A Braille transcriber converts printed materials into Braille for blind and visually impaired people. They must understand the Braille alphabet and formatting conventions, as well as be able to describe visual information. Proofreading is necessary to ensure readability. Certification is available, but it may not be a lucrative career.
A Braille transcriber makes printed materials accessible to blind and visually impaired people by transcribing them into Braille. Braille is a writing system that can be used by visually impaired people; Instead of reading with their eyes, people read Braille with their fingers, as the writing system is tactile in nature. There are other techniques that can be used to make printed materials accessible to the blind, such as audio-generating the materials so that people can hear the information.
One of the most common fields that a Braille transcriber can work in is textbook transcription. However, Braille transcribers can also work with other types of written and printed materials. The transcriber’s first task is to read the text and take notes on its structure and nature. Any images in the text will need to be described, for example, and if the text has footnotes, sidebars and other visual ways of presenting information, they must be formatted for Braille users.
Simply turning text to Braille requires knowledge of the Braille alphabet, as well as Braille style and formatting conventions. However, the Braille transcriber also needs to think of ways to convey information that is presented visually. For example, an image or graphic will need to be described for a blind reader to understand what is being presented on the page. Likewise, footnotes should be formatted in such a way that blind users understand that they are footnotes and can determine that a text is footnoted with a casual review, just as sighted users can.
When the Braille transcriber is completed, the work needs to be proofread for errors and readability. Braille transcribers must be able to think like blind and visually impaired readers to present printed material in a way that is easy to understand, absorb and engage. If a Braille transcriber’s work is faulty, readers may find it frustrating, just as readers who see it are irritated by poorly formatted or difficult-to-read books.
Several organizations train and certify Braille transcribers. These groups provide people with the information they need to transcribe Braille effectively and consistently. Some Braille transcribers work as volunteers interested in making printed material accessible, while others may be paid for their work. The demand for transcribers waxes and wanes, and it can be difficult to turn it into a paying career.
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