Certified transcribers and proofreaders
Our team includes transcribers and proofreaders who are certified by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). This means each has successfully completed the exacting lessons developed by NLS and has a knowledge of the braille code and the many rules for formatting, syllabication, pagination, use of headings, etc.
Input by hand entry or optical scanning from any source
Although it makes our job easier to receive documents in an electronic format (on a disk or by email), we are experienced at converting all types of hard-copy documents into braille using other methods. Optical scanning of a textbook may produce an electronic file that is usable for transcription into braille but some smaller italic fonts require special care so those portions may need to be hand entered. Converting complex tables into braille often requires analyzing the content and then entering the data piece by piece into a usable format.
Foreign languages, Nemeth and DotsPlus (math and sciences)
If your document is in a foreign language or contains complex mathematical or scientific formulas or graphs, don’t worry. We have experience and can produce this type of document for you. Examples of some types of documents that require the use of these special codes include textbooks for computer programming, calculus and finite math.
3-D graphics, maps and figures
Our Graphics Team uses its creativity and experience to prepare graphics that are simple and easy to read by touch. The Tiger brand embossers are capable of producing dots at varying heights so several layers of information can be portrayed on one sheet of braille paper. For example, an algebraic formula can be plotted on a graph so that the gridlines and each axis can easily be differentiated. Or a map could show boundaries, rivers, cities and climate zones. Our techniques and equipment make us leaders in the creation of usable tactile graphics. If you prefer, we can also produce thermoform graphics using models with a special plastic paper that is shaped by heat and vacuum.
Customized tables and transcriber’s notes
Before beginning to transcribe anything into braille, our staff reviews the documents to note any charts, graphs, tables or pictures that will require special treatment. Transcriber’s notes are carefully written to concisely convey the meaning of each one that will not be produced as a tactile graphic. Complex tables are analyzed and sometimes rearranged to present them in the most understandable way and in the least amount of space.
