Braille Transcription

The Braille Division at Anamosa transcribes print materials into Braille and reproduces Braille materials.

Inmates employed in the Braille Division are certified in Literary Braille or the Nemeth Code for Mathematics by The Library of Congress - National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Stringent guidelines require inmates to train for six months to over a year to receive this certification.

A wide range of materials can be transcribed: math, grammar, history, social studies, foreign languages, biology and other sciences, and literature. Maps or diagrams in the original text are reproduced as raised-line drawings and included in the material. Entire textbooks may take 6-12 months to transcribe, depending on its length and complexity. Large projects such as textbooks are done in sections and shipped as each section is completed.

All transcribed materials are listed on a database at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky. Copies of IPI-transcribed items in this database are ordered directly through IPI.

Iowa Prison Industries can also reproduce copies of Braille books already completed. Duplicates are made either on a high-speed Braille embosser for books done on a computer or by a heat/vacuum process for older books. An order can generally be produced and shipped within 2 weeks.

For more information on our Braille services, please contact the Anamosa plant at 800-332-7922.