dev0
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: Using the built-in Mac keyboard for Perkins-type input

How could I use the  built-in keyboard of a Mac for typing in Braille?

 

Is it possible to create e.g. a script that would allow me to switch to use the built-in keyboard occasionally like a Perkins-type device?

E.g. start with (FDS = 123 | JKL = 456).

 

I need to type in Braille in different languages, AND I need the Perkins-typing keyboard as an option I can quickly switch to/from like with regular keyboards.

So my future needs will probably include more Nemeth and musical translation too...

OS X & Server, iOS, VoiceOver

Posted on Jan 11, 2015 10:44 AM

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Q: Using the built-in Mac keyboard for Perkins-type input

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  • by Tom Gewecke,

    Tom Gewecke Tom Gewecke Jan 11, 2015 1:39 PM in response to dev0
    Level 9 (78,998 points)
    Jan 11, 2015 1:39 PM in response to dev0

    dev0 wrote:

     

    How could I use the  built-in keyboard of a Mac for typing in Braille?

     

     

     

    See if this is useful (could be out of date, I have not kept up with developments...)

     

    http://m10lmac.blogspot.com/2012/11/new-braille-input-apps-available.html

  • by dev0,

    dev0 dev0 Jan 11, 2015 1:55 PM in response to Tom Gewecke
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 11, 2015 1:55 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

    That link had some good ideas.

    When I searched for the app listed, I ended up finding Visual Brailler for iPad - that works pretty awesomely. I can see what I type on the screen, so itʻll be great for practicing and writing. Now of course itʻll take quite a bit of learning without the tactile touch, but maybe Iʻll hack something to use on top of my screen when writing...

  • by dev0,

    dev0 dev0 Jan 12, 2015 8:58 AM in response to Tom Gewecke
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 12, 2015 8:58 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

    Braille Writer Student works for me as a beginner app for now.

     

    [S D F = 3 2 1] and [J K L = 4 5 6] is the map for making it work -- so a longer time spent typing when to hit a key youʻll have to hit 1-6 of those keys simultaneously, and without moving your hands or without looking at the screen or the keys is pretty odd and awkward.

    Until I learn a lot more in braille, itʻs going to be a bad case of braille-dyslexia ahead...