Braille Transcribers
A braille transcriber determines how to most accurately present information from a print textbook into a braille version and then transcribes it into braille so that a student who is blind or has low vision gets the same benefits from the information as his or her sighted peers.
In addition to deductive reasoning, transcribers must have specialized computer skills to effectively transcribe a textbook into braille. They must be fluent in the English Literary Braille Code, be knowledgeable in the use of braille translation software, be able to import publishers' electronic files, and be knowledgeable in formatting principles from Braille Authority of North America (BANA). Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription (1997). Louisville, KY: American Printing House for the Blind.
Up until now, braille transcribers have been trained and certified through a self-study correspondence course through The Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Braille transcribers have a tremendous impact on the education of blind and low-vision students. Transcribers allow blind and low-vision students to be on equal footing in the classroom. They provide them with the same information that their sighted peers receive, but in the format they need. Braille textbook transcribers play an important role in helping students achieve their goals both now in their education and in their future endeavors.
There is a significant shortage of braille transcribers throughout the country. Because of this shortage, blind and visually impaired schoolchildren go weeks and sometimes months without the textbooks that their sighted peers have for their core or elective classes. This significant shortage of braille transcribers impacts the college-bound students too. It is estimated that the United States needs 380 full time transcribers now, will need 735 additional transcribers in five years, and 1,020 additional transcribers in ten years.
Related Events
Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas, unveiled their new, three-semester online college certificate program to train people to become braille textbook transcribers on August 28, 2006. The first online cohort includes students from six states. AFB partnered with Verizon Communications, Northwest Vista College, and the National Center on Low-Incidence Disabilities at the University of Northern Colorado to develop this online career opportunity for the nation. AFB proudly recognizes Verizon Communications' funding commitment to support AFB in developing the online braille textbook transcriber curriculum.
A significant accomplishment that will bring a new working threshold to this college program has been provided by the National Center on Low-Incidence Disabilities (NCLID) thanks to Drs. Kay Ferrell and Nathan Lowell, through their open source WESBraille system. WESBraille is a system of computer-graded drill and practice. Using only a web browser and a normal computer, a student can practice reading and creating braille and get immediate feedback without the direct involvement of an instructor. Students have the ability to use the pre-established drills, create their own ad hoc drill sessions, or take instructor-prepared quizzes that forward the results to an instructor.
The WESBraille system has been incorporated with an online version of the National Library Service Manual of Braille Transcription to create an online braille curriculum that's available for use as part of a braille course, or as a self-study aid. For more information go to www.accd.edu/nvc/areas/braille.
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