Use of Auditory Playback Device

There are a variety of types of auditory playback devices available for listening to books on CD or digital books.
Some of these devices can also be used to record notes. Students who can benefit from this type of a device should
receive instruction in its use prior to being expected to use it independently. Some students will learn to use it on
their own quickly while others will need a systematic approach to instruction that could take awhile.
You will need to instruct the student in how to:

Insert and eject CD/caddy/flashdrive/SD card

Identify, locate, and describe function and operation of basic function keys and operation of control keys
(play, stop, rewind, fast forward, eject, tone, volume, speed, help, menu)

Identify and connect the power charger

Identify and perform the charging procedure

Take responsibility of the device

Older students may be instructed in stating the name and manufacturer of the device, locating information in the
manual and seeking technical support when needed.
What is braille?
In addition to intimidation, many people have the misconception that braille is a language and can be offered as a
foreign language in school. In fact, braille is not a foreign language, but is a code in which to read and write
language (There is also a braille code for mathematics, computers, and music.).
Braille is a system of raised dots arranged in cells. The number and position of the raised dots represents a letter,
word, number, or symbol. Braille for reading and writing for Language Arts is referred to as literary braille. In
literary braille, there are two grades used in school, Grade 1 and Grade 2 (there is also a Grade 3 that is comparable
to shorthand but it is not used in publications as it has not been standardized). These grades do not correspond to
school grades but instead refer to uncontracted and contracted braille. In grade 1 braille, each cell represents one
letter, number, punctuation sign, or special braille composition sign. Books produced in grade 1 braille are very
bulky as it takes a large space to produce each braille letter. Grade 2 braille was introduced as a space-saving
alternative to grade 1 braille. In grade 2 braille, there are short form words and part and whole word contractions
that save space.
There are some simple ways to make books accessible to all the students. If you are planning to read an existing
children's book, provide a copy of the book (the entire book, key passages or lines) in braille. It is possible to add
transparent braille labels to some books, but those with longer passages will be more challenging to adapt. You may
also choose to make your own tactual books based on a current classroom theme or based on an experience. During
your planning of the book and deciding what to put on the pages, plan to keep the pages as simple as possible.
Create simple sentences for the pages.
You can also create a "book bag" to go along with the book and include object(s) from the story. If you have
collected materials related to the story, have the students explore the objects prior to reading the story. Discuss how
they may relate to the story.
Types of Books

Possible Book Ideas (that can be used repeatedly with many students or individualized)

A texture book. You can use the "Giggly Wiggly" book from APH or create your own texture book with
pages for different textures (sticky, smooth, fuzzy, etc.).

A counting book. Counting books can be made and varied by using different themes.

An alphabet book. An alphabet book with a letter per page or that just features one or two letters can be
made.

A birthday book. A birthday book can be created to help the student celebrate their birthday.

A shape book. A shape book can be created featuring a different shape per page or just focus on one shape.

A theme book. Create a book about the current classroom theme with facts the class has learned
The note taking devices generally are the size of a book and are easily carried and used by
the student. The Braille Note and the Pac Mate are probably the two most common portable
note takers used by students. APH currently offers the Braille Plus 18 (the Refreshabraille 18
was discontinued December 2014) through quota funds. Obtaining devices through quota
funds can make these an affordable option, however, quota funds may not be available due
to spending freezes so these are not always options for students.