Do you have a sight impairment and want all your documents to be made accessible so that you are able to read them in your chosen format? Are you a company who provides information in standard print but wishes to obtain other formats such as braille and large print in order that it can be accessed by people with a sight problem? Then read on to find out about my transcription service and how documents can be made accessible.
As a visually impaired person, I am aware of the problems people such as myself face when trying to access documents, which can often be frustrating. I will always make any transcribed documents easy to navigate and read.
What types of documents can be adapted?
Some examples of literature which I can adapt include:
- Books
- Restaurant menus
- Information leaflets
- Greeting Cards, including Birthdays, Christmas, and Special Events
- Advertisements
- Letters
Formats Available
Formats which can be transcribed include:
Accessible Electronic Formats
Accessible versions of documents which would be compatible with various types of specialist technology such as screen readers and magnification software. These versions will be returned by email as text files, word documents, or webpages such as HTML which can be opened in any web browser, or as synthesised audio.
Braille
High quality single- and double-sided braille as well as electronic braille files [BRF] that can be read using a braille display, in all three formats which include:
- Standard English braille Grade 1 and 2 (the code used prior to 2015 before the Unified English code was adopted).
- Uncontracted Unified English braille, which is formerly known as Grade 1.
- Contracted unified English braille known as Grade 2, this can save space as it is very much like shorthand so ideal for longer and more complex documents.
In addition, a standard print copy of the transcribed text is also provided to enable shared reading. Many clients have found this invaluable as I have witnessed first-hand being a Braille user myself. The text is always thoroughly proofread and formatted appropriately according to the type of material being translated.
Enlarged Formats
I can format documents into various font sizes, styles, and colours to suit the client’s individual needs. Please note that if you want to use this service the enlarged version will be returned via email unless it is a short document which could be made into a hard copy, but additional charges may apply.
Past Clients
Clients who have found my transcription service reliable and accurate include:
- Various sensory impairment services who support sight impaired students in an educational setting, enabling pupils to fully integrate into the education system.
- National Trust – the transcription of nature trails into Braille and design of tactile maps to accompany the text, enabling integration of visually impaired youngsters.
- Cheshire East Eye Society requested a sign in their Sensory Garden be transcribed into Braille so that it could be enjoyed by those who are visually impaired.
What formats should source materials be sent in?
Wherever possible electronic copies such as word documents, text files or any other type of electronic format such as PDF, Microsoft PowerPoint, or HTML. Alternatively, the text that requires conversion can simply be typed into the body of an email message. Hard copies of originals are also acceptable but may take longer depending on document size / complexity. If Braille is your preferred option, then both Braille and print versions are bound so that the Braille version can be opened flat enabling ease of reading.
How much does this service cost?
Costs will vary depending on the format chosen and complexity of the document. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for a quotation and further information or if you have any questions.