We can work with you to produce accessible alternate formats for any information you need to communicate. We provide high quality materials on time and at a reasonable cost and by working with us you can reach more people and enhance your corporate social responsibility program.
Vision Australia is committed to ensuring that people with a disability can participate in all aspects of life. We believe access to information is a key barrier to participation and encourage organisations to be an enabler to breaking down these barriers. Any profit derived from the production of materials is delivered back to our organisation to provide services to people who are blind or have low vision.
Our services
We have the largest production capacity for alternate formats in Australia and provide the following capabilities:
- high quality dedicated audio production studios, using a broadcast quality professional studio package
- professional narrators and producers for maximum quality and consistency
- duplication facilities which produce compact discs and a wide range of audio files suitable for the web with appropriate sampling rates
- high volume braille mastering and embossing machinery and facilities which also produce large print, electronic text and tactile graphics
- secure facilities to produce materials requiring high levels of confidentiality
Consulting Service
As part of our service we offer a specialist consultation service for the accessibility of print documents. Our print disability consultants can provide information on design, layout, and advice on how to improve visual elements that affect readability people with a print disability.
Accessible formats
Our uniquely skilled and experienced production teams deliver large quantities of a range of alternate format materials, in accordance with national and international standards and guidelines, including
- audio - CDA, DAISY and audio files such as mp3 files for websites
- large print in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Round Table for the Print Disabled
- Unified English Braille (UEB)
- tactile diagrams and bold print graphics
- electronic text.
Audio
Our audio studios boast high quality digital recording equipment, qualified and uniquely skilled audio technicians and professional narrators with a deep understanding of the needs of the audience.
We record, duplicate, pack and distribute audio material to meet our clients' needs and the needs of the users. DAISY players or DAISY software are made available to all members of our library and thus this format is often preferred by our clients.
Large print
Large print will assist some people with low vision. Large print documents, at 18 point Arial, are produced in accordance with the guidelines set down by the Australian Round Table for the Print Disabled.
The Large print file is beneficial to low vision users and is prepared to strict guidelines. The entire print document is re-laid out to optimise readability by adjusting the print size, contrast and simplifying the format. A master is provided on CD or via email and is print ready
Braille
There are people who are blind for whom braille is the preferred format for accessing information. For people who are deaf and blind, this is often their only means of communication.
Our transcription team, following national and international standards and using high quality embossing equipment, produces Grade 1 or 2 UEBC, 30 column (A4) or 40 column (11 inches x 11 inches) braille documents and can provide .brf files.
We also specialize in the production of braille music and technical braille codes for STEM subjects.
Tactual and bold print graphics
Tactual graphics are raised line diagrams used for the production of maps etc. They include braille legends and captions. Bold print graphics render diagrams into a format more easily used by people with low vision.
Tactual graphics often accompany braille versions of information while bold print graphics most often accompany large print versions.
E-text
We convert printed materials to electronic text for use predominantly on web sites. The structure and construction of such material is important to ensure it is accessible for people using screen reader technology and we produce Rich Text Format files, DAISY text, structured Word documents and more.
Personal support service
As a library member, you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year for free. Contact us to find out more.
Listen to this podcast about our services:
Contact us
Contact us today to find out more. For more information us on 1300 84 74 66 or email printaccess@visionaustralia.org. You can also contact us here.