Braillist

Braillist Job Description

POSITION

PURPOSE:

Transcribes materials into braille and tutors students in the use of braille in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Modifies materials, including large print, digital, and auditory formats. Checks and corrects student's work completed in braille. Prepares printed copies of student work for general education teachers and parents. When requested, attend IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meetings and other meetings in which educational programs for students with visual impairments are planned and materials are reviewed.

May push into the classroom for student support. May attend related service lessons. Works under a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and collaborates with school staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs transcription of braille formats and codes.

• Prepares instructional materials including textbooks, tests, daily assignments (on the brailler), units, maps, and diagrams for students with visual impairments.
• Confers directly with Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments regarding specific problems, formats, and special needs in the transcription of materials.
• Collaborates with staff on revisions within braille codes and formats.
• Keeps updated on new transcribing rules and materials; as new materials become available, evaluates, and advises staff on them.
• Responsibilities may include, under the direction of the TSVI (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments), the following activities:
• Braille, adapt, and modify materials, worksheets, and test as assigned by the TSVI and regular education teacher (this applies to modifying visual materials for students with low vision needs)
• Assist and consult daily with TSVI and regular education teacher.
• Communicate daily with regular education classroom teachers to get student assignments that need to be modified and placed in agenda for student
• Keep documentation and records about daily activities in all classes for TSVI, as requested.
• Assist with instruction in the VI (Visually Impaired) Resource Room, such as tutoring students in braille, organizational skills, and in academic areas, etc., as needed
• Assist student with visual impairments in the regular education classroom with accessing materials, presentations, etc., and informing the student of what is happening in the classroom
• Follow up with students on tasks as needed. For example: extra practice in a particular O&M skill, OT skill, low vision aid, etc., as directed by TSVI, O&M Specialist, or OTOT, or O&M Specialist.
• Attend IEP meetings for assigned students when requested
• Assist getting students on/off transportation in the morning and afternoon, as needed.
• Assist students to and from classes as directed by the TSVI and/or O&M specialist (students may need assistance at the beginning of each term or track-in)
• Assist/accompany students on field trips to provide auditory information and to ensure student safe travel
• Assist TSVI with school-related and clerical responsibilities
• Participate in on-going training for specialized software, modified tools, braille codes, etc.
• Represent the VI program to other school personnel, parents, and students in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner.
• Respect the confidentiality of student information at all times and be especially vigilant when talking to parents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED;
• Braille transcription experience or willing to commit to completion of literary braille transcription training modules within six (6) months of hire, and completion of math braille transcription training modules within twelve (12) months of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree from a regionally accredited school;
• Certification/completion of a braille transcribing program (e.g. Hadley, UEB online (Unified English Braille);

Certification of proficiency in Braille transcribing by the Library of Congress.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point;
  Google Apps; (or willing to learn)
• Working knowledge…