What does a Braille Transcriber do?

Braille Transcribers allow educational institutions, employers, public libraries and other organizations to be more inclusive and better comply with accessibility regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By Braille transcribing accurately, they allow people who are blind or have low vision to access information and to communicate in writing with individuals who don’t know how to read Braille. When they perform their job duties proficiently, they can have a positive impact on an organization. In schools, they contribute to the quality of education provided to all students, and they improve staff morale and customer satisfaction when working for private employers, libraries and other organizations.

Braille Transcriber skills and qualifications

To be successful at Braille transcribing, candidates must typically possess certain skills. Some key qualifications include:

• In-depth understanding of Braille codes and literary, Nemeth and/or computerized Braille transcription techniques

• Strong reading comprehension skills to understand the meaning of texts and accurately transcribe them

• Written communication skills to produce easy-to-understand, well-written materials

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to interact positively with other staff members and an organization’s other stakeholders

• Familiarity with the use of necessary equipment, such as computerized embossers, printers, photocopiers, slates and styluses

• Computer skills to utilize email, word processing, spreadsheet, record-keeping and Braille transcribing software

• Attentiveness to detail to spot and correct inaccuracies in materials and maintain accurate records

Braille Transcriber experience requirements

How much experience a Braille Transcriber needs to perform their job duties well depends on the nature of your open position. If you have a high volume of work, only have one Braille Transcriber on staff or need to produce complex materials in Braille, three or more years of related experience may be necessary for success. In other work settings, less experience may be sufficient.

Braille Transcriber education and training requirements

Generally, no formal education is required to work as a Braille Transcriber. However, post-secondary coursework in Braille transcribing is a common education requirement. The National Federation for the Blind and some two- and four-year colleges offer courses in Braille transcribing that take a few months or a year to complete. You may wish to prioritize candidates who have passed the mandatory exam to gain Library of Congress Braille transcribing certification.

Braille Transcriber salary expectations

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Braille Transcriber is $46,000 per year. However, salary may vary based on experience, location and company.  

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Braille Transcriber job description discussed above doesn’t completely fit your needs, consider these related job descriptions:

• Translator

• Interpreter

Braille Transcriber job description FAQs

Are there different types of Braille Transcribing?

There are three main types of Braille transcribing: literary, Nemeth and computer. Literary Braille is for general reading materials, while Nemeth Braille is used to transcribe mathematical and scientific information. Computer Braille is for conveying program code and computer commands. Depending on the nature of your open position, qualified candidates may need to be proficient at one, two or all three types of Braille transcribing.

What is the difference between a Braille Transcriber and an Adaptive Materials Specialist?

A Braille Transcriber produces materials specifically for people who are blind, visually impaired or have low vision. Adaptive Materials Specialists create a variety of materials and media for individuals with disabilities. Some may create Braille documents and books, but their responsibilities may also include other duties, such as generating subtitles for videos for deaf people or producing specially formatted texts for individuals with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and other learning disabilities.

Do the duties and responsibilities of a Braille Transcriber vary by setting?

Depending on their work setting, a Braille Transcriber may have unique responsibilities. Those employed by state Departments of Education, public school districts or private schools may assist with the development of policies regarding the use of Braille in classrooms and/or attend meetings with parents, teachers and administrators to explain what Braille services are available. At libraries, a Braille Transcriber may help library patrons who are researching particular subjects by recommending books and periodicals that could be of interest and then transcribing them.

How do I make my Braille Transcriber job description stand out?

To call attention to your Braille Transcriber job description, lead with a bulleted list of the top benefits of working for your organization. Call out special perks, such as employee benefits, paid time off, relocation assistance and retirement plans. A brief, yet detailed description of your organization and its mission can help set your description apart from those of other employers.