Braille Embossing Services

Last updated: May 23, 2024

UW Braille Requests

We create braille for the UW community, including Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses. This includes academic materials, event flyers, student-created content related to a course, and other UW content. Braille is created on the Seattle campus.

ATC embossing services can convert any Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) document into single or double-sided braille hard copy. Tactile graphics and braille for multiple languages may also be created here. Users can convert physical books and documents into electronic format using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software available in the ATC or within departments. That text can then be rendered in a variety of accessible formats including e-text and braille.

Submitting Online Braille Requests

  1. Save your file as a Microsoft Word document with standard styles. Ensure the file name is unique and descriptive to prevent confusion. For textbooks or textbook excerpts, include title, author name, course number, chapter number, and page range.
    1. Good examples include:
      1. “Eng157-EricSwanson-ObjectsInMotion-ch3-pg108-117.doc”
      2. “SPAN105-LuisBarcas-Basics-ch5-pg114-119.doc”
      3. “DSS-accom-letter-RK.doc”
    2. Bad examples include:
      1. “Chapter3.doc”
      2. “Letter.doc”
  2. Fill out the Braille Request Form, below.
  3. Allow at least two full working days for us to complete braille requests. Long or complicated documents may take additional time. Having finished braille jobs delivered by campus mail will add 1-2 days to delivery time. For fastest results, pick up finished braille jobs in person at the ATC.

Converting Print Materials

Users can process hard-copy documents into e-text with FineReader.

Standard Braille Output

All braille is produced on 11″ x 11″ paper with binding holes on the left margin. We do not have other options for paper size. If the braille you intend to use is to be cut down for resizing and/or attached to surfaces, please indicate the desired spacing in the notes area.

Default output is double-sided (also called interpoint). If single-sided is preferred, please indicate in the notes area of the form.

Our braille translation standard is contracted (also called grade 2) English. If math or other languages are needed, please specify in the notes. It is helpful to include comments within the source document if multiple languages are needed in your document. Most braille readers prefer contracted braille.

Many non-English braille options are available. Please contact us directly if you have questions about what we can provide for translation from your non-English source document. Most non-English braille will be uncontracted.

Physical page counts up to five (ten sides with interpoint) will be stapled. Documents more than five physical pages will be bound with a plastic comb. Documents more than 100 physical pages may be broken into multiple volumes for easier handling.

Braille Request Form







    (file name is a good subject)

    MS WordOther

    Notes

    •  The ATC completes braille requests in the order of receipt, with an eye to the date requested.
    • Any UW academic/administrative information intended for use by UW students/faculty/staff/visitors can be requested for embossing.
    • Braille requests should be sent by a University departmental representative. Current students may request braille for class projects.
    • Most University-related braille jobs are free. In cases of unusually large requests, departments may be asked to replace the embossing paper used, at about  $60/1000 sheets.
    • If you have questions about the capabilities of the braille service, contact the Access Technology Center.

    Contact ATC staff