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I work in the disability services office at the University of Leeds, and part of my duties are to take notes for deaf students. I attend lectures, seminars, etc., and take notes on a laptop. A full sized keyboard is attached to the laptop, as it is too difficult to type at speed on a squelchy laptop keyboard. This enables both the student and I to read what I am typing, and a print out is available afterwards. Or the students can have the file copied on to disc. A similar system is used at Bristol University, where I understand there is a Hi-Line service. However, at Bristol the students are expected to buy the computers from the disabled students' allowance, and similarly are expected to pay stlg12.50 per hour to the notetaker. Do any other universities have facilities to take notes for deaf students, and if so have they found any problems with using this kind of system? My only problem so far has been when a lecturer has read his notes at breakneck speed - and I know from experience that it is impossible to keep up with someone reading (as opposed to speaking) even in shorthand, never mind on a laptop. Finally, in a small room the noise of the keyboard is terribly obtrusive. Does anybody know of a silent keyboard? Anne-Denise Worsnop, Disability Services, Room 10.08, Economics Building, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT. Tel: 0113 233-2616 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%