braille production

Here are some print materials that should be considered for Braille transcription services. Not every blind individual uses Braille as their primary mode of information, learning or knowledge but for those that do, transcribed Braille materials can make a difference. Braille materials may be needed for a blind student or an adult for Educational purposes or daily living but whatever the reason, Braille transcription services can be a valuable resource. For some individuals, Braille offers concrete, hands-on/tactile materials as a resource or reference material as needed. For all Braille readers, transcribed Braille materials offer that link to accessible information. Here are some ideas of printed materials that should be considered when thinking about transcribed Braille materials for the Braille reader.
1. Educational materials: It is essential that the Braille student have equal access to the same print materials as sighted students. When educational settings offer all print materials in Braille format they are offering the Braille reader the same educational foundation and opportunity to build their literacy skills and knowledge base as the sighted child. The educational environment is then offering the Braille reader equal access and equal opportunity in the educational setting. The following educational materials should be considered for Braille transcription in the elementary, middle school, high school, college, vocational and alternate educational settings: textbooks, standardized tests, teacher worksheets, teacher made tests, chapter books, print materials offered in "specials" such as art (project instructions), music (song lyrics), theatre productions (individual parts in school productions). In short, blind students should have equal access to all the same print materials provided to their sighted counterparts.
2. Children's organizations, school trips and after school programs such as: Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, 4-H Club, camps, debating teams, school clubs, class trips and special school events (visiting speakers/programs) should offer transcribed Braille materials to the Braille reader. The availability of Braille materials will assist your Braille reader in fully participating in these types of programs in conjunction with developing early literacy skills.
3. Museums: Museum Guide books, pamphlets and educational materials make great "take away resources" similar to the print resources received by the sighted visitor. It would be preferable to offer a variety of museum resource options including Braille materials, audio descriptive materials, large print materials and tactile-hands on experiences to address the various learning styles and choices made by the blind individual. Many museums offer wonderful educational programs. Educational museum resources should also be considered in Braille format for the Braille reader.
4. Restaurant menus are great resources for the sighted individual. They are equally as good resources for the Braille reader when presented in Braille format. A Braille restaurant menu provides the blind individual with the same opportunity to independently view a menu (in Braille format) and place his/her own order in an independent and socially appropriate manner.
5. Consider having your T.V. listing placed in Braille format. The basic weekly program listing will provide you with a resource you can reference for consistent daily programs.
6. A poem, personal letter or birthday card is appreciated more when received in Braille format. Sending a birthday card in Braille makes this item very personalized and meaningful.
7. Insurance: Most people have some kind of insurance policy such as: life insurance, health insurance, house insurance or flood insurance. Insurance materials including policy books, manuals, insurance cards and related paperwork are valuable resources to the Braille reader as they can be accessed for reference whenever needed.
8. Bank information including any materials that may require future reference such as mortgage paperwork, certificate of deposits (CD's), Individual Retirement Accounts and safe deposit bank literature. Having these important documents in Braille format for the Braille reader will keep him/her up to date and organized on personal finance.
9. Last Will and Testament, Health Care Instruction Directive, Durable Power of Attorney or any additional legal documents should be available to the Braille reader in accessible transcribed Braille format as resource for reference.
10. Medical information-medical pamphlets, patient information, doctor/hospital forms should be offered to the Braille reader in braille production. Hospital information should be available in Braille format so that the blind individual can review this important information prior to the request of signatures.
11. Medications: Medical/prescription information in Braille format should be offered as an option for those individuals that have not yet made the connection with assistive technology. Assistive technology continues to improve over time, offering audio access to prescribed medication and related information.
12. Home service bills such as: electric, gas, taxes, sewer/water bills may be offered in Braille format. Having these bills available in Braille will help the blind individual keep paperwork organized and stay up to date with services provided.
13. Vacation/Trip pamphlets and guides should be an available option in Braille format. Vacation planning may also be explored through websites using accessibility screen reader software.