Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Louis Braille turned 200 in 2009, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) is starting a new transcribing class in 2010!

If you are a perfectionist and love to read, and want to help others read, you could learn to transcribe books into braille!

WTBBL offers a free course in braille transcription in 22 lessons, on Wednesday evenings from January to June 2010. This is a six-month class with weekly computer homework (PC-based software provided).

Classes meet at WTBBL, 2021 9th Avenue (at Lenora) in Seattle.
Free parking available during class.

First session on January 6, 2010 begins at 6:00 p.m. All remaining classes are held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, or to register, contact David Junius, WTBBL Volunteer Services Coordinator, by clicking "I'm Interested" below.

Overview: Literary Braille Class

Subject: Contracted English Braille, which includes: the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, special braille composition signs, braille contractions and short-form words, weights, measures, and abbreviations; braille formats; and the rules of braille transcription.

Textbook: Instruction Manual For Braille Transcribing, 5th Edition (2009), supplied by National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Software: Braille2000 (for PC only), loaned by the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. Training on the use of Braille2000 is part of the course. Students will sign a statement upon receipt of the software, similar to the following: “Braille software, valued at $800, is provided on a loan basis for the duration of the class, and must be returned upon withdrawal from the class or otherwise on request.”

Class Schedule: Class will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning January 6, 2010. Class will not be held on February 17, March 31, April 28, and June 2.

Class Attendance: Regular attendance and completion of all assignments is required to ensure success in this course. Lesson topics are cumulative, each lesson building on skills learned previously. Missing one class will not seriously impair your progress. Prospective students should not register for the class if existing vacation or other plans would require missing two or more consecutive, scheduled classes.

Practice and Homework: In addition to weekly instruction, study and practice at home is essential to master this skill. The instruction manual includes reading drills as well as transcription drills and exercises. Weekly homework exercises will be transcribed (print to braille) by the student and submitted at the next scheduled class.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

We need volunteers who are free at these times Evenings Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25)

Contact Person: David Junius, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

2021 9th Ave Seattle, WA 98121-2783 (See a map)

Directions:

We are located in downtown Seattle on the corner of 9th and Lenora.   Nearest Bus Stop: one block, 2 minute walk

Web Site: http://www.wtbbl.org

Miscellaneous Information

Are Youth Volunteers Welcome?
	No
What is the minimum age for volunteers?
	18
Are court-appointed community service volunteers okay?
	No
Can families with young children volunteer for this opportunity?
	No

Last updated on November 3, 2009