Inputting text can be facilitated by the use of tactile braille overlays or keyboard locators that enable the user to locate the keys on the standard computer keyboard. A student who wishes to write on the computer inputting in braille can do this with a braille keypad or by using the regular computer keyboard where certain keys are defined for braille use. Direct entry is usually one feature of many in a product that can include refreshable braille display, translation software, and printing capability. Braille notetakers are a product whose combined features include direct braille input. BEX is a word processor for Apple IIe and IIc computers that can create large print, Braille, or synthesized speech output.
Large print can appear on the screen or compatible dot-matrix printers.
BEX can translate standard print files to grade 2 Braille, or back-translate grade 2 Braille files to print. Special symbols, called translators, can be typed into the files to determine whether grade 2 or grade 1 Braille is produced. Word processing functions include editing, reviewing, changing, page numbering, creating running heads, and setting margins and tabs. Three preview modes create an exact image of the printed or embossed page for visual and voice review. An Apple computer with a minimum of 128K is required.