Keyboard Requirements

A computer keyboard compatible with six-key entry is REQUIRED for course work with Braille I and Braille II. Students must have access to a computer with a compatible keyboard for the duration of both courses. Many keyboards will work, however occasionally a keyboard will not work. Two options to check your keyboard for six-key entry are outlined here: the manual test or the Keyboard Evaluator program.

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 before the course begins.

Option 1: The Manual Test

  1. Open a word processor or text program such as "Notepad" or "Wordpad" on your computer.
  2. Place your hands on the keys SDF JKL
  3. Press all six keys at the same time.
  4. Check the screen for all six letters, appearing together in any order (example: sdjklf or lsjkdf)
  5. If all six letters do not appear on the screen, repeat steps 3 & 4. Check that you are pressing all six keys at the same time.
  6. If all six letters appear, your keyboard is compatible. If less than six letters appear, your keyboard will not work for six-key entry. You must locate a different keyboard.

keyboard with SDFJKL keys highlighted

Option 2: The Keyboard Evaluator

Optional. In place of the method outlined above, download the Keyboard Evaluator program. This program does not work on Macintosh computers.

  1. Download and run the Keyboard Evaluator: keyboard evaluator
  2. Place your hands on the keys SDF JKL
  3. Press all six keys at the same time.
  4. Check the screen for all six dots of the braille cell.
  5. If all six dots are not filled in, repeat steps 3 & 4. Check that you are pressing all six keys at the same time.
  6. If all six dots are filled in, your keyboard is compatible. If less than six dots appear, your keyboard will not work for six-key entry. You must locate a different keyboard.

If your keyboard is not compatible with six-key entry

Keyboards can be located at local equipment recycle centers, the leftovers bins at office supply or computer stores and catalog supply companies. It is not necessary to purchase an expensive replacement keyboard as the feature is often found in very inexpensive keyboards.

Technical Details: A keyboard must have something known as "n-key rollover" to be able to emulate a brailler. This technical detail is not usually readily available in the keyboard specifications but can occasionally it is. The best way to determine compatibility is through one of the above options.