How to Use a Slate and Stylus

The slate and stylus are tools used by the blind to write braille. A slate is a metal or plastic guide that comes in different shapes and sizes. A stylus is a small tool about 3 inches long, with a metal point at one end and a wooden knob or plastic handle at the other end. The stylus punches holes in the paper using the slate as a guide. A braille reader writing braille with a slate and stylus is the same as a sighted reader using pencil and paper. In order to use a slate and stylus you will need to know the braille alphabet. You must also remember to write the letters backwards from left to right, instead of right to left, writing the braille in reverse. Read on to learn how to use a slate and stylus.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Braille paper
• Slate
• Stylus (see resources for availability of these items)

1. Put the slate in front of you, with the hinges facing left. The "windows" (the holes in the slate) should be facing up.
2. Open the slate. The slate opens like a book. Lift the lid of the slate by grasping the raised bump on the right-end of the slate. Do not lift the lid too far or the slate could break.
3. Insert the braille paper. Place the paper in the slate by lining up the top edge of the paper with the top edge of the bottom part of the slate.
4. Slide the paper to the left until it is lined up against the hinge.
5. Close the lid, pressing down on it until the four pins in the corners on the bottom of the slate lock into the corresponding holes on the lid of the slate. This secures the paper in the slate.
6. Hold the stylus securely, but not too tightly, by placing your index finger on top of the wooden end of the stylus and putting your thumb and second finger on the opposite sides.
7. Find the window on the top line of the slate, nearest to the hinge. Press the point of the stylus against one of the curved sides of the window. There are six curved sides, each one corresponding with a dot in a braille cell.
8. Apply pressure to the stylus by pressing firmly, until you hear the metal point pierce the paper. Don't push too hard. The goal is to indent the paper, not tear it.
9. Continue with Steps 7 and 8, moving from left to right, until you have finished one line.
10. Continue brailling until you run out of rows and windows.
11. Remove the paper from the slate by lifting the top lid. Lift the paper from the four pins.
12. Read the braille by turning the paper over.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient as you work with the slate and stylus. It takes practice, but once mastered, it is a convenient way to braille notes, reminders and short lists.

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