Eight online sessions are held during the semester where attendance is required. The sessions are held on Thursday evenings, January 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 27, April 3: 7:00 – 8:00 pm; May 1: 7:00-9:00 pm.
Final exam: The exam will become available beginning Friday morning, May 9 at 9 am EST and closing at 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, May 11. Students may choose a time to take the exam within this window.
Texts used in VISN603 Braille I
Links for additional course readings will be provided within course modules
Each text is available in at least one alternate format, listed below.
1. Guidelines for Technical Material
download in your preferred reading medium (print or formatted braille)
free download (print)................................................ http://www.iceb.org/guidelines_for_technical_material_2014.pdf
free download (formatted braille -.brf) ................... http://www.iceb.org/guidelines_for_technical_material_2014.brfupdates to section 3 download separately
(print) ........................................................... http://www.iceb.org/GTM3_Operation&Comparison.pdf
(formatted braille - .brf) .............................. http://www.iceb.org/GTM3_Operation&Comparison.brf
2. Embossed braille workbook
The embossed braille workbook will be mailed directly to students by the instructor. There is no charge for this workbook. Provide your mailing address to the instructor at least two weeks prior to the course start date.
3. Unified English Braille (UEB) Practice Sentences
Order from Actual Tactuals: https://www.actualtactuals.com/shop
order in your preferred reading medium:
print teacher's 2nd edition.................................................... $160
braille teacher's 2nd edition ................................................ $160
4. Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing UEB Edition 2015
download in your preferred reading medium (print or formatted braille)
free download at https://nfb.org/braille-transcribing#7
5. Rules of Unified English Braille 2024
download in your preferred reading medium (print or formatted braille)
free download at https://iceb.org/ueb.html
6. Drills Reproduced in Braille
download in your preferred reading medium (print or formatted braille)
free download at https://nfb.org/braille-transcribing#7
7. Cranmer Abacus
The abacus is available as part of the Student Starter Pack at APH. It can also be purchased separately:
Order from APH: #1-03150-00 ...... price $43.34
8. Perkins brailler
Students are not expected to purchase a brailler but are required to have access to a brailler for the entire semester. Students should inquire about loaners from a local resource, agency or individual. Suggested resources include the local library, school system, a nearby special education office or organization, TVI, COMS, or VRT in the area, or any other organization that serves blind/visually impaired individuals. UMass has a limited number of braillers available for student use during the braille course. Please contact the instructor immediately if you are unable to locate a brailler for use with this course.
9. Heavyweight braille paper, 11½” w x 11” l. or 8½” w x 11” l.
A ream of paper is 500 sheets. Most students will use less than half a ream of braille paper in the Braille I course. Students may split the purchase of a ream of paper with one or two other students.
Some options for paper:
- Perkins Solutions: Ream item #3-0035-0-0 …. price $28.50
- APH: Unpunched, 500 sheets, item #1-04540-00 .... price $32.90
- APH: 3-Hole Punch, 500 sheets item #1-04680-00 .... price $32.89
10. Perky Duck Software
This software program is a free download. Please follow the steps below to locate the Perky Duck download page.
- Navigate to https://www.duxburysystems.com/perky.asp
- Select All Products from the menu
- Scroll down the page to select Freeware
- Select Perky Duck.
- Download directly from the Perky Duck page.
Perky Duck is required for some homework assignments and must be installed on your computer before the course begins.
11. Compatible keyboard for 6-key entry
A computer keyboard capable of 6-key entry to simulate the brailler is required to complete some assignments. Many standard computer keyboards will work in this mode. Please test your computer keyboard and take the necessary measures to obtain a different keyboard if it is determined that yours is incompatible. Follow the instructions posted to test your keyboard.
You are strongly urged to test your keyboard as soon as possible to give yourself sufficient time to resolve any issues that you might have with it.
12. Mailing Envelopes
Some assignments will be done on paper with the brailler and exchanged through the mail. White, blank envelopes with self-sealing flaps measure 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches.
APH Mailing Envelopes for Braille, item #1-04230-00......... price $7.00
13. Tactile Graphics Materials Toolkit
This is a collection of materials assembled by the student. The contents will vary by student and are based on what is readily available within a classroom or home environment. The kit should contain a variety of materials from each of the categories: materials for tactile discrimination, tools for creating tactile marks, and adhesives. Scissors and other tools for cutting/shaping are also needed. Organize the materials in a transportable container such as a plastic shoebox.
The kit will be used to complete several class projects and can be assembled as the semester progresses. Students are not expected to purchase all items however they should include materials from each category.
Suggestions are listed below.
Materials for Tactile Discrimination: Selection of fabric scraps with different textures, wicki stix, pipe cleaners, graphic arts tape, textured paper, foam shapes, buttons, bottle caps, popsicle sticks, duct tape, carpet squares, veltex fabric, puffy paint, sandpaper, and other materials that are distinctly identifiable by touch.
Tools for Creating Tactile Marks: Tools include a sewing tracing wheel, awl, single hole punch (circular or decorative shape), metal ruler, glue gun, puffy paint, and/or other tools to create a distinct tactile mark on heavy paper or cardboard.
Adhesives: Glue, glue stick, glue dots, sticky dots adhesive, self-stick velcro, double-sided tape, carpet tape, and other adhesives for attaching material to paper or sturdy cardboard.
Other: Scissors, razor knife, wire cutters, heavy braille paper, scrapbooking paper, file folders, cardboard squares (comic book dividers), etc.
1. Beginning with Braille: Firsthand Experiences with a Balanced Approach to Literacy, 2nd Edition
ISBN-10: 0891286985
print version........................ order from APH (catalog #F-B0003-00) or Amazon, price $71.95
2. UEB Reference Sheets
UEB:large print version ..................... order from National Braille Press, price $30.00
The American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
800-223-1839 (U.S. and Canada)
Email: info@aph.org
Website: http://shop.aph.org
Orders should be placed with APH as soon as possible to avoid backorder delays.
Actual Tactuals
https://www.actualtactuals.com/
National Braille Press
88 St. Stephen Street
Boston, MA 02115-4312
Tel: 888-965-8965
http://www.nbp.org
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins Solutions: http://www.perkinsproducts.org/store/en/
175 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02427
E-mail: Solutions@perkins.org
page updated December 4, 2024