FAQs - A2i Transcription Services

What are alternative formats?

Alternative formats means different methods of presenting text to make it accessible for disabled people
Alternative formats for blind people includes Braille, Audio, Large Print and Electronic formats or E-text
An alternative format for people with learning disabilities is called Easy Read
Alternative formats for deaf people includes sign language videos

Braille transcription means translating printed text into Braille
Braille is a tactile code made of raised dots
Braille is read by many blind people and people with sight loss
Braille transcription involves specialist knowledge, software and an embossing machine

Braille is embossed rather than printed but is still often called printing
A specialist printer is used called a Braille embosser which punches paper to form raised dots
Text is translated and prepared in specialist Braille translation software and then sent to the embosser
Double-sided Braille can be produced by embossing the dots on one side so they are between the dots on the reverse
Braille documents need to be checked for legibility based on the height of the raised dots, and the distance between dots
Braille should be bound to form a book that is easy to handle and can also be opened flat
A printed title is usually added to make sure a sighted person can identify the document when necessary

E-text means electronic text. We use it to mean electronic formats that are accessible for people with disabilities.
E-text includes accessible word documents, accessible PDFs and accessible ePubs
When electronic documents are made fully accessible, they can be accessed with screen readers or screen enlarging software

Audio transcription can mean the process of converting text to audio, or audio to text
Transcription services that translate audio to text use professional speed typists
Transcription services that translate text to audio use recording studios
Text to audio is important to make documents accessible to people with sight loss

Use a voice artist and a recording studio, or find a transcription company
Make sure the transcription company transcribes text to audio (not audio to text)
Make sure the transcription company knows how to produce audio versions of documents for blind people
A good transcription company will know how to describe content for people with no sight
Decide whether you want your audio on CD, USB stick, or online for streaming or downloading

Most people find real voice audio much easier to listen to
Human voice will include the correct tone of voice for the context
Electronic voice is useful for some situations for example bank statements to ensure accuracy

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Adapt the document so that it would work as a script
Use a professional BSL signer who can adapt the script for a deaf audience and sign the text to a camera
A deaf signer is recommended when possible for accuracy and experience
A sign language interpreter may be required to assist with communication with the deaf signer
Add titles and subtitles if required
Produce on DVD or upload for online streaming

Produce a script from the video
Use a professional BSL signer who can adapt the script for a deaf audience and sign the text to a camera
Shrink the main video to a smaller size and add the signer as an inset video so that this does not overlap with any essential viewing
Adjust the timing of the signer so that the text is in sync with the main video, use fade out for long periods if necessary
Produce on DVD or upload for online streaming

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