[Athen] [EXT] Your opinion on Braille displays

[Robert Beach]

I would really look at how he is going to use it. If he is wanting it for his personal computer, then it is a personal device and that is his responsibility. If you are needing to make your systems in your classrooms, library, etc. accessible, then it is your responsibility. If he has asked for it and can explain why he needs it, then I believe you have an obligation to provide it. If there is a hearing loss that is profound enough, then it is most likely going to be the best means of access for him.


Robert Lee Beach
Assistive Technology Specialist
Kansas City Kansas Community College
7250 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS  66112
Phone: 913-288-7671
Email: rbeach at kckcc.edu<mailto:rbeach at kckcc.edu>

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Subject: [EXT][Athen] Your opinion on Braille displays

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We got a new blind student whose high school IEP includes a Braille display as one of his requirements.

He isn't hard of hearing and he's fairly good with technology.

I love Braille displays but they are so expensive, so fragile and have such a steep learning curve, I hesitate to ask my dean for the funding to purchase one. I get a Braille reader maybe once every two years, if that. And our IT guys will have lots of fun figuring out how to configure it. Plus there's the concern it could be stolen.

The logical solution is to have rehab purchase it, but the student has already stated he doesn't want to go through rehab because it's a hassle. It really can be at least in California where you need long justifications and lots of tedious meetings to accomplish anything.

I feel a little like a hypocrite as I use mine extensively every day. But I'm thinking about the college and the best ways to use limited funds.

When I spoke with the student I was careful to talk only about speech; he may not know what it says in his IEP. Am I short-changing him, or is it wise to not try to get one unless he really needs it?

--Debee

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