Current Projects

A2i User Group

Help us improve our services by joining A2is user group for visually impaired (VI) people.

The aim of this initiative is to ensure we are providing the best possible service for our customers, and for those people who receive our goods. We also hope this feedback will inform our research into new and future possible products and services.

By joining our user group you can:

• feedback any comments or suggestions about our work in general
• give your opinion on specific formats and A2i transcription styles
• be consulted on new services that A2i hopes to offer in the future.
• receive 10% off all A2i services including shop products, and
• receive other member promotions

User Group Braille paper questionnaire - results

A2i use a lot of thick paper every day to produce our Braille documents. We currently use FSC paper (paper from well managed sources), but we are keen to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and have been looking at the recycled paper options available to us. We also want to ensure the quality of our Braille is maintained if we do change our paper type.

We recently asked Braille readers in our User group to read six Braille samples on six varieties of paper, and give them each a rating for the following:

1. Paper Thickness
2. Impact Level
3. Overall Preference

The samples were:

Sample A: Our current Braille paper, 160gsm, FSC Mixed Paper
Sample B: 80gsm paper, Not recycled or FSC.
Sample C: 120gsm paper, Not recycled or FSC.
Sample D: 80gsm paper, 100% Recycled, ecological responsibility stamped
Sample E: 100gsm paper, 100% Recycled
Sample F: 160gsm, FSC Mixed Paper

We had a great response and, with all three factors considered, sample F came out on top with an overall rating of 9 out of 10. Sample A, our current paper, came a very close second.

The overwhelming feedback we received was that there is a market for recycled Braille, but that serious concerns remain regarding the thickness of the recycled paper, and therefore the durability of Braille embossed on to it, as reflected by lower scores of between 4 and 6 out of 10 in these areas for Samples D and E.

Almost half of the people who responded to the survey commented independently that the recycled paper would be best for throwaway documents such as letters or statements etc, but would not be appropriate for books, multi-use documents or items to be kept long-term.

A2i’s managing director Susie Fisher commented: “We received a great response and would like to thank everyone for taking part. We will definitely take on board all the comments we have received.” Susie continued “It was really interesting to hear what our user group thought of the recycled paper as reducing our Carbon footprint is a key issue for us all.”

A2i plans

A2i will now look at two options:
1. Changing our standard Braille paper to option F
2. Encouraging customers to use recycled paper (option E) for documents that are short and for single-use only.

We will let you know how we get on!

Results in detail:

1. Paper Thickness, please rate and give comments if any:

Sample A B C D E F Average Score 8 4 6 4 6 8

2. Impact Level, please rate and give comments if any:

Sample A B C D E F Average Score 7 5 4 5 6 9

3. Overall preference (taking eco factor into account), please rate and give comments if any:

Sample A B C D E F Average Score 7 4 5 5 6 9

Pharmaceutical Packaging & Patient Information Leaflets (PILs)

EU Pharmaceutical Directive 2004/27 was implemented last October. Pharmaceutical companies are now required to make their products fully accessible to visually impaired people, including drugs packaging and Patient Information Leaflets.

A2i has put together full details on Braille and audio devices for this particular industry. By working together with A2i, pharmaceutical companies can make their products accessible.

To download A2i's recommendations, please click here: Drugs Packaging PDF (100KB)
For an accessible version, click here: Drugs Packaging RTF (46KB)

Music

Adding music between chapters or sections of audio tapes and CDs is an effective way to both personalise your recording and make it clear to the listener where sections start and finish.

You will soon be able to choose from a selection of musical interludes, ranging from classical to modern to add to your audio transcriptions. Sound samples will be available on our website. Alternatively, you can supply your own music.

Shop

We are currently developing the range of products on our web-shop. We are researching different styles for our Braille signage, and further designs for locker numbers and key fobs. If you have any suggestions of products you would like us to offer, please feel free to contact us by phone 01179 44 00 44 or email info@a2i.co.uk.