Braille Inc., now officially Braille Co., Inc., is a professional braille publishing company. We have been in business for more than forty years. Joan B. Rose founded the company to provide blind individuals with equal access to the materials their sighted peers take for granted. We specialize in transcription services for vocational and educational needs. Braille Inc. is capable of transcribing all languages using the Roman, Greek or Cyrillic alphabet into literary, mathematics, computer or music braille. Braille Inc. produces high quality, accurate work within short time frames and is capable of delivering several thousand pages of braille within a few weeks when an emergency situation requires it. We can produce textbooks, workbooks, computer manuals, training guides, complex regulatory manuals, schedules, charts, graphs, tables, benefit statements -- whatever is necessary to provide the blind person with the same quality resource materials as his sighted peer.
Braille Inc. uses an automated system to assist in the production of braille texts. Scanners, a proprietary braille translation program, a braille editing program (similar to a word-processor, but working with braille characters on the computer screen), and embossers turn the original inkprint into a complete braille version. Highly trained, certified braillists use this equipment to design, format, transcribe, edit and proofread extremely accurate, high-quality braille products. We can begin the process with hardcopy inkprint text or information in a digital format on a disk, CD, or sent via e-mail.
The single-side embossed braille pages are bound into heavy-duty polyethylene covers using 19-ring plastic combs. The covers are labeled in both print and braille and the binding combs are labeled in print. These volumes are durable and are easily updated. Lighter weight polyethylene covers, paper covers, and looseleaf notebooks are other available binding options. Single or multiple copies of any transcription can be produced. Once the braille has been transcribed, it is archived on computer media, so subsequent updating and/or embossing of additional copies is simple and inexpensive.
Braille Inc. is always interested in employing expert braillists who can meet its requirements for accuracy and speed. We are especially in need of qualified Nemeth code braillists.
For our latest charges, for a list of selected clients and materials transcribed, and for information about working as a contract braillist, see below.
This list includes only a few of the many clients we have served over the years.
PLACING BRAILLE MATERIALS INTO DATA BASE:
COPIES: per braille page embossed -- $0.55
COVERS: (per volume) including assembly, labeling in print and braille and binding:
SCANNING of print copy (per hour) -- $30.00
DESIGN work for special layouts (per hour) -- $75.00
FIXED PRICE QUOTATION OR GENERAL ESTIMATE -- No Charge
DETAILED ESTIMATE for per-page quotation -- $50.00
SPECIAL REQUESTS: volume orders (25 copies or more) and other unusual circumstances will be discussed on an individual basis.
RUSH ORDERS: last minute orders will be discussed on an individual basis.
Prices quoted FOB Falmouth, Massachusetts. Shipment will usually be by UPS Ground. Shipping charges and insurance will be added to the final invoice.
All transcribed materials will be embossed on one side using 100-lb paper stock. Free replacement and rebinding of any pages containing substantive errors is guaranteed, provided that the volume containing the errors is returned to Braille Inc.
Final payment of any balances shall be due 30 days after invoice date, with interest charged at 1-1/2% per month on outstanding balances. Braille Inc. reserves the right to require an advance deposit from new clients.
Braille Inc. uses proprietary software and third-party software to transcribe and edit complex inkprint materials into literary, foreign language, math, computer, and music braille on a fee basis. We are always on the lookout for independent, expert braillists who meet Braille Inc.'s high standards. They must be able to work within mutually-agreed upon time and accuracy constraints.
Braillists do their transcribing and editing/proofreading using IBM PC compatible computers. Braille Inc. uses proprietary software to convert previously scanned inkprint files or digital files directly into Grade I or Grade II literary, foreign language, Nemeth, or computer braille. This converted data is then sent to our braillists, who edit and proofread each braille page directly on-screen, using Microbraille 2.0 (or later) software (created and sold by Blessum). Finished files may be delivered to our offices via email, 3.5 floppy disk, or CD-ROM.
Braillists are employed primarily as editors, editing and proofreading the materials converted by the software. In math and scientific materials especially, some original transcription (of formulas and graphs, for example) will be required. The braillist's job is to be sure that the final braille pages are as accurate and easy to use as possible. Braille Inc. emphasizes the use of formats and layouts which provide the greatest clarity and readability to the blind reader. Braillists will be expected to observe any special transcribing rules specified by Braille Inc. All braille work products are considered works for hire owned by Braille Inc.
For satisfactorily completed work, Braille Inc. pays its braillists per braille page, depending on the complexity of the particular project. Payment will be made within thirty days after delivery of the completed work to Braille Inc. The decision as to whether a transcription is satisfactory is made by Braille Inc. alone. Work may be rejected for: a) substantial or numerous errors; b) inconsistent or nonconforming formatting; c) failure to follow specific instructions from Braille Inc., or d) failure to deliver the work product within the specified time frame.
Interested persons may call, write or e-mail Braille Inc. for further information.
Telephone: (508) 540-0800
Mailing Address: 65-B Town Hall Square, Falmouth MA 02540
Email: braillinc@capecod.net