Module

Typing sentences

Type the following sentence keeping in mind that if you make a typing mistake, simply press the backspace key:Now is the time for all good men to

come to the aid of their country. Next, type the sentence:

This is fun.2


48Module

Grade 2 Reference

Now is the time ,n[ is ! "t for all good men = all gd m5 to come to the aid 6-e 6! aid of their country. ( _! c.try4

This is fun. ,? is fun4


49Module

Moving the cursor

The cursor is moved and speaking commands are executed by using specific braille input keys together with the spacebar.

123 4 5 6

space


50Module

Moving the cursor (cont’d)

The cursor can also be moved by using the “Touch Cursor Buttons” located directly behind each braille cell

Simply locate the cell where you want the cursor and press the touch cursor on that cell

Touch Cursor Buttons


51Module

Moving the cursor (cont’d)

When moving the cursor and listening to a file, remember that the keys on the left side move back and keys on the right side move forward

123 4 5 6


52Module

Top of Document

Dots 1,2,3 and space moves the cursor to the top of the document

The BrailleNote says “top of document” and speaks the first word

123

space


53Module

Moving by characters 3 and 6

Dot 6 with space moves forward and speaks one character at a time

Dot 3 with space moves back and speaks one character at a time

Dots 3,6 and space speaks the current character

3 6space


54Module

Phonetic pronunciation of a character (3 and 6)

Pressing dots 3,6 and space twice in a row will expand the letter into a word, such as A - Alpha, B - Bravo

3 6space


55Module

Moving by words 2 and 5

Dot 5 with space moves forward and speaks one word at a time

Dot 2 with space moves back and speaks one word at a time

Dots 2,5 and space speaks the current word

2 5space


56Module

Spelling the current word

Pressing Dots 2,5 and space twice in a row will spell the current word

To spell the word letter by letter with the contractions expanded, press dots 2,5, space a third time


57Module

Moving by sentences 1 and 4

Dot 4 with space moves forward and speaks one sentence at a time

Dot 1 with space moves back and speaks one sentence at a time

Dots 1,4 and space speaks the current sentence

1 4space


58Module

Bottom of Document

Dots 4,5,6 and space moves the cursor to the bottom of the document

The BrailleNote says “bottom of document” and then says “blank”

4 5 6

space


59Module

Listening to the whole file

Move to the top of document by pressing dots 1,2,3 space

Press space with the letter G for “go” (dots 1,2,4,5)

Backspace and Enter together will stop the speech 123 4 5

spaceBackspace


60Module

Turning the Speech On & Off

1. Speech on request2. Speech off3. Speech on

Previous

Press space and Previous together to cycle through the three speech output options:

space


61Module

Reading the file in Braille

The BrailleNote can display 18 or 32 characters at a time, depending on which model you are using

To facilitate reading, the BrailleNote avoids breaking the last word by leaving the last few cells blank


62Module

Reading the file in Braille (cont’d)

Press space with dots 1,2,3 to move to the top of the document

The thumb keys are used to refresh the display

Thumb Keys


63Module

Advancing the Display

Read the braille display Press the Advance key to advance the

braille to the next section of text Continue to press Advance and read

the entire document

Advance2


64Module

Going Backwards

Press the Back key to move the braille back one section of text at a time

Back2


65Module

Turning the Braille Display On & Off

Press space and Next together to turn the braille display on and off

Next2


66Module

Using the Touch Cursor

Practice moving the cursor around by using the touch cursor buttons.

Touch cursorbuttons


67Module

Moving the Display

You can also move the display to the left or right a word at a time

Press Previous with Advance to move the display a word to the right

AdvancePrevious (or Exit)2Click here to return to Main Menu

68Module

Moving the Display (cont’d)

Press Previous with Back to move the display a word to the left

BackPrevious (or Exit)


69Module

Practice

Go to the top of the document Listen to the document from the

beginning to the end, word by word Move the cursor to the word “country” Spell the word Practice listening & reading the

document Shut down the BrailleNote


70Module

Module Three


71Module

Module Three

Opening a File Inserting Text Deleting a Character Deleting a Word Deleting a Sentence Automatic Braille Advance


72Module

Lesson 6 - Opening a File

Files in the BrailleNote are stored in “folders”

The following folders come with the BrailleNote: Dictionaries, General, Keylist, Keymail, Keyplan, Manual, My Books, Windows

In this lesson, we will use the folder named “General”


73Module

Opening a File (cont’d)

Turn on the BrailleNote From the Main Menu, choose Word

Processor From the Keyword Menu, choose Open

a Document For practice, press the space bar to

listen to the list of folders available Go back through the list using

Backspace and choose General3


74Module

Opening a File (cont’d)

The BrailleNote remembers the last file you were using and will say “press enter for …”

Press space to listen to the documents available in the General folder

Move to the document name you created earlier and press enter


75Module

Inserting Text

For practice, read the document Return to the top When inserting text, remember that

text will always be inserted to the left of the cursor.

You also need to pay attention to the space before and after the text you insert


76Module

Inserting Text (cont’d)

Moving word by word (dot 2 or dot 5, space) place the cursor on the letter “t” of the word “to” following the word “men”

Type in the words “and women” followed by a space.

Read the current sentence (dots 1,4,space)


77Module

Deleting Characters -Backspace with dots 3,6

From the top of the file, move word by word to the word “all” so that the cursor is on the letter “a”

Delete the letter “a” by pressing backspace with dots 3,6

3 6Backspace


78Module

Deleting Characters - (cont’d)

Continue pressing backspace with dots 3,6 to delete the letters “l”, and “l” and the space

Read the current sentence

3 6Backspace


79Module

Deleting a word -Backspace with dots 2,5

From the top of the file, move word by word to the word “country” so that the cursor is on the letter “c”

Delete the word “country” by pressing backspace with dots 2,5

Type the word “nation.”

2 5space

Backspace


80Module

Deleting a sentence-Backspace with dots 1,4

From the top of the file, move word by word to the first word of the second sentence, “This.”

Delete the sentence “This is fun.” by pressing backspace with dots 1,4

Type the letter “y” for “sure?”

1 4Backspace


81Module

Practice

Return to the Main Menu Open a file named “Demonstration

Document” from the General folder Listen to the entire document Return to the top of the document


82Module

Lesson 7 - Automatic Braille Advance

You can set the BrailleNote to automatically advance the display without having to press the Advance key repeatedly.

Each line of braille is displayed and refreshed at specific time intervals set by you.


83Module

Reading the whole file with automatic advance

Go to the top of the Demonstration Document

Press space with dots 1,2,4,5,6)

Next will speed up the display, Previous will slow it down.

Previous Next


84Module

Displaying the Cursor

When you first enter the word processor, Automatic mode is selected. The cursor is turned on automatically when you are editing – but it is turned off when you are reading.

To display the cursor, use the touch cursor button or move to a word or letter.


85Module

Module Four


86Module

Module Four

The Spelling Checker Searching for Text Menu shortcuts Printing a File Erasing a File


87Module

The spelling checker

The spelling checker has a 65,000 word dictionary

It compares every word in your document to the words in the dictionary

If the word in your document is not in its dictionary, it flags that word as a possible error

You can add new words to the dictionary


88Module


Skip just this occurrence of the word Ignore the word throughout the whole

document Add the word to the dictionary Correct the word Review suggestions

Once a word is flagged, you have the following choices:


89Module


Hear the flagged word spoken again Hear the flagged word spelled Read the sentence that contains the

word Read the paragraph that contains the

word

You can also…


90Module

Lesson 8 - Using the Spelling Checker

Create a new document in the General folder and type a few paragraphs. (If you are a very good speller, you might want to make some spelling mistakes on purpose.)

Type the ch sign (dots 1,6) with the space


91Module

Spelling Checker Menu

The BrailleNote will say “spelling checker menu”

At this point, you can use the space to explore the options or

Press Enter on Document Check The first flagged word will be

pronounced and you will be asked to select an option.


92Module

Spelling Checker Options

At this point, there are 6 actions you can take to correct the word. Space with the letter H (dots 1,2,5) will speak these options

The options are: Ignore, Skip, Add, Correct, Lookup word, Suggestions


93Module

Spelling Checker Options

Ignore all - I (dots 2,5) Skip once – dot 5, space Add to dictionary – A (dot 1) Correct – C (dots 1,4) Lookup a word – L (dots 1,2,3) Suggestions – S (dots 2,3,4)


94Module

Reviewing the word

To repeat the word, press 2,5 and space

To spell the word with contractions, press 2,5, space again

To spell the word letter by letter with the contractions expanded, press 2,5, space again


95Module

Reviewing the sentence or paragraph

To review the sentence where the word occurs, press 1,4, space

To review the paragraph where the word occurs, press 2,3,5,6, space


96Module

Correcting a word

If the word contains a typing error and you know how to spell it, choose C

BrailleNote says, “enter replacement” Type in the correct spelling and press

Enter If the word is not in the dictionary, you

will be asked if you want to use it. Press the letter Y for yes


97Module

Reviewing the Suggestions

You can obtain a suggestions list by pressing S.

Review the list by using space and backspace or the Advance and Back thumb keys.

To replace the word with a word in the list, press Enter. Then press A for all or F for first.

To exit the suggestions list without making a selection, press space with the letter E (dots 1,5)


98Module

Spelling the Suggestion

Keep in mind that you can use the refreshable braille display to review the spelling of the suggested words

If you want to hear the spelling of a suggestion, you can press space, O (dots 1,3,5) then the letter S (dots 2,3,5)


99Module

Adding a Word

If the flagged word is a proper name, you may want to add it to the dictionary to save you time in the future

Press the letter A for “add”


100Module

Lesson 9 - Searching for Text

The Search Command (space with the letter F (dots 1,2,4)) allows you to find a string of text within a document.

“A string of text” refers to a sequence of characters which may be a part of a word, a whole word, or a phrase.


101Module

Searching for Text (cont’d)

If you are not already at the Main Menu, go there now

Choose Word Processor Choose Open a document When prompted to “press enter for

general,” press enter Choose the file named “Demonstration

Document”


102Module


With your cursor at the top of the document, press space with the letter F (dots 1,2,4)

BrailleNote says, “search forward or back”

Press F for forward


103Module


BrailleNote says, “find?” Type in the word factory Press enter If the text is found, the cursor jumps

to the first occurrence of the text you typed. BrailleNote says, “found, factory”


104Module


Read the current sentence by pressing space with dots 1,4

Search for the next occurrence of the word “factory” by pressing space with F, type F for forward

BrailleNote remembers the last text string entered and says, “Press enter for “factory””

If the text is found, the cursor jumps to the next occurrence of the text you typed. BrailleNote says, “found, factory”


105Module

Search for next occurrence

An easier way to search for the next occurrence is by using the space with the letter N

Go to the top of the document Search for factory Read the current sentence Press space with N (dots 1,3,4,5) Read the current sentence


106Module

Menu Shortcuts

From within a menu, you can press the first letter of the item you want instead of using the spacebar and the enter key

For example, pressing the letter W at the Main Menu jumps you directly to the Keyword Menu of the word processor


107Module

Menu Shortcuts (cont’d)

From within a list, you can press the first letter of the document to get to it quicker

For example, to open a file when asked for file name to open, press the space to get the list, then press the first letter of the file name


108Module

Printing a File

Some notes about printers…. The printer must be designed for use

with a PC, not a Macintosh computer Not every inkjet printer is compatible -

HP 600s and 800s are You need a parallel printer cable


109Module

Printing a File (cont’d)

With both devices off, connect the parallel printer cable to the back of the printer and to the back of the BrailleNote

Make sure the printer has paper Turn both devices on


110Module


From Main Menu, choose Word Processor (W)

From Keyword Menu, choose Print (P) At the prompt, “print or setup

printer?” Press enter. At the prompt, “folder name? Press

enter for …” press enter if the name is correct. If not, press space.


111Module


Continue to press the space (or type the first letter of the folder) until you hear the folder you want. Then press enter.

At the prompt, “document to print? Press enter for…” press enter if correct, (or space if not). When you hear the correct name press enter.


112Module


The BrailleNote will respond, “Printer ready?”

If you want to print the entire file, simply press enter


113Module

Printing specific pages

It may be necessary to find out what page your BrailleNote cursor is on in order to print specific pages.

The command to announce the current page is space with wh (dots 1,5,6)


114Module

Printing specific pages (cont’d)

To print only specific pages type N at the Printer Ready prompt

The BrailleNote will respond, “Start page number? Currently 1.”

Using the number sign first, type in the page number you want to start with, then press enter


115Module

Printing specific pages (cont’d)

The BrailleNote will respond, “Finish page number? Currently last page.”

Type in the page number you want to end with, then press enter


116Module

Printing multiple copies

The BrailleNote will respond, “Number of copies? Currently 1.”

Type in the number of copies you want, or press enter to keep it at 1

The BrailleNote will respond, “Printer ready?”

Press enter


117Module

Erasing a File

So far in this tutorial, all the files you have created and used are located on the drive named “flash disk” and stored in a folder named “general”. Later on, you will learn to use the external disk drive and you will create and use other folders.

It is a good idea to erase files that you no longer need


118Module

Erasing a File (cont’d)

Go to the Main Menu Space to File Manager and press Enter (or

press F) Space to Erase File and press Enter (or

press E) BrailleNote says “press enter for Flash Disk”

– press Enter BrailleNote says “folder name? Press enter

for General” press Enter4


119Module


BrailleNote says “file name” – press space to get to the file name list

Press space until you hear the name of the file you want to erase (or press the first letter of the filename)

Press Enter


120Module


BrailleNote says “erase filename sure?”

Press the letter Y for yes This returns you to the File Manager

menu where you can continue to erase more files if you need to.


121Module

Module Five


122Module

Module Five

Organizing Files Making a New Folder Naming Files Opening Files from Different

Folders Switching Between Files Renaming a File


123Module

Organizing Files

When you create a new file on the BrailleNote, you first have to tell the BrailleNote what folder you want to store it in.

This is different from a computer. On a computer, you can decide after you create the file.


124Module

Organizing Files (cont’d)

If you are a student, one strategy for organizing your files is to create a folder for each of your school subjects.

For example, one folder for Social Studies, one for Science, one for Math, one for Language Arts, etc.


125Module

Making a New Folder

From Main Menu, choose File Manager Menu (F)

From File Manager Menu choose Folder Manager (F)

From Folder Manager Menu choose Create New Folder (C)


126Module

Making a New Folder (cont’d)

When asked “create new folder on which drive? Press enter for Flash Disk.” press enter

When asked “new folder name?” type in the name of the folder (Social Studies and press enter)

Remember, you can use grade 2 braille


127Module


BrailleNote says “Folder created. Folder Manager Menu.”

Return to the Main Menu.


128Module


Within the Social Studies folder, you can create files for : Social Studies homework Social Studies worksheets Social Studies notes Social Studies tests Social Studies textbook chapters


129Module

Naming Files

It is important to name your file something that will help you remember what is stored in that file tomorrow or two weeks from now or even two months from now.

Consider using page numbers or essay titles or chapter sections.


130Module

Naming Files (cont’d)

Don’t name your files A or B or C or the names of your favorite rock groups or you will have a hard time later opening or erasing your files.


131Module

Practice

1. From Main Menu, choose Word Processor (W)

2. From Keyword Menu choose Create a document (C)

3. BrailleNote says, “Folder name? Press enter for…” If it says Social Studies press enter. Otherwise, press space or the letter S until you hear Social Studies, then press enter.


132Module

Practice (cont’d)

4. BrailleNote says, “Document to create?” Type Chapter 5 notes and press enter.

5. Type in the following information: During the Ice Age people came to

North America by crossing a land bridge that joined Asia with North America.

(See next slide for braille code)5


133Module

Practice (cont’d)

Here is the grade 2 code for that passage:

,dur+ ! ,ice ,age p came 6,nor? ,am]ica 0cross+ a l& bridge t jo9$ ,asia ) ,nor? ,am]ica4


134Module

Practice (cont’d)

6. Go to the Main Menu. Create a new folder and name it Language Arts.

Type F, Type F again, Type C, Press enter for flash diskType in the folder name (Language Arts)Press enterReturn to Main Menu


135Module

Practice (cont’d)

6. Create a file in the Language Arts folder and name it Ice Age Essay.

From Main Menu, type W Type C When asked what folder, press enter

If BrailleNote says, “Language Arts” otherwise press space until you hear “Language Arts” then press enter


136Module

Practice (cont’d)

7. When BrailleNote says, “Document to create?” type in Ice Age Essay and press enter

8. Type in your name and today’s date as if you were putting a heading on a school paper


137Module

Opening Files from the Different Folders

The process of opening files in different folders is similar to creating them in different folders.

The key is to point to the correct folder first, then point to the correct file.


138Module

Opening Files from the Social Studies Folder


From Keyword Menu, choose Open a document (O)

BrailleNotes says, “folder name? Press enter for…”

If it says Social Studies, press Enter


139Module

Social Studies Folder (cont’d)

If it says a different folder name, press space

BrailleNote will say, “list of folders on flash disk”

Press space again You can continue to press space until

you hear Social Studies. Or, you can just type the letter S

Press enter to open it5


140Module

Social Studies Folder (cont’d)

BrailleNote says, “document to open? Press enter for…”

If it says, “Chapter 5 notes” press enter.

If not, press space to get the list of documents in the folder, continue to press space until you hear the file you want, then press enter.


141Module

Opening Files from the Language Arts Folder


From Keyword Menu, choose Open a document (O)

BrailleNotes says, “folder name? Press enter for …”

If it says Language Arts, press Enter


142Module

Language Arts Folder (cont’d)

If it says a different folder name, press space

BrailleNote will say, “list of folders on flash disk”

Press space again You can continue to press space until

you hear Language Arts, or you can press L

Press enter to open it5


143Module

Language Arts Folder (cont’d)

BrailleNote says, “document to open? Press enter for …”

If is says Ice Age Essay, press enter If not, press space to get the list of

documents in the folder, continue to press space until you hear “Ice Age Essay” then press enter


144Module

Switching Between Files

The BrailleNote keeps a history list of the most recently used documents in its memory.

This feature enables you to open a document, then quickly switch to another document within the list.

You can also use the space to get a list of documents in the current folder or backspace to change folders to open a document not in the history list.


145Module

Switching Between Files (cont’d)

To switch between Ice Age Essay and Chapter 5 notes, Type ou with the space bar (dots 1,2,5,6) space

BrailleNote says, “document to open? Press enter for …”

If BrailleNote says, “Chapter 5 notes”, press enter


146Module

Switching Between Files (cont’d)

If not, you can go forward through the document list by pressing dots 5,6, space

You can go backward through the list by pressing dots 2,3, space

Press enter on the document you want

Go ahead and practice using this command


147Module

Renaming a File


From File Manager Menu choose Rename File (R)

When BrailleNote says, “Rename file on drive? Press enter for …”, navigate to the drive you want and press enter.


148Module

Renaming a File (cont’d)

When asked “folder name? Press enter for…” Navigate to the folder you want and press enter.

When asked “file name?” Navigate to the file you want and press enter

Type in the new name for the file and press enter


149Module

Module Six


150Module

Module Six

Block CommandsDefining a Block

Copying & Pasting a BlockDeleting a Block Moving & Pasting a Block

Embossing


151Module

Block Commands

Block commands enable you to define an area of text and then manipulate it.

For example, once you define an area of text, you can delete it or move it or copy it to another section or another file.


152Module

Block Commands (cont’d)

Copying a block of text does not change anything about the text you define. You are simply making another copy of it.

Moving a block of text actually removes it from its original location and puts it in another place.


153Module

Block Commands (cont’d)

Suppose you have a textbook chapter stored in your Social Studies Folder.

At the end of each section, there are usually review questions to answer.

You may want to copy the questions you need to do for homework and put them in a separate file so you can print them out along with your answers for your teacher.


154Module

Defining a Block

Step 1: Move the cursor to the first character of the text you want to block.

Step 2: Type B with space. BrailleNote says, “block commands menu” Type T for “top marker insertion”

Step 3: Move the cursor one character to the right of the last character of text you want to block.


155Module

Copying & Pasting a Block

To copy the defined block: Type B with space. BrailleNote

says, “block commands menu” Type C. BrailleNote says “block

copied to clipboard”


156Module

Copying & Pasting a Block (cont’d)

You will need to create a new file so you will have a place to copy the questions.

Simply go to the main menu, create a file in the same folder and name it “Homework” and include the date or the page number in the file name.


157Module

Copying & Pasting a Block (cont’d)

To paste the defined block:With your cursor in the place you want to paste your text (your homework file) -

Type B with space. BrailleNote says, “block commands menu”

Type P. BrailleNote says, “clipboard pasted”


158Module

Deleting a Block

Suppose that after you copied the review questions into your homework file, you realize that you only need to answer the even-numbered questions.

In this case, you can block and delete the individual questions you don’t need.


159Module

Deleting a Block (cont’d)

First, define the block. Then: Type B with space. BrailleNote says,

“block commands menu” Type D for “delete block” BrailleNote says, “delete block? Sure?” Type the letter Y BrailleNote says, “block deleted”


160Module

Moving & Pasting a Block

To move a defined block: Type B with space. BrailleNote says, “block

commands menu” Type M. BrailleNote says “block moved to

clipboard” Move your cursor to where you want to paste

the block. Type B with space. BrailleNote says, “block

commands menu” Type P. BrailleNote says, “clipboard pasted”


161Module

Embossing a File

The procedure for embossing a document is very similar to printing a document.

The following procedure assumes the setup of the embosser and the BrailleNote match and use a parallel cable.

The setup for the Braille Blazer is included at the end of this module. Different embossers may require different settings.


162Module

Embossing a File (cont’d)

With both devices off, connect the parallel printer cable to the back of the embosser and to the back of the BrailleNote

Make sure the printer has paper Turn both devices on


163Module



From Keyword Menu, choose Emboss (E) At the prompt, “emboss or setup

embosser?” press enter. At the prompt, “folder name? Press enter

for…” press enter if the name is correct. If not, press space.


164Module


Continue to press the space (or type the first letter of the folder) until you hear the folder you want. Then press enter.

At the prompt, “document to print? Press enter for…” press enter if correct, (or space if not). When you hear the correct name press enter.


165Module


The BrailleNote will respond, “Embosser ready?”

If you want to print the entire file, simply press enter


166Module

Embossing specific pages

To emboss only specific pages type N at the Printer Ready prompt

The BrailleNote will respond, “Start page number? Currently 1”

Using the number sign first, type in the page number you want to start with, then press enter


167Module

Embossing specific pages (cont’d)

The BrailleNote will respond, “Finish page number? Currently last page”

Type in the page number you want to end with, then press enter


168Module

Setup for Embossing on the Braille Blazer

Set the BrailleNote as follows: At the prompt, “emboss or setup

embosser?” press S At setup list, press space. Choose the

following items: Paper length - 25 Paper width – 34 Use form feeds - no

Press E space to exit


169Module

Setup for Embossing on the Braille Blazer (cont’d)

Set the embosser as follows: Port – parallel Left margin – 0 Right margin – 34 Top margin – 0 Bottom margin – 0 Lines per page – 26 Page length – 11 Word Wrap - Off


170Module

Module Seven


171Module

Module Seven

Using the Disk Drive Copying a file to a disk Copying files attached to an email

Importing Files Exporting Files


172Module

About the Disk Drive

The SuperDisk drive plugs into the PC card slot on the right side of the BrailleNote

It supports standard 3.5 and larger capacity super disks

Feel along the right side of the BrailleNote and you will find a horizontal slot

The card eject button is located in a recess behind the slot


173Module

Why use the Disk Drive

You can use the disk drive to:

Back up valuable data Store very big documents Exchange files with computers


174Module

The SuperDisk Drive

The disk drive must be plugged in to work

You can connect the disk drive with the BrailleNote on or off. If the BrailleNote is on, it will say “card inserted”

Do not turn off the BrailleNote or eject the PC card if the disk drive motor is running 7


175Module

Connecting the Disk Drive

If the BrailleNote is off, turn it on. Plug in the disk drive power adapter. Insert the PC Card into the card slot

on the right side of the BrailleNote. It can only go in one way. If it doesn’t insert all the way, turn the card over and try again.

BrailleNote will say, “card inserted”


176Module

Copying files from the BrailleNote to a Disk

Copying a file does not remove or change the original file. It simply creates a backup.

The file that you copy in this process is a “KeySoft” braille file that can only be read by a BrailleNote.

Importing and exporting files allows you to change the format to enable file exchange with computers.


177Module

Copying files to a Disk (cont’d)

Insert a disk into the disk drive From Main Menu, choose File Manager

Menu (F) From File Manager, choose Copy File (C) When asked “Source drive, press enter for

…” If it says “flash disk” press enter. Otherwise, press space to get the drive list and choose “flash disk” from the list.


178Module

Copying files to a Disk (cont’d)

Navigate through the folders and files to select the file you want to copy, then press enter

When asked “Destination drive, press enter for …” If it says “storage card” press enter. Otherwise, press space to get the drive list and choose “storage card” from the list.


179Module

Copying Files from Email to a Disk

Open the email that contains the attached files you want to copy

Insert an empty, preformatted disk into your computer

Right click on an attached file Left click on “save as”


180Module

Copying Files from Email to a Disk (cont’d)

Change the SAVE IN selection at the top of the dialog box to 3½ floppy (A:), then press enter


181Module

Copying Files from Email to a Disk (cont’d)

Repeat these steps for each file until you have all the files you want copied on the disk

Insert the disk into the BrailleNote disk drive

Wait until the drive stops spinning


182Module

Importing files from a disk to the BrailleNote


From File Manager, choose Translation Menu (T)

From Translation Menu choose Import (I) When asked “import from which device?”

press F for File When prompted for drive, press space to get

the drive list


183Module

Importing files (cont’d)

Press space until the BrailleNote says, “storage card”

Press enter When BrailleNote says, “directory

name? Press enter for slash. Computer braille is required” press enter


184Module


When BrailleNote says, “file to import? Computer Braille is required” type the following: Dots 1,6 (This is a star) Dots 4,6 (This is a period) Dots 1,6 (This is a star) Press enter


185Module


When BrailleNote says, “translate into braille?” type the letter Y

When BrailleNote says, “destination folder name? Press enter for …”

Press enter if the folder name is correct. If not, press space until you hear the correct folder, then press enter.


186Module


If there is only one file on the disk, the BrailleNote will say, “Braille document name?” You will need to type in a name.

However, if you have multiple files on the floppy, you will not be prompted for a file name

When finished, you return to the translation menu. Go back to Main Menu.


187Module

Exporting files from the BrailleNote to a disk


From File Manager, choose Translation Menu (T)

From Translation Menu choose Export (E) When asked “export document from which

folder? Press enter for…” press enter if the file you are exporting is in the folder identified. If not, press space to get to the folder you want.7


188Module

Exporting files (cont’d)

When BrailleNote says, “document name? Press enter for…” navigate to the file name you want and press enter

When BrailleNote says, “export to which device?” press F


189Module


When asked, “export as which file type? ASCI Text File” press st (dots 3,4) with space repeatedly to cycle through the available file formats.

Press enter on the format you want (plain braille, Microsoft Word, rich text format, etc.)


190Module


When BrailleNote says, “destination drive? Press enter for…”

Navigate to “storage card” if necessary, then press enter

When BrailleNote says, “directory name? Press enter for slash. Computer braille is required” press enter


191Module


When BrailleNote says, “destination file name? Computer braille is required” type in a file name and press enter

BrailleNote says, “One file exported. Translation Menu”

You can now remove the disk, put it in the computer and open it in whatever program matches the format (for example Microsoft Word)


192Module

Module Eight


193Module

Module Eight

Protecting & Unprotecting Documents

Using Place Markers Erasing a Folder


194Module

Protecting & unprotecting files

Protecting a file avoids accidentally erasing or changing an important file. However, when a file is protected, it prevents you from being able to use place markers.

This module will teach you how to protect and unprotect files


195Module

Protecting & unprotecting files cont’d)


Choose Protection (P) BrailleNote says, “Protect file on which

drive? Press enter for flash disk” press enter.

Navigate to the appropriate file and press enter


196Module

Protecting & unprotecting files (cont’d)

BrailleNote speaks the status of the file – it will either say, “…filename is unprotected. Option?” or it will say “…filename is protected. Option?”

To protect a file, type P To unprotect the file, type U To leave the file unchanged, press

enter8


197Module

Using Place Markers

Up to 26 positions in an unprotected file can be marked with a place marker

Place markers are identified with the letters A through Z

Place markers are both announced with speech and appear in the braille display but they do not print out


198Module

Using Place Markers (cont’d)

Place markers can be very helpful. For example, suppose you are answering a homework question that refers back to a section in the chapter with a map, a table, or a quotation.

If you set a place marker at that location, you can go back and forth for reference very quickly


199Module

Define a Place Marker

Move the cursor to the place you want to mark.

Press backspace with D BrailleNote says, “Define Place

Marker, Letter?” Type the letter A BrailleNote says, “Place A”


200Module

Jump to a Place Marker

Press space with J BrailleNote says, “Jump to Place

Marker, Letter?” Type the letter A The cursor is placed just to the right of

the place marker


201Module

Delete a Place Marker

Press space with J to jump to the place marker you want to delete

Press the backspace to delete the marker


202Module

Erasing a Folder

When you erase a folder on the BrailleNote, you first have to erase any files stored in that folder

You can erase multiple files from a folder by using the multi-character wild card (dots 3,5)


203Module

Erasing Multiple Files


From File Manager Menu choose Erase File (E)

Navigate to the drive and folder that contain the files you want to erase and press enter


204Module

Erasing Multiple Files (cont’d)

When asked “file name?” press space with dots 3,5

BrailleNote will say “multiple character wild card” press enter

BrailleNote will tell you how many files were selected and ask you if you want to “confirm each file” as you delete. If you press N, you will hear how many files were erased.


205Module

Erasing a Folder (cont’d)


From File Manager Menu choose Folder Manager (F)

From Folder Manager Menu choose Erase Folder (E)

Navigate to the folder you want and press enter

Press the letter Y to confirm8


206Module

Module Nine


207Module

Module Nine

Format Indicators Centering a Line Format Menu

Forcing a New Page Changing the Top MarginIndenting a ParagraphLine Spacing

Underlining, Boldface and Italics Finding and Deleting Format Indicators


208Module

Format Indicators

You may have noticed when reading or writing in your documents that there are characters within the text that you did not type

These characters begin with dots 1,2,4,6 (ed) which, in computer braille, is a dollar sign


209Module

Format Indicators (cont’d)

These are called format indicators and indicate when a line wraps to a new line, when the enter key was pressed, when a new page starts and when a new page was forced to start


210Module

Format Indicators (cont’d)

For example: (ed)l Line break caused by word wrap (ed)p New line caused by pressing the

enter key (ed)lf or (ed)lp

New page caused by word wrap

(ed)f New page caused by forcing a new page


211Module

Centering a Line

Create a new document From within your document press

enter with C The BrailleNote says, “center line” Type in the line to be centered (for

example, type your name) and press enter

Look at the braille display


212Module

Centering a Line (cont’d)

Note the (ed)p at the end of the display. This is because you pressed the enter key.

Go to the beginning of file by pressing dots 1,2,3, with space. Note the (ed)c at the beginning of the file. This is the center line format indicator. This only shows when your cursor is on it.

Go to the bottom of the document9


213Module

The Format Menu

Ink print settings are located in the Format Menu. These settings effect the way the document looks when printed in ink, but not when embossed.

The format menu is used to change margins, line spacing, indenting and forcing a new page


214Module

Forcing a New Page

From within your document press space with P

The BrailleNote says, “new page” The braille display shows (ed)f This forces a new page in braille, but

you must do an additional step to cause this new page to print in ink


215Module

New Page (cont’d)

Press dots 2,3,4,6 (the) with space to go to the Format Menu

Press the letter I. BrailleNote says, “Inkprint Settings Menu”.

Press I again. BrailleNote says, “Inkprint Only Inclusion? Computer braille is required”.

Press space with P. BrailleNote says, “New page”.

Press enter to return to your document.9Click here to return to Main Menu

216Module

New Page (cont’d)

BrailleNote says, “Inkprint only inclusion”

When your cursor is on this indicator, it appears as (ed)oi

Note that this is not currently showing on your braille display

Go back one character by pressing dot 3 with space


217Module

New Page (cont’d)

The difficulty with that indicator is that is does not tell you it is a forced new page. That is why it helps to have a forced new braille page in the same place. It helps you locate the inkprint only inclusion indicator so you can delete it later if you want.

Press dots 4,5,6 with space Type your first name and then press enter


218Module

Changing the Top Margin

The HP Inkjet printers work best when the top margin is set to 3

Once the margin is set to 3, you can save this setting as the default


219Module

Changing the Top Margin (cont’d)

To change the top margin: Go to format menu – dots 2,3,4,6 (the)

with space Press I for inkprint settings menu Press P for inkprint page settings list Press space to Top Margin


220Module

Changing the Top Margin (cont’d)

Type the number 3 and press enter To save this as the default setting,

press backspace with S Then press space with e to exit back

into your document


221Module

Paragraph Style

While paragraphs in braille start on a new line and are indented, paragraphs in a text document often are not indented and are separated by a blank line.

Simply pressing the enter key twice indicates a new paragraph and tabbing is not required. However, a tab can be forced.


222Module

Forcing a Tab Indent

To insert a 5 space tab at the beginning of a paragraph, do the following:

Press dots 2,3,4,6 (the) with space to go to the Format Menu

Press the letter I. BrailleNote says, “Inkprint Settings Menu”


223Module

Tab Indent (cont’d)

Press I again. BrailleNote says, “Inkprint Only Inclusion? Computer braille is required”

Press space with T. BrailleNote says, “Tab”

Press enter to return to your document


224Module

Practice

Within the document you are currently working in:1. Type your name and press enter2. Type your name again and press enter

When this is printed later on, the first line with your name will be indented, the second line with your name will not be indented.


225Module

Double Spacing an Inkprint Document

Line spacing is single unless you tell it otherwise

If you want the whole document double spaced, first move to the top of the document and then turn on double spacing

However, if you only want one section double spaced, move to the beginning of that section, turn on double spacing, then move to the end of that section, and turn on single spacing


226Module

Double Spacing cont’d)

Move to beginning of section (in this case, you do not need to move)

Press dots 2,3,4,6 (the) with space BrailleNote says “format menu” Press I (or space until you hear “ink

print settings” and press enter) Press L (or space until you hear

“layout” and press enter)


227Module

Double Spacing (cont’d)

Press space until you hear “line spacing currently…”

Type D for double and then press enter

Type E with space to exit BrailleNote says, “confirm changes?” Type Y for yes


228Module

Single Spacing

Follow the same procedure for single spacing except when prompted for spacing option

Type S for single


229Module

Underline, Boldface and Italics Fonts

You can enter text in underline, boldface or italics font by first turning the font on, then typing your text, then turning the font off again


230Module

Underline

Press enter with F BrailleNote says, “Font” Press the letter U BrailleNote says, “Underline is off” Press N BrailleNotes says, “Underline On”


231Module

Underline (cont’d)

Type your name Press enter with F Press U - BrailleNote says, “Underline

is On” Press F - BrailleNote says, “Underline

Off” Press enter to start a new line


232Module

Boldface

Press enter with F BrailleNote says, “Font” Press the letter B BrailleNote says, “Bold is off” Press N BrailleNotes says, “ On. Bold On”


233Module

Boldface cont’d)

Type your name again Press enter with F Press B- BrailleNote says, “Bold is On” Press F – BrailleNote says, “Off. Bold



234Module

Italics

Press enter with F BrailleNote says, “Font” Press the letter I BrailleNote says, “Italic is off” Press N BrailleNotes says, “On. Italic On”


235Module

Italics (cont’d)

Type your name again Press enter with F Press I - BrailleNote says, “Italic is on” Press F - BrailleNote says, “Off. Italic



236Module

Printing

Press e with space to exit the document

Press space until you hear, “Print a Document” and press enter until the document begins printing


237Module

Printing (cont’d)

You should have 2 pages with a 1 inch top margin

Page one will have your name centered between the left and right margins

Page two line 1 will have your name at the left margin. Line 2 will have your name indented. Lines 3 to 5 will be double spaced. Line 3 will have your name underlined. Line 4 will have your name in boldface. Line 5 will have your name in italics.


238Module

Finding a Page Break Indicator

Go to the top of the document Press F with space for find Press F for forward To search for the braille page break

indicator, press space with P Find your cursor on the braille display


239Module

Deleting an Ink Print Only Page Break

Move forward one character by pressing enter with dot 6

You should now be on the (ed)oi that represents the ink print page break

Press space with dots 3,6 to delete the current character

Read the braille display and note that the indicator is gone


240Module

with thanks to Katie Beaver

End of BrailleNote tutorialEnd of BrailleNote tutorial