To work as a Braille translator, you must be familiar with Braille as well as one or more other writing systems and be able to freely translate back and forth. Braille translation is used for a variety of things, including making textbooks accessible to the blind community and developing signage for blind people to interact with ATMs and other devices. While machine translation of Braille is available, for some tasks, a human translator is required.
Braille translation, like translation between other writing systems and languages, is more than just creating a one-to-one correspondence between two texts. The translator must also consider issues such as syntax, the message being conveyed, and how to communicate concepts across barriers. One of the most important aspects of the job is describing visuals; a picture is meaningless to a blind reader, and a person who wants to work as a Braille translator must be able to convert purely visual information such as charts into a format that is accessible to the blind.
A person who wants to work as a Braille translator must attend a school that teaches Braille. Some schools offer Braille translation classes, which teach students how to smoothly translate between Braille and other writing systems. These classes may include instruction on how to use devices that produce Braille documents, as well as the chance to work with machine translators that convert computer documents into Braille formats.
A person who has received Braille training can work for a company that produces Braille materials as a Braille translator. Typically, a translator begins with small projects under supervision and builds up their skills over time, eventually taking on larger projects. Some people choose to specialize in specific areas, such as scientific research translation, informational pamphlets for blind patients, and chart and picture interpretation. Others may use a wide range of printed materials in their work.
A person who wants to work as a Braille translator has a variety of salary options. Freelancers have more control over how much work they get and how much they charge, but they also have less job security, especially in the early stages of their careers when they are not well known. People who work for others may earn less money, but they will have a steady stream of work and will be able to take advantage of benefits provided their employers. People with unique skill sets may be able to charge a higher fee for their services.