Braille, a system of language consisting of raised dots pressed into a page, may be able to help people who have lost their vision read. Grade 1 Braille is the most basic type of Braille, in which each letter is directly translated into its Braille equivalent. Grade 2 Braille uses a series of contractions to represent common words because this method takes up too much space. You’ll need to know both Grade 1 and 2 Braille to work as a Braille transcriber. In most countries, becoming a Braille transcriber also necessitates certification.
Determine whether you want to work as a volunteer Braille transcriber or if you want to work as a paid transcriber. Because these jobs aren’t particularly common, and competition for them can be fierce, you’ll need to hone your skills by taking classes and practicing until you’ve mastered both Grade 1 and 2 Braille. Volunteer organizations frequently hire transcribers to work directly with texts provided to the blind, though you will not be paid for your work if you volunteer as a Braille transcriber.
Professional Braille transcribers can work for a variety of companies that create Braille words or texts for use on packaging, banners, posters, and even common public spaces like elevators and telephones. Companies will usually only hire certified transcribers, so if you want to work as a paid Braille transcriber, you’ll need to locate the certifying body or organization in your country. Training will be required, and completing a training course can take up to a year or more. After completing the training, you must take and pass the certifying exam in order to be recognized as a Braille transcriber by that governing body.
If you want to work as a Braille transcriber, it’s important to have strong reading and writing skills. You’ll need a strong command of the language of the country where you want to work as a transcriber, or multiple languages if you want to do translations. You’ll also need to know how to use a computer because some of the transcription will be done on one. Ability to type will also be important.