Devices

Devices for Teaching Braille and Spelling

Blind children have some specific problems in learning to read Braille and in spelling; some of the latter problems arise from the use of contracted Braille in many countries. As well as learning their Braille letters, many children find it useful to know the shape of the print versions.

Advance Engineering Works
22 Lytton Road, Dehradun - 248001, India.
Tel: +91 135 265 4530
Fax: +91 135 265 2606
Email: advanceenggworks@yahoo.co.in

Braille Learning Frame
Ref: 10102B
Price: US$2.00 (does not include packing and forwarding charges)
Last updated: 04/10/2006

Braillette Board
Ref: 10102A
Price: US$2.85 (does not include packing and forwarding charges)
Last updated: 04/10/2006

Pocket Braille Learning Slate
Ref: 10102
Price: US$1.85 (does not include packing and forwarding charges)
Last updated: 04/10/2006

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue, PO Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085, USA.
Tel: +1 502 895 2405
Fax: +1 502 899 2274
Email: info@aph.org
Web: www.aph.org

Big Cell
This plastic magnification of the cell inside the window on a braille slate helps beginning slate users learn where to put the stylus for various dot positions.
Ref: 1-08820-00
Price: $5.00
Last updated: 25/06/2007

Braille Code Recognition (BCR) Materials
Help students increase speed and accuracy in recognition of contractions, word signs and short-form words in Braille using BCR. Recommended for use with students who have a basic understanding of the Braille code. Recommended ages: 10 years and older. BCR comes in two versions, one for students and one for teachers. The Students' Kit provides for five students whilst the Teachers' Training Kit provides for up to 10 teachers.

BCR Students' Kit
Ref: 1-03240-00
Price: $58.00

BCR Teachers' Training Kit
Ref: 1-03250-00
Price: $36.00

Braille Progress Charts only (50 sheets)
Ref: 1-04050-00
Price: $10.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Braille Contraction Cards
Flashcards for drilling on the braille literary code. Includes both large prrint and Braille: alphabet and numbers; Punctuation and composition signs; One-cell whole word and part word signs; Two-cell contractions; Short-form words.There are 247 cards. The first 26 cards contain the Braille alphabet on one side and large print on the other side. Remaining cards contain contracted Braille on one side and both uncontracted Braille and large print on the other side.
Ref: 1-03561-00
Price: $13.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Braille Contraction Sheets
Pamphlet contains many of the common English Grade 2 Braille units, including contractions, word signs, short-form words, punctuation, and composition signs. It comes in two versions, print and Braille. As a special educational service, one print and one Braille version are available free upon request. Additional copies are sold individually.
Ref: 7-35960-00 (print version)
Price: $2.50
Ref: 5-35960-00 (Braille version)
Price: $2.50
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Expanded Dolch Word Cards
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These cards contain both large type and braille words on both sides. Words are shown in Grade 1 Braille on one side and Grade 2 Braille on the other. They can be used to drill and assess a student's ability to read words in Grade 2 Braille and to spell words in Grade 1 Braille. This set is composed of both the Dolch 220 Basic Sight Vocabulary Cards and the 95 Picture-Word Cards. The Dolch cards consist of pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and common verbs which make up 50 % to 75 % of all school reading matter. The Picture-Word Cards present nouns which have been found to be of the widest use in basal readers. An additional 30 blank cards allow for adding words of the teacher's choice.
Ref: 1-03560-00
Price: $20.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Lots of Dots: Learning My ABCs
Lots of Dots is a raised line colouring book designed for future large print and braille readers. It facilitates braille character recognition through repetitive activities designed for young children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. Each letter of the alphabet has two pages. The first features a jumbo braille cell composed of open, raised line circles. Upper and lower case letters are shown with their braille equivalents, along with a reduced size cell showing which dots need to be filled in to complete the letter. The second page shows the letter and a tactile graphic depiction of an easy to find object that begins with that letter. The tactile graphic format allows the object to be colored in. Attached to the inside front cover is a plastic stencil of the jumbo cell. This can be folded over the blank pages, allowing the student to practice the braille cell configuration for a letter by tracing or by using the accompanying foam braille chips. Accompanying the book are suggested enrichment activities for each letter, allowing a child to fully associate the braille letter, the tactile graphic, and the object.
Ref: 1-10000-00
Price: $26.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Patterns: The Primary Braille Reading Program
Complete program designed for young beginning Braille readers. Word recognition is taught through tactual memory, phonological skills, and syntactical skills. Contains a variety of materials for each level, including: textbooks, posttests, worksheets, and teacher's editions.
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Patterns: The Primary Braille Spelling and English Program
This program is designed to teach complete spelling and language skills to primary grade students who will use Braille as their main writing medium. Contains a variety of materials for each level, including: textbooks, posttests, worksheets, and teacher's editions.
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Patterns: Reading Program Library Series
This is a supplemental set of recreational books designed for students who have completed the corresponding level of Patterns: Reading Program.
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Pop-A-Cell
The Pop-a-cell set consists of four reusable, brightly colored, plastic laminated braille learning cards. Each card has six "buttons" in the formation of a braille cell. Buttons may be pushed up and down to create the various braille characters, and can be reconfigured many times. The set includes print and braille instructions and a braille alphabet card.
Ref: 1-17002-00
Price: $9.00
Last updated: 25/06/2007

Quick Pick Braille Contractions
It has two cases of fifty cards with each case representing a cross-section of all the braille contractions. On both sides of the cards, a braille contraction is on the top and four uncontracted answer choices are across the bottom. To play, read the contraction, then "quick pick" the uncontracted choice that matches, put the wooden tool in the corresponding hole for the answer choice, and try to pull the card out of the case. If the card slides out, the answer is correct. If incorrect, the card will not slide out. The object of the game is to "quick pick" as many cards as possible on the first try.
Ref: 1-03576-00
Price: $62.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Swing Cell
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Introduce beginning Braille users to the Braille cell using this clever device. Two rectangular blocks are hinged together on the top and mounted on a wooden base. Three holes in each of the blocks represent the spaces for dots in a Braille cell. Pegs can be inserted into the holes to represent Braille dots. In the vertical or reading position the pegs form the Braille cell. In the horizontal or writing position the pegs show the position of the keys on a Braillewriter. Swing Cell helps students establish the relationship between a Braille cell and the keys on a Braillewriter. Recommended ages: 5 years and older.
Ref: 6-78040-00
Price: $53.50
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Swing Cell Compact
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The Swing Cell Compact is a device for introducing the braille cell to beginning braille users. Created with itinerant teachers in mind, it features internal storage of pegs; hook/loop material holds the Swing Cell Compact in either position. In the vertical or reading position, with the blocks next to each other, the pegs form the braille cell. In the horizontal position, with the blocks swung up to the left and right, the pegs show the position of the keys on a braillewriter.
Ref: 6-78041-00
Price: $35.50
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Tactual Discrimination Worksheets
Time-tested four-part set of consumable worksheets for Braille reading readiness. Included are: Twenty geometric form sheets; Twenty-six line sheets; Twenty angular figure sheets; Twenty Braille code character sheets. Students are asked to perform tasks such as finding the figure which is different in a row of figures, finding the two figures in a row of figures which are the same, finding a figure that matches the first figure in each row, etc. Teacher's instruction manual in regular type is included.
Ref: 1-08810-00
Price: $20.00
Ref: 1-08800-00 (extra worksheets only)
Price: $20.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Touch and tell
Stimulate thinking and discussion with young children using this classic set of Braille reading readiness books. It consists of three hard-bound volumes with tactile pages and a regular type booklet of instructions. Volumes I and II introduce the child to embossed hands and geometric forms, while Volume III introduces the child to Braille dots.
Ref: 6-44670-00
Price: $52.00
Ref: 8-44660-00 (instruction booklet only)
Price: $5.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Word Associations Print / Braille Labels
Introduces children to the world of reading by using large print/Braille stickers. Consists of 12 sheets of self-adhesive stickers containing common words. For example, the large print/Braille sticker "chair" can be placed on a chair to associate the word with the object. Includes 91 stickers and a large print or a Braille manual.

Kit with Large Print Manual
Ref: 8-39050-00
Price: $39.00

Kit with Braille Manual
Ref: 6-39050-00
Price: $39.00

Labels only
Ref: 6-39052-00
Price: $22.00
Last updated: 08/08/2006

Asian Power Cyclopes
Rochipura, Majra, Dehradun 248171, India.
Tel: +91 135 2620488
Fax: +91 135 2620961
Email: paritoshgulati@yahoo.com; asian@nde.vsnl.net.in

Braille Teaching Device
A simple device of 6 dots for teaching Braille to beginners.
Price: US$3.00
Last updated: 04/05/2006

Franklin Electronic Publishers
One Franklin Plaza, Burlington, New Jersey 08016-4907, USA.
Tel: +1 609 386 2500 ext 5050
Fax: +1 609 3871787
Email: service@franklin.com
Web: www.franklin.com

Children's Talking Dictionary & Spell Corrector
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Over 40,000 easy-to-understand definitions are pronounced for effective vocabulary learning. The automatic phonetic spell corrector turns "nolij" into "knowledge" while an animated handwriting guide demonstrates print and cursive styles. Includes a rhyme finder, five word-building games, and a vocabulary word list that can be created by the user.
Length: 154mm Width: 101mm Depth: 25mm
Weight: 0.19kg
Ref: KID-1240
Price: $49.95
Last Updated: 14/12/2007

Speaking Language Master
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A hand-held speaking dictionary, thesaurus, grammar and spelling corrector, with words/definitions from Merriam-Webster. The large print display is fully adjustable to give extra large, capitals or bold type. Each letter, word and entry is pronounced. A speech menu allows for customisation. The dictionary contains 300,000 definitions and the thesaurus 500,000 synonyms. There are also nine word games. Complete with UK adapter and batteries.
Length: 139mm Width: 146mm Depth: 38mm
Weight: 0.34kg
Ref: LM-6000B
Price: $129.95
Last Updated: 14/12/2007

Independent Living Aids Inc
Street address: 200 Robbins Lane, Jericho, New York 11753- 2341, USA.
Postal address: PO Box 9022, Hicksville, New York 11802-9022, USA.
Tel: +1 516 937 1848
Fax: +1 516 937 3906
Email: can-do@independentliving.com
Web: www.independentliving.com

Braille Keyring Teaching Cube
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The cube features raised dots in 3 independently revolving sections. These can be turned to form different Braille letters for teaching purposes. A key ring is attached.
Ref: #LB-09
Price: $8.95
Last updated: 14/12/2007

Braille Learning Doll
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This doll is a fun way to get blind or sighted children acquainted with the Braille alphabet. Her torso has six raised buttons that can be depressed to form Braille letters. Designed by an Argentinean primary school teacher to help teach Braille in the classroom, it comes with a list of suggested activities. The doll's hair and clothes have been chosen for their tactile interest and bright colors. Comes with a colourfully covered plastic frame and fits in a red felt carrying bag with tactile felt pictures.
Height: 457mm
Ref: #363554
Price: $49.95
Last updated: 14/12/2007

BrailleMaster - Talking Braille Tutor
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Learning aid for adults and children to learn and then practice on their own. It teaches Braille dot patterns, Level Two contractions and the most commonly used English words. Six 6mm raised bumps representing a Braille cell and a 7th button that serves as a function key or space bar. As the bumps are pushed, a clear male voice identifies the letter. Nineteen lessons, that are broken into three modes, teach the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, single cell letter combination contractions, single cell whole word contractions, dot contractions, punctuation and more. In the Learn Mode, the student is prompted for a character or word keyed in. If it is correct, the BrailleMaster prompts the next letter or word. If it does not match, the prompt is repeated. Practice Mode allows the student to key in letters or words and the BrailleMaster says what was keyed in. In Quiz Mode the student is prompted for a letter or word, but the BrailleMaster only speaks the correct coding if the student keys it in wrong. The unit has a headphone jack that allows private practice in the classroom or at home. Operates on 3 “AA” batteries (included) and has a volume control. Cassette instructions included.
Length: 127mm Width: 76mm Height: 27mm
Ref: #428938
Price: $295.00
Last Updated: 14/12/2007

Quantum Technology
5 South Street (Cnr Euston), Rydalmere, New South Wales 2116, Australia.
Tel: +61 2 8844 9888
Fax: +61 2 9684 4717
Email: info@quantumtechnology.com.au
Web: www.quantumtechnology.com.au

The Mimic
The Mimic is an LCD display that attaches to the Mountbatten Brailler. It displays in print any information entered in Braille on the Mountbatten. The Mimic allows sighted people to read what the vision impaired person has written in braille. It can store up to 32 pages of Braille, enabling review of braille in progress or to check back over previous work. Battery operated and portable. Information held in the Mimic can be sent back to the Mountbatten. Information can also be sent to the Mimic from a computer. Also compatible with other note-taking devices.
Ref: 006-115
Last updated: 14/12/2007

Mountbatten Brailler Learning System
The Mountbatten Brailler is the complete Braille learning centre for children and their teachers and offers exceptional connectivity and software to support flexible teaching and educational needs. It can be used to develop awareness of Braille symbols and characters. An easy correct and erase function means children are more willing to write their ideas. Audio response reinforces learning and tells what commands are being entered. With the addition of a Mimic, teacher supervision becomes easy and continuous. Connect a PC keyboard to enable sighted teachers, peers and family to write in Braille. Braille-to-print as well as print-to-Braille translation available. It can be used as a graphics embosser encouraging the development of tactual skills. In the MB Pro a voice synthesiser enables file management and text editing. Connect the Mountbatten to a PC and send files back and forward.
Length: 240mm Width: 450mm Height: 90mm
Ref: 006-207
Last updated: 14/12/2007

RNIB
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE, UK.
UK Customer Services Tel: 0845 702 3153
UK Customer Services Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk
Overseas Customer Services Tel: +44 1733 37 5400
Overseas Customer Services Email: exports@rnib.org.uk
Online Shop: www.rnib.org.uk/shop

NB: Some of the RNIB products have two prices where they have been specifically designed or adapted for disabled people. The lower price excludes VAT and applies to blind and partially sighted people resident in the UK and exempt from paying VAT and to UK charities buying on their behalf. Where one price is displayed this applies to all customers and includes VAT of 17.5%.

There is a separate catalogue available for overseas customers. If you have any enquiries, please contact RNIB Exports Department on +44 1733 37 54 00.

Braille Swingcell
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Designed to help teach Braille to beginners. Helps to outline the relationship between the position of the dots of a Braille cell and keys of a Perkins Brailler.
Length: 195mm Width: 122mm
Weight: 0.424Kg
Ref: LB17
Price: £23.89; £28.07
Last updated: 18/12/2007

Feeling Ready to Read: A Pre Braille Pack for Children
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Produced to teach a range of pre-reading and tactual skills to children aged three and over who are learning to read using braille. Although no Moon characters are included, the skills taught in the pack may be equally valuable to youngsters who will be learning to read using Moon. The pack is based around the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and includes a guide for parents and teachers in print, storybooks in print and tactile versions, a set of swell paper cards with the objects and characters on 9 swell paper books, some with braille sheets, it has around 80 exercises. The exercises cover tracking, line and texture discrimination, developing light finger touch and two-handed co-ordination, matching and orientation. The two booklets, the parent/teacher guide and the Snow White story are also available in braille and are free of charge when purchasing the print version of the above pack.
Ref: TC21009
Price: £105.00
Last updated: 18/12/2007

TACK-TILES Braille Systems, LLC
PO Box 475, Plaistow, New Hampshire 03865, USA.
Tel: 800 822 5845 (Toll free - North America only); +1 603 382 1904
Email: braille@tack-tiles.com
Web: www.tack-tiles.com

TACK-TILES®
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Tool for teaching braille and spelling, grammar, usage, word games, calculus, music notation and every other aspect of literacy, music and mathematics. Tack-Tiles are a teaching tool for all ages based on LEGO-type blocks. These braille blocks provide a unique bridge, a smoother, shorter, more interesting path to braille literacy. Now in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian literary braille code as well as Nemeth braille code for mathematics, braille code for music notation and computer braille code. A set consists of 320 TACK-TILES®, four slates that hold eight rows of twenty tiles, two slates that hold four rows of ten tiles and a carrying case.
Price: $695.00
Last updated: 18/12/2007