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

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Level 1

5 points

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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Answer 1

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,252 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See if this is useful (could be out of date, I have not kept up with developments...)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

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Answer 2

dev0 Author

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... 🙂

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Answer 3

dev0 Author

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...

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