Course Overview
Registration Form (download)
Location, Fees and Cancellation Policy
Braille Transcriber FAQ
Course Instructors
Become A Braille Transcriber!
We are looking for people with computer skills who can learn to convert print files into braille. We offer a 24-week training program in the evening toward national certification from the Library of Congress. Our transcribers work both in our Fenway office and from the comfort of their homes.
This is a perfect career opportunity for people who (1) love reading and books (2) enjoy learning new computer codes and (3) care about making a good living while making a difference. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, word games like Scrabble, playing an instrument, or even writing codes like HTML, etc., you probably have the innate ability to become an excellent transcriber.
Our best transcribers are organized and self-supervising; passionate about "getting the details right;" driven to use computer technology efficiently; fast learners and open to feedback; and impatient to get the job done.
We will teach you:
- To transcribe standard material into contracted braille;
- To read braille by sight;
- How tactile pictures are created;
- The differences among advanced braille codes.
National Braille Press is situated on a lovely tree-lined street near Symphony Hall. Parking is available on site. Call to inquire how you can start a new career and become a provider of braille materials for blind people.
To learn more, contact Antonio at 617-266-6160, ext. 40.
New classes start October 14th, so contact us soon. Space is limited. The cost of the 24-week program is $550. We can answer any of your questions; give us a call today.
Please fill out this form and mail it to the address below,
or fax it to Eileen Curran at 617.437.0456.
You may also call 800.548.7323 or 617.266.6160 ext. 20 to register.
Download the Miscrosoft Word file.
LOCATION & FEES
The Braille Transcriber Course runs 24 consecutive weeks (with the exception of holiday weeks) beginning October 14, 2008. Classes are held Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115 (right down the street from Symphony Hall/ Northeastern T stop). Limited parking is available on site. Travel directions to NBP In the event of inclement weather, NBP will publicize its intent to cancel class via email by 4:00 p.m. that afternoon. If Northeastern University has cancelled its classes, we will be following suit.
The 24-week course costs $550, payable to National Braille Press (major credit cards accepted). There is no registration fee. Enroll by October 1, 2008. Course materials are nominal, e.g., $25.
REFUND POLICY: CANCELLATIONS
Students who withdraw the first week: 100% refund
Students who withdraw within the first four weeks (on or before November 4, 2008): 50% refund
Withdrawals must be made by telephone to Eileen Curran at 617-266-6160 ext. 17.
How much money can I earn as a transcriber?
It varies depending on how fast you are (without losing accuracy) and how many hours you work (full- or part-time). An average transcriber earns $40,000, but we have experienced transcribers who earn upwards of $70,000 annually.
Will NBP hire me after I complete the course?
We do not guarantee employment to graduates of the course, although we anticipate hiring top graduates. It very much depends on what our in-house and subcontract work needs are at graduation time, as well as the quality of the graduates. However, we will work with every graduate to identify the many organizations across the country that hire both full-time and part-time transcribers.
Do I have to work full-time as a transcriber, or can I work part-time?
There are many options for a braille transcriber. We prefer that our in- house transcribers work full-time. Home transcribers (independent contractors) set their own hours, and are paid based on the number of pages transcribed.
Do I have to know any computer programs to work as a transcriber?
You need to be proficient in Word. To excel as a transcriber, you will need to become proficient in other types of software such as Adobe, scanner software, Excel, file conversion software, etc.
What, exactly, will I learn in the Braille Transcriber Course?
This course is designed to teach the rules for using contracted braille in the preparation of braille documents. Also included is an introduction to advanced braille codes, tactile graphics, and technology for producing braille. Students will gain experience with reading braille by sight and writing braille. The focus of the course is the completion of Lessons 1-20 of the Instruction Manual for Braille Transcription. For successful completion of this course, students are required to submit a trial braille manuscript to the Library of Congress, and receive certification as a braille transcriber.
What does it mean to be certified by NLS?
NLS stands for National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which is a branch of the Library of Congress. They grant certification to braille transcribers through an exam process. Certification from NLS is the standard requirement for braille transcribers in the US, although you can work as a transcriber while working toward your certification. With certification, you can market your skills to any braille organization, of which there are many across the country. This course will help prepare you to take the exam, but we do not offer certification; only NLS can bestow that honor.
How many braille codes are there?
The standard braille code used by most people in this country is literary braille, which is what our course teaches. There are separate math and science (called Nemeth), music, computer, and chemistry braille codes. There are also very specific guidelines in braille for formatting, flow charts, and tactile graphics.
What are tactile graphics?
Tactile graphics are raised line drawings of pictures, graphs, diagrams, etc. Skilled transcribers who wish to become tactilists needs additional training, which we hope to provide in the near future.
How much of a time commitment is the Braille Transcriber Course?
Two hours a week of in-class time, and roughly 4-6 hours of homework. lWhat do I need to bring to class? We will provide you with books, which should be brought to every class. You will also need a computer at home (not required in class).
Any cost for supplies?
Roughly $25.
Paula Bress, M.Ed., holds a master's degree in education from Columbia University, Teachers College. She serves as Vision Liaison to the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Special Education Department and mentors new teachers in a partnership between the UMass Vision Studies Program and BPS. Ms. Bress currently works as a teacher of students with visual impairments in the Boston Public Schools, with a special interest and expertise in braille literacy.
Eileen Curran, M.Ed., is Vice President of Education & Programs at National Braille Press, where she has worked since 1985. She was Chair of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) from 2000 to 2003. BANA publishes and interprets rules and renders opinions on braille and tactile graphics to ensure literacy for braille readers. Eileen has been an instructor of teachers of the blind at Boston College, and previously taught braille at Perkins School for the Blind as well as in public schools. Ms. Curran is the author of a braille primer for parents entitled Just Enough to Know Better, now in its 11th edition.
