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Computer Technology Center
Gateway to Freedom Scientific Notetakers
Windows-based computers aren't the only devices that allow blind users to compose and edit their documents. Just as sighted people have the option to use handheld palmtop computers, blind people have similar choices. Since 1987, the Braille 'n Speak, now sold by Freedom Scientific, has proven to be one of the most popular handheld devices designed for blind users. Since that time, Freedom Scientific has produced a whole series of notetakers, some with QWERTY keyboards and others with refreshable Braille displays. For those who are interested, ASB's Computer Technology Center offers a five-week course in how to use these notetakers. Our center is equipped with both a Braille 'n Speak and a Type 'n Speak. If users have another notetaker, such as the Braille Lite or Type Lite, we will be happy to train the user on this equipment. Here's what we'll cover.
What is a Notetaker?
These devices have evolved into so much more than just a machine for writing quick notes. We'll introduce students to this revolutionary product and talk about its many uses.
Creating a File
We'll teach students how to create new documents from the notetaker's easy-to-use file menu.
Adjusting the Voice
Once a document or file has been opened, we'll explain how to adjust the voice to suit the student's preference.
Reading and Writing
Even with just seven keys you can easily use intuitive keyboard combinations to read text by lines, words and characters.
More on Menus
These notetakers, like computers, contain menus which allows the student to access commands. We'll explore the Options menu to access items such as the unit's clock, calendar and phone book.
The File Menu
The file menu allows the user to create, open, rename and delete files. We'll spend time exploring this important feature.
Inserting and Deleting
In many ways, inserting and deleting text is even easier than doing it on a Windows-based PC, since these notetakers were designed from the ground up specifically for blind people.
Cut, Copy and Paste
We'll teach students how to copy or move text from one section of a document into another section or even into a completely new document.
Spellchecking
Freedom Scientific notetakers are equipped with similar spellchecking options found on standard Windows-based computers.
Formatting Commands
We'll explain how to add formatting to your notetaker's files, such as bold, italics, underline, justification, etc. We'll explore the status menu to set page numbering and printer margins.
Time and Date
We'll explain how to both set and use the notetaker's clock and calendar.
Let Me Check My Calendar …
The notetaker's appointment calendar is a handy way to keep track of things you need to do or to track appointments. Students will be shown how to enter appointments and how to see what tasks need to be attended to for any given day.
Let Your Fingers Do the Walking …
The phone book allows users to keep track of phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, etc. We'll explain how to add and search for entries in the phone book.
Add It Up
Freedom Scientific's built-in calculator can handle basic equations as well as scientific functions. We'll end the course by explaining how to access this calculator.
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