NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE BRAILLE TEXTBOOK TRANSCRIBER (BRTT) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

www.accd.edu/nvc/areas/braille

BRTT 1471 Reading and Writing Braille I
Prerequisite: COSC 1301
Fees: Laboratory
This course is an introduction to the rules for using contracted and uncontracted braille in the preparation of brailled documents. The main focus of the course is the completion of Lessons 1-11 of the Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing. Additionally, students will gain experience with reading hard copy and simulated braille, writing braille using direct 6-key computer entry, and become familiar with a braillewriter and a slate and stylus.

BRTT 1472 Reading and Writing Braille II
Prerequisite: BRTT 1471
Fees: Laboratory
The focus of this course is the completion of Lessons 12-20 of the Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing with a concentration on further development of necessary skills required in transcribing books from print to braille. The manuscript required for NLS certification will be completed before receiving a grade. (Note: A student completing and submitting the manuscript, but lacking certification may enroll in "Textbook Braille Formatting" in the third semester.)

BRTT 2378 Tactile Graphics
Prerequisite: BRTT 1471
Fees: Laboratory
This course introduces a variety of methods for creating tactile graphics. Content includes an overview of production equipment, tools, and supplies used for tactile graphics. Working with several media, students will create simple to complex raised line drawings including single and multiple line representations, charts, graphs, and maps. Lessons in writing picture descriptions, cartoon descriptions and basic transcribers notes will also be included.

BRTT 1271 Introduction to Other Codes
Prerequisite: BRTT 1471
Fees: Laboratory
An overview of specialized codes such as Nemeth, Music, Computer, and Chemistry is presented. Lessons will introduce the unique aspect and practical application of these codes and explain how the student can continue learning these specialized codes.

BRTT 2476 Textbook Braille Formatting I
Prerequisite: BRTT 1472
Fees: Laboratory
This course, the first of two formatting courses, concentrates on the special braille formatting rules and techniques to be applied when transcribing print books. The NBA Braille Formats Course (based on BANA Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription) is the foundation for the course. An in-depth study of rules 1-12 is the focus of this course.

BRTT 2477 Textbook Braille Formatting II
Prerequisite: BRTT 2476
Fees: Laboratory
The special braille formatting rules and techniques to be applied when transcribing print books is continued in this course. An in-depth study of rules 13-19 plus a guided hands-on formatting of a sample textbook aids the student in learning the complexities of successfully formatting a book.

BRTT 2474 Technology for Braille Transcription I
Prerequisite: BRTT 1472
Fees: Laboratory
This course begins integrating technology into braille production. Content includes scanning and OCR techniques to generate accessible files, and developing strategies with Microsoft Word to resolve transcribing and translation issues. Students will be introduced to braille translation software by learning the fundamentals of DBT (Duxbury Braille Translator). Coursework will incorporate the principles learned in "Textbook Braille Formatting" and will further develop proofreading skills when using translation software.

BRTT 2478 Technology for Braille Transcription II
Prerequisite: BRTT 1472
Fees: Laboratory
Learning the fundamentals of MegaDots and Braille2000 completes the study of current braille translation software. Students will continue to develop skills for preparing a variety of files for translation by using Microsoft Word. Translation and transcribing techniques will be extended to simple and complex publishers' files. Applying the principles learned in "Textbook Braille Formatting" will be continued, along with increased focus on the proofreading of translated braille files.

BRTT 2164 Practicum - Braille Textbook Transcriber
Prerequisite: Approval of Program Coordinator
Fees: Laboratory
Students will get practical experience in conducting braille transcribing as their own business and have an opportunity to work on a Capstone Project to be discussed with and monitored by their instructor.