The Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC) Braille Services Unit offers textbook conversion to Braille services to institutions through a membership program. AMAC services are available to non-member institutions on a fee for service basis. The AMAC Braille Services Unit specializes in math, science and foreign language textbook conversion. Braille service products include Braille transcription, Braille embossing, and the creation of tactile graphics. AMAC offers timely high quality Braille products in a cost effective manner.
Braille Membership ServicesA quota for the number of textbook conversion requests is based on the institution's membership fee level. If AMAC members exceed their annual quota of Braille transcribed books, additional Braille services are offered through AMAC's Extended Braille Services policy which provides a 50% discount off the fee for service price. Braille textbook conversion is a highly specialized and time consuming process, and requests for Braille documents must be made in accordance with the policies and procedures listed below.
The AMAC Braille Unit functions in much the same way as the production unit in that electronic copy of textbooks are obtained for conversion into Braille. One print page converted into Braille can become three to six Braille pages. This means that a Braille text is much bulkier than the printed text and is always divided into multiple volumes for ease of use. Hence, most students will opt to use Braille for only the most specialized texts such as math, science and foreign languages. The translation of texts that cover these subjects requires special certification on the part of the person acting as the Transcriber. AMAC tailors its Braille services to these specialized needs.
Once the electronic file of the text has been procured, the student's syllabus is used to determine priority for producing individual chapters. A staff Braille Transcriber or a contract Braille Transcriber translates the text into Braille using a variety of software and other tools. If the text is a math book containing graphics, then each figure, drawing or illustration is reproduced by hand so that it is available as a tactile depiction of the text. The Transcriber uses a variety of tools such as different sized tracing wheels, sticky papers, etc. to create the graphics. After the text has been translated into Braille, a proofreader spot-checks the translated material against the printed text for accuracy. Only after the text has been proofed, is it sent to the embosser. In some cases, the electronic Braille file will be sent to the Disability Service Provider and the file will be embossed on site by the school. This eliminates having to overnight a large box of bound volumes to the school.
Because of the labor intensive process required to produce Braille text, AMAC requires a longer lead time for conversion of texts that require conversion to Braille. To the extent possible, it is recommended that texts should be requested one semester or six months prior to the commencement of the course.
AMAC offers textbook conversion to Braille services to its members upon request. The number of Braille texts that may be requested correlates to one text for every $10,000.00 paid in membership fees. For example, AMAC member institutions which have incurred membership costs ranging from $1.00 to $9,999.00 may request one Braille text per membership year. AMAC members who have paid fees of $10,000.00 to $19,999.00 may request two Braille texts per membership year, and so on.
If the request is made for a text that already has been transcribed into Braille and resides in the AMAC repository, the request does not count toward the institution's Braille quota. However, if the text resides in the AMAC repository in an e-text format but has not been transcribed into Braille, the book still must be transcribed into Braille and the request does count toward the institution's Braille quota.
If the institution requires more Braille books than its quota allows, requests will be fulfilled according to AMAC's Extended Braille Services policies.
Back to topAMAC Braille transcription services are available to institutions that are not AMAC members. Braille text may be requested on an "as needed" basis and paid for under the fee for service program.
Institutions who are not AMAC members may order Braille Services under AMAC's Fee for Services program.
The following figures are provided only to aid our customers in approximating a rough cost estimate. Official estimates must be coordinated with the AMAC Braille Unit in accordance with the policies listed above. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Price per Braille page:
| Type | Price per Page |
|---|---|
| Literary texts | $3.45 |
| Math texts | $6.00 |
| Science texts | $6.00 |
| Foreign Language | $5.00 |
| Music | $7.25 |
| Computer | $6.25 |
| Illustration (embedded with text) | $4.95 |
| Embossing Only (books in NEON) | $0.62 |
Illustrations Only: $35.68 per hour
Please note that the transcription and illustration costs do not include embossing, binding, and shipping.
Back to topInstitutions, who wish to request a quote for Braille services in accordance with policies detailed above, may do so by contacting the AMAC Braille Manager or completing the online Braille quote form.
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