I just thought I'd drop a note about adapting books like this.
I adapt similar books at A-level, mostly history at the moment. These
are usually 500 - 1000 pages. The print is often small, which reduces
the accuracy. Anyway, I scan such books, proof read in the ocr software
for big scanning errors, then do a detailed proof reading (and any
adaptations needed) in a good word processor. An average 500 page text
book, no graphics and only a few tables, takes about 3 days to adapt
into braille. Be aware that to scan a big text book properly often means
breaking the spine rendering the book a pile of paper when you have
finished.
However, it sounds like you have no one dedicated to this task. In this
case I have a friend doing politics, history and philosophy (no pics in
the philosophy books!), and she is doing well (though of course it is
very hard work) with Kurweil 1000.
If at all possible, (not in the first year I know), get details of the
books required at least a year in advance, and get it done commercially,
or track down a copy. Despite the fact that scanners and tapes do give
access to the text, a braille copy is MUCH easier to access, and allows
the student more time to get on with their work.
I know this is not the fault of any of you out there working in
universities, the fault lies above you - but I cannot see why
Universities are not required by law to have a complete and skilled
braille unit within them. Ho hum.
I wish I could do the work for you, - but I've got 'European History' to
do next - 1051 pages in 8 point, and then 'Spot's First Walk', then
'Tyke Tyler'... sorry. I hate the stories of these students who cannot
get the books for their courses easily adapted.
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>Subject: Access to reading materials for blind law student
>
>
>I should be interested to hear from anyone who has successfully overcome the
>problem of access to the voluminous reading materials required by law
>students for a student who is blind. Most material is in book form, some of
>which are 500 pages. The time taken to read this on to tape, even though
>using RNIB reading service and student support workers (who are expensive)
>means that most of it will not be available in time for the student's needs.
>The RNIB tape library may have some material on tape, I realise. Are there
>any other speedy and not too expensive solutions that anyone has come
>across? My e mail address is below if you wish to contact me off-list.
>I look forward to hearing from you,
>
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Adrian Farnsworth
City Resource Officer for the Sight Impaired.
Derby
England
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