Students Can Now Receive their Educational Materials in Braille 2x Faster
OTTAWA and OGDENSBURG, NY, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Students who are blind, have low vision or are print restricted across North America can now expect to receive their braille textbooks two times faster. T-Base Communications has developed and now employs a new tool that accelerates and simplifies the transcription of textbooks, for even the most complex STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), into braille while ensuring high-quality output.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160707/387213)
With this new tool, titled FASTtrack, T-Base Communications significantly raises the bar when it comes to the production and delivery of braille textbooks and other accessible learning materials. The company has invested thousands of hours into designing, integrating and testing FASTtrack to turn what was an arduous, manual process into one that is streamlined—automated and guided by T-Base's in-house subject matter experts and certified transcribers.
"T-Base FASTtrack is not easily replicated in the marketplace. Our investment in our employees and state-of-the-art processes, along with our culture of continuous innovation, ensures we maintain the highest level of performance in this area and we are proud of our track record," said Mike Hadfield, Director of Operations for T-Base Communications.
Traditionally, North American school boards, departments of education and individual educational institutions have struggled to get students their braille textbooks in time for the first day of class. Typically, the student must wait for the instructor to announce the course materials—which, for a September semester start, isn't usually until August. The student must then purchase the hard copy book and visit their Student Disability Services office to request a braille copy. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, "converting printed textbooks into braille is a complex process that takes about four to nine months". T-Base FASTtrack cuts the wait time by at least half and in some cases, significantly faster.
"T-Base FASTtrack allows us to get learning materials in the hands of students faster, which not only benefits the student, but takes undue pressure off educational institutions that are legally required to provide equal access to alternate format learning materials for students who require them," said Jeff Jullion, Senior Account Manager for the Education Market at T-Base Communications.
In providing greater flexibility and faster turnaround, T-Base FASTtrack coincides with T-Base's ultimate goal, which is to mirror the delivery and accessibility of high-quality instructional materials for students who are blind, have low vision or are print restricted to that of their sighted peers.
About T-Base
T-Base Communications, North America's industry thought leader, simplifies accessible communications by providing secure design, production and delivery of accessible statements, documents and educational material in braille, large print, e-Text and audio. T-Base's online services include PDF/UA remediation, website audits and training to provide a holistic approach to accessibility compliance. www.tbase.com
SOURCE T-Base Communications
Image with caption: "Student reading school textbook in braille (CNW Group/T-Base Communications)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160711_C8755_PHOTO_EN_729479.jpg
Media Contact: T-Base Communications, Deanna White, Media Relations, (613) 236-0866 Ext. 1231, [email protected]
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