There is an organisation for blind/visually impaired solicitors, and one for
barristers. I saw it on the internet once. I do not have the address but
could find it out later if you want. There is a HUGE amount of reading
required in law, more than most subjects. Also, the books are updated every
year as statute changes every year, so one cannot put stuff on tape and save
it for students in following years. I doubt very much that the RNIB would be
of any help.
Anyway, my point is, if these people have done it before, they should be
able to assist in finding materials for your student. They would be the
experts on the subject.
Esme
On Thu, 30 Aug 2001 16:05:55 +0100, Discussion list for disabled students
and their support staff. wrote:
> 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.
>
> ------------------
> >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,
> >
>
> -----------
>
> --
> Adrian Farnsworth
> City Resource Officer for the Sight Impaired.
> Derby
>
> England
> [log in to unmask]
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