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Document Conversion Service

Public launch of the service on Tuesday 21st March 2006. Article to appear in Keighley News and on this web page.

What is the document Conversion Service ?

Our document conversion service aims to provide local visually impaired people and their friends and families with an easy and personal service for having documents translated into accessible formats. We do not have a minimum job requirement, so if you just want a single page letter transcribing, or a Braille label for a greetings card then we're happy to help.

We also aim to provide local business with a method of meeting their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. By producing accessible materials not only are you complying with the act, but you are showing your customers that you care.

We can convert printed documents into a number of different formats which are accessible to visually impaired people, these include:-

• Braille
• Large Print
• Text Files
• Digital Talking Books (DAISY)

Braille

Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read by a visually impaired person. Our new Braille Embosser can convert most types of documents into Braille, there are however a few types of document we are unable to do, these include:-

• Music
• Mathematical Formula/Equations
• Legal Documents
• Text Books (we can help you find a Braille copy)
• Documents with complicated tables
• Documents in any language other than English

Our embosser can also emboss simple diagrams and images, for the best results diagrams should be a simple as possible.

Large Print

Large print is defined as text with a point size of 16 or above. We can produce large print documents up to a point size of 22. We can do larger sizes if requested. If you are requesting a large print copy for a specific individual, you should ask them what type size they prefer. Otherwise we recommend using size 20.

In producing a large print document we will modify the layout of the document to ensure it is as easy as possible for a visually impaired person to read.

All Braille and Large print documents are comb bound, allowing them to be laid flat.

Text Files

A text file is a file that can be read on any computer. By producing a document as a text file a visually impaired person can load the document onto their computer, or other reading device and either have it read out to them, or converted into Braille if they have a Braille Display.

We can convert printed materials into text files.

Digital Talking Books

Digital Talking Books or DAISY Books allow a visually impaired person with a DAISY player to navigate round a document in the same way as they would a printed document, ie by jumping between pages, headings, sub headings and sentences.

Our Digital Talking Books use high quality computer generated speech. This allows us to produce documents quickly and at low cost.

Documents can also be produced on Audio CD, MP3 files. And at additional cost, audio cassette

How can documents be submitted for transcription?

Documents can be submitted in the following formats:-

• Microsoft Word Document
• Text, or Rich Text format
• PDF File
• Printed/Typewritten hard copy*
• Handwritten text*

* Low quality printed or typewritten materials, and Hand written materials of more than 1 side of A4 will incur a surcharge. Hand written material should be printed.

I have a book I'd like trancribing, can you do it?

In October 2003 the Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act was passed, the act allows a visually impaired person to have a publication copied into an accessible format.

Prior to the act a visually impaired person requiring a accessible copy made would have to get written permission from the copyright holder. The new Act eliminates the need to gain permission under the following conditions:-

• The person requiring the copy is registered visually impaired. People with Dyslexia or other disabilities that restrict access to print are not covered by the act.
• You own the original publication
• There is not a accessible copy commercially available
• The accessible copy remains with the original publication at all times, i.e. if you sell, loan, give away or destroy the original publication the accessible copy must go with it or be destroyed

The association now has a licence to produce copies under the act.

Where can I find accessible books?

The National Library for the Blind, has the largest collection of Braille and Moon publications in Europe with other 22,000 Braille Titles. They also have a growing giant print library offering over 200 titles for children and young people.

Further information on the National Library for the Blind can be found at their website at, www.nlb-online.org.

Reveal can help you locate accessible publications, by providing a database of resources and their suppliers. You can search the reveal database at www.revealweb.org.uk.

How can I get more information ?

Please call Antony Horner on 01535 602354 (answer machine outside office hours), or E:Mail antony@keighleyblind.org.

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