Braille Transcriber (Braillist)

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 12, 2025
Braille transcribers, often referred to as a braillist, play a vital role in the education of students who are blind or visually impaired and use braille as their primary mode of reading and writing. Since Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) often lack the time or resources to produce all the braille materials a student may require, the braillist is essential to ensuring timely and accurate access to educational content.

Core Responsibilities

Braille transcribers are responsible for producing high-quality braille materials that meet national standards. Their duties typically include:
  • Transcribing Educational Materials: Convert print materials into braille, ensuring that formatting and content meet the specific needs of the student and align with instructional goals.
  • Applying Braille Codes Accurately: Use appropriate braille codes—including Unified English Braille (UEB), Nemeth Code for math and science, and potentially music or foreign language braille—depending on the subject matter.
  • Proofreading and Quality Control: Review braille output for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to formatting standards to ensure usability by the student.
  • Working with Technology: Operate braille translation software (such as Duxbury or BrailleBlaster), and import, format, and process electronic publisher files or teacher-created materials efficiently.

Certification and Standards

  • To ensure the integrity and accuracy of braille materials, braillists are encouraged—or in many settings, required—to obtain certification. Certification is available through the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), and ensures that transcribers follow standards established by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA).
    Available certifications include:
  • Literary Braille
  • Nemeth Braille (Math and Science)
  • Music Braille
  • Proofreading for Literary and Nemeth Braille
  • Certified transcribers ensure that students receive braille materials that are accurate, accessible, and timely, supporting equal access to the general curriculum.

Additional Expertise

  • A skilled braille transcriber should also:
  • Be proficient in current braille production tools and embossing technology.
  • Understand educational formatting guidelines for tactile graphics, tables, and assessments.
  • Collaborate with the TVI and educational team to prioritize materials and ensure the student’s needs are met promptly and efficiently.

Printable Resources

Available on the Premium Printables page.
Braille Transcriber Role Handout
Braille Transcriber Role Handout