An interesting observation, Sue. I open my locks with the keys in my
left hand because I notice I can coordinate that better, spatially. Keep
in mind, I had 20-20 vision until I was 15.5 years old. That makes a
huge difference in how I "look" at the world. I don't feel braille. I
see it in my mind's eye, which is a great benefit when writing with a
slate and stylus. I should point out that tactile sensitivity could also
be affected by circulatory issues due to Type 1 diabetes or similar.
Maureen
On 11/11/2019 4:50 PM, Susan Mangis wrote:
This is an interesting topic.
I am primarily left handed however I eat right handed, probably because that
is how I was taught to feed myself before my parents knew I was left handed.
I use scissors, a knife, pen, needle etc. in my left hand. I read braille
with my right hand, and primarily with the index finger. The next finger can
read some if necessary. I read a braille display with my right hand. I also
use the right hand to read with the optacon. When I was teaching I got to
where I could read the answer key with one hand and the students paper with
the other, but the left hand wasn't that great at it.
While I taught braille I typically found that students who read with one read
with their non dominate hand. In doing some research it appears that usually
the non dominant hand has a better sense of touch, and this holds true in my
observations. When I found this wasn't true was when blindness was caused by
something in the brain such as an hematoma.
When I taught children to read I'd have them read with two hands, but in time
they decided to be a 1 handed reader.
Sue Mangis
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] ;
On Behalf Of David
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2019 3:56 PM
Subject: [optacon-l] Braille Users, a bit off-topic
I know this is a bit off-topic, yet been wondering and wanted to hear
people's opinion on the matter. it seems this somehow have been discussed
before, still, what do you think.
As any Braille user will know, we are supposed to use 8 fingers for reading
fast and effeciently. That is, the fingers on both hands, except our thumbs.
True enough, thumbs ar on the page, but I am not aware if anyone would claim
that they really read with their thumbs. When discussing Braille reading back
in time, my impression is that though we use 8 fingers on the page, seemingly
particularly ONE finger stands out to be the number-one for reading. That
finger is the one the user will prefer, should he ever need to read something
with only one finger. And you often do want to do one-finger-reading.
Whenever you are to find a volume in your bookshelf, or you are to read the
Braille tag telling the color of your cloghing, or any other narrow and tight
places. Try searching for the page number in a book, using 8 fingers. Smile.
My big wondering here, could be three-fold - at least. First of all, is this
the case, that you have one "main finger" for reading Braille?
Secondly, if so, say you are a right-handed person, is your prefered finger
then on your left or right hand; and consequently same question for
left-handed people. Number three, which finger is your prefered one?
Will it be your Index-finger, Middle-finger or does your preference sit with
any of the others? Even, we could be tempted to ask if people find the same
finger being their main "seeing" finger, whenever you are to explore your way
on any surface, or perform daily tasks around the house, office or workshop.
Those who happen to be users of the no-longer manufactured reading equipment
named Optacon, would be using mainly one finger, due to the very shape of the
Optacon itself. And though it might be nice to know alternative on that
equipment, my question widens out for Braille users in general, due to that
being a more representative group.
For one, I find that I have one finger, that is of special good service.
Whether it comes to Braille, or simply just "seeing" what I am doing when
working, that one finger is my top preference. Should I - for any reasons -
find that the finger is out of business for a day or two, braille reading as
well as many daily living tasks, become somehow more challenging. And I could
think of people suffering from Diabetes - who have to punch their finger tips
seveeral times a day - probably they prefer to leave their prefered-finger
untouched by any puncher.
Not to disturb you all in making up your own mind, for now I will leave it
untold which finger I personal find most useful. If anyone feels like sharing
their experience, or know of any study that has been dealing with the matter,
it would be nice to hear your feedback. Otherwise, maybe this message might
just have made you aware of something of lesser interest, yet quite puzzling.
Sorry, to those who find it too much off-topic.
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