A Tour of National Braille Press

Braille production is a complicated process involving many different steps. This tour outlines the major points in the production process. However, the best way to understand braille production is to experience it for yourself. That's why we welcome people to tour our plant in person.

Transcription

The braille production process begins in the transcription department where special transcription software helps staff transcribe the written word into braille code. The transcriber then reviews the document to ensure all code is correct. Our braille transcribers' extensive training enables them to transcribe literary, math and music braille; to transcribe in multiple languages; and to earn certification by the Library of Congress.

Proofreading

To find any errors in the transcription process, blind proofreaders will proofread braille pages, sometimes against audio versions of the same document, and note mistakes on either a Braillewriter (braille typewriter) or a braille notetaker (a portable electronic braille device). Our proofreaders share the same extensive and ongoing training as our transcribers, enabling them to proofread a variety of braille formats. Our proofreaders are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of our braille.

Embossing

Once the document has been proofread it is ready to be embossed. The electronic version of the document directs one of two Plate Embossing Devices (PED) to emboss braille dots onto zinc plates, using the transcribed braille code. The PED is capable of embossing on both sides of a plate, which is referred to as interpoint braille. It takes 35 seconds for the PED to emboss one side of the plate, and a full page of interpoint braille can be embossed in under two minutes. A second check from our proofreading department is required to ensure the PED machinery has embossed accurately, as these plates serve as our template for producing multiple copies of the same page. After beng used to create many copies of paper braille, the zinc plates are recycled.

Pressing

Once the braille plates have been made and any errors corrected, the plates are then used to produce braille copies in high-volume on one of three Heidelberg sheet-fed presses modified for braille production. For fewer copies, documents are embossed on braille embossers, which are similar in operation to a computer printer. Our pressing services also include offset printing, mainly for large-print documents and paper book covers.

Tactile Graphics

The first step, after carefully planning the graphic design, is to construct a master or "template" using ordinary materials like heavy gauge aluminum foil, tracing wheels, carbon paper, string, and so forth. Braille labels to identify key components of a diagram or drawing are embossed onto heavy paper and glued to the master. Copies are made by placing the master in a heated vacuum press, called a Thermoform machine, which melts the plastic Thermoform pages around the template to form the image.

Finishing

Finishing staff will collate and fold documents by hand. All work is checked for quality then bound with a stitch or ring binding. Some projects consist of thousands of copies of a soft cover, magazine-style document, while others might consist of hundreds of hardcover editions with stamped print or printed graphics.

Tours of National Braille Press

We enjoy showing the general public how we produce braille. Please call us to make a reservation.

Minimum Age: While there is no official minimum age, children should be at least 6 years old to appreciate the tour. We try to make the tour more interactive for children. Read what some of our visitors have said about the tour.

Directions: By subway, take the "E" train on the Green Line outbound to the Northeastern University stop on Huntington Ave. When you exit the train, turn right. Walk along Huntington until you reach a down-slope and an opening on the left. At that opening, cross over Huntington and turn right. Walk about ten steps and cross over Opera Place (it will be right in front of you).Take a left on Opera Place, pass an alleyway on your right, until you reach the end of the block. Turn right onto St. Stephen Street. Our building is halfway down the block on your right. You'll walk over two grates and the sidewalk slopes slightly to the left, just before you reach a set of stairs leading up to our front door.

By car, take the Massachusetts Ave. exit on 1-93 (Southeast Expwy.). Turn right on Massachusetts Ave. and go straight until you cross Huntington Ave. At Symphony Hall (on your left), turn left on St. Stephen Street. National Braille Press is ahead on your left.