A UK Education Authority
Services
Transcription of Maths and classroom materials into Braille and tactile diagrams, enabling a visually impaired student to access learning independently.
Project info
About the UK education authority that A2i works with
Please note that due to confidentiality reasons, we are unable to name the client in this case study.
This UK education authority is a public-sector body responsible for ensuring effective primary and secondary education services that meet the needs of children and young people in its region.
Its vision includes promoting inclusive education and ensuring learners with additional needs are supported to access the curriculum equitably. Supporting pupils with sensory impairments is a key part of this commitment.
A2i has worked in partnership with this education authority since 2002, supporting the provision of accessible learning materials. In 2024, this long-standing relationship was formalised through a contracted agreement.
The challenge
The education authority got in touch as they required accessible versions of classroom materials for a visually impaired student, including class textbooks and homework workbooks.
While some resources were produced internally, specialist transcription support was required for Maths and other technical subjects, particularly where complex layouts, equations, and diagrams were involved.
The materials needed to be produced in Braille with tactile diagrams, in a way that allowed the student to:
- Follow lessons in real time alongside their peers
- Open the Braille version to the same page as the standard print copy
- Work through step-by-step teaching and worked examples independently
For Maths in particular, the challenge was not simply translating content into Braille but adapting layouts so that concepts were presented clearly and logically in a “teachable” format that reflected how the subject was delivered in the classroom.
How A2i supported the education authority
A2i worked closely with the education authority’s Sensory Service team and class teachers to gain a detailed understanding of the student’s learning needs and the intended learning outcomes for each topic.
Through a series of collaborative discussions, A2i:
- Reviewed how each topic was taught and how the student would work through the material
- Adapted layouts to ensure clarity, consistency, and ease of navigation in Braille
- Redesigned or simplified certain questions so the student could participate in an equivalent and accessible way
- Removed or adapted elements that were not required where the student had already grasped a concept, based on input from teaching staff and classroom support
- Produced tactile diagrams to represent visual information such as graphs, geometry, and data
Where original files were difficult to extract or adapt, A2i worked collaboratively with the Sensory Service team to agree the most effective approach. This iterative process ensured the final materials were accurate, usable, and genuinely supportive of independent learning.
All materials were produced in line with UKAAF standards, using Unified English Braille, with specialist Maths transcribers ensuring technical accuracy throughout.
How A2i’s services helped the education authority
- Reduced preparation time for teachers and Sensory Services staff
- Provided confidence that specialist Maths and technical content was accurately transcribed
- Ensured materials were delivered in line with lesson plans and topic timetables
- Offered a responsive, collaborative service with clear communication throughout
- Created accessible resources that required minimal in-class intervention
How A2i’s services helped the student
- Enabled the student to follow lessons alongside sighted peers
- Supported independent working through clear, step-by-step layouts
- Provided tactile access to diagrams, graphs, and visual concepts
- Ensured consistency across classroom and homework materials
- Delivered an equitable learning experience in technical subjects such as Maths
Formats provided
- Braille (Unified English Braille, Grade 2)
- Tactile diagrams for Maths and technical subjects
- Interline print to support teachers and classroom assistants
Results
The adapted layouts and tactile resources enabled the student to engage more fully and independently with both classroom learning and homework, while reducing the level of support required during lessons. The finished materials also received positive feedback from the education authority’s Sensory Service team and teaching staff.
“Thank you so much for all your fantastic tactile diagrams produced to date, which we are already using in class.”
Member of staff, UK education authority
Impact highlights
- Time saved for teachers and Sensory Services
- Improved student independence
- Consistent, accessible materials aligned with classroom teaching
About A2i
A2i Transcription Services help organisations reach a wider audience by providing high-quality alternative format documents, including Braille, large print, tactile diagrams, audio, e-text, Easy Read, and BSL. With over 25 years’ experience, A2i works across education, government, health, and charity sectors to ensure information is accessible to everyone.

