​The slate and stylus serve a wide variety of purposes, making them an essential part of everyday life for braille users. The slate and stylus not only support practical, everyday tasks but also reinforce essential literacy skills. By encouraging users to actively form braille characters, the tools provide a tactile connection to braille that enhances reading and writing fluency. Teaching students and individuals who are blind how to use the slate and stylus ensures they have access to an affordable and reliable method of written communication that can adapt to a variety of situations. 

Key Advantages of the Slate and Stylus

  • Portability: Lightweight and compact, the slate and stylus can be easily carried in a pocket, bag, or purse, making them convenient for use on the go. This portability allows individuals to write braille anywhere, whether at home, school, work, or in the community.
  • Affordability: Compared to other braille-writing devices, such as braillewriters or electronic notetakers, the slate and stylus are inexpensive, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Flexibility: The slate and stylus can be used to write on a variety of surfaces, including index cards, adhesive labels, and notebook paper. This versatility makes them ideal for a wide range of practical tasks.

Everyday Uses

  • Labeling: Create braille labels for canned goods, file folders, medication bottles, or other personal items to ensure organization and independence.
  • Note-taking: Jot down quick notes, phone numbers, or addresses while out and about, just as a sighted person would with a pen and notepad.
  • List-making: Write shopping lists, to-do lists, or reminders to stay organized.
  • Creative Writing: Compose poetry, stories, or personal reflections.
  • Academic and Professional Tasks: Use the slate and stylus for class assignments, meeting notes, or personal projects when a braillewriter or electronic device is unavailable.

​Teaching Strategies

  • Introduction to Slate Parts​. Start by introducing the six parts of a slate: hinge, window, pins, cells, dividing dots, bar, and opening. Use tactile and verbal cues to help the student understand the purpose of each part.
  • ​Understanding Dot Numbers​. Teach the student to identify the dot numbers in a braille cell on the slate. Emphasize the importance of accuracy in positioning the stylus to emboss each dot correctly.
  • ​Loading Paper/Card​. Demonstrate how to load paper or an index card into the slate securely, ensuring it stays in place during embossing. Practice this step until the student can do it independently.
  • ​Holding the Stylus​. Show the student the correct position for holding the stylus to emboss specific dots. Provide guidance on applying the right amount of pressure to create legible dots without breaking through the paper.
  • ​Writing Braille​. Guide the student in writing a line of legible and uniform dots, ensuring consistency in dot height and spacing. Practice writing individual letters, words, numerals, and eventually sentences.
  • ​Skipping Spaces​. Demonstrate how to skip spaces on the slate when necessary, such as between words. Practice this skill to ensure accurate spacing and formatting.
  • ​Starting a New Line​. Teach the student how to begin a new line in a cell at the right position to maintain proper alignment and readability.
  • ​Advancing Lines​. Teach the student how to move the paper down the slate to advance lines after completing each line of braille. Emphasize the need for smooth and steady movement to avoid tearing or misaligning the paper.
  • ​Writing Practice​. Provide ample opportunities for the student to practice writing braille using the slate and stylus. Offer feedback and guidance to help them improve their technique and develop confidence.
By systematically teaching these skills and providing plenty of practice opportunities, the student will gradually become proficient in using a slate and stylus to produce braille independently. Regular reinforcement and positive reinforcement will also be key to their success.

APH Video Tutorials

Free Slate and Stylus Program from the NFB

The National Federation of the Blind offers plastic, four-line, twenty-eight cell slate and stylus for free to blind children and adults. That includes those that are blind and low vision who know Braille or want to learn Braille. Visit NFB's free slate and stylus program online application to request your slate and stylus. 

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