Introduction
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 obliges all providers of goods and services to take ''reasonable steps'' to enable disabled people to use their services. In practice, what this means is that all companies, public bodies and charities need to make all of their own printed information equally available in all of the required accessible formats, wherever it is reasonable to do so. You may be breaking the law if information is not available in different formats, even at meetings, seminars and conferences.
Access to information in accessible formats is essential for people with serious sight loss. Accessible information means that people with sight loss can make informed decisions and protect their own privacy through independent access. We believe that information in alternative formats is a fundamental right. The team at RNIB NI Accessible Media are highly experienced and determined to help.
What formats do we produce?
RNIB NI Accessible Media can transcribe electronic (MS Word / PDF) or printed material into the following accessible formats for people with sight loss:
-
Digital DAISY CDs
-
Audio cassette and CD
-
PC CDROM or USB pen drive
-
Braille
-
Large print
Documents sent to us via e-mail or on a CDROM or USB drive in either PDF or preferably Microsoft Word format, can be transcribed quickly and inexpensively without the need to copy type. We can produce material in accessible formats for any purpose, from bank statements or bills to very lengthy reports and reviews. RNIB NI Accessible Media is fully compliant with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
We also produce a range of publications such as Sound Vision Ulster (RNIB Northern Ireland's bi-monthly audio magazine), Ulster Tatler, Sunday Life and many more.
To subscribe to any of these publications for free, please call 028 9050 1888 or email transcriptionni@rnib.org.uk
Advice and Guidance
We offer advice and guidance on how to make printed documents accessible to blind and partially sighted people, following good practice and RNIB's 'See It Right' guidelines. Advice and guidance is also offered on how to make websites accessible. We can also arrange for full website audits to be conducted by RNIB staff.
Who do we work with?
Our clients include individuals, charities, utilities, businesses and government agencies. We work with people who are not able to read printed material due to sight loss. We can also work closely with those who want to make their own printed material more widely accessible to all of their clients, customers and staff.
How much does our Service Cost?
The cost of transcribing your documents depends on the size and complexity of the original document. To get an accurate quotation, please forward your document to us at accessiblemediani@rnib.org.uk
If you only have the document as a hard copy (paper), please call us on 028 9050 1888 first and then send it to the address at the bottom of this page.
RNIB NI Accessible Media can offer a choice of services:
• Rapid Business Transcription Service: short documents such as bank statements, utility bills and letters. The service is fully confidential and has a same day or 2 day turnaround.
• Ad hoc Transcription Service: for detailed leaflets, annual reports, consultation documents, news sheets, brochures and other similar documents. The maximum turnaround for Braille is one week. The maximum turnaround for Audio (Tape, CD and DAISY) is also one week. Urgent requests can be given priority.
Service benefits
• RNIB NI Accessible Media is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act and offers a fully confidential service.
• Scale of provision - we can produce single copies or high volume production runs of both small and large documents.
• Service Level Agreements ensure fast turnaround i.e. same day or 2 working days (e.g. bank statements and utility bills).
• We can distribute produced information, in the appropriate formats, directly to the clients requesting the information.
• RNIB NI Accessible Media has quality assurance built in e.g. proof reading of Braille and trained audio proof read editors.
• RNIB NI databases and mailing lists can be used to help distribute information and facilitate consultation processes.
• Assured business continuity - our UK wide RNIB "overflow" capacity ensures service is not dependent on NI team alone.
• 2 fully equipped digital recording studios provide broadcast quality computer based recording and editing possibilities.
• Trained studio readers with a range of warm local accents.
Contacting us
RNIB NI Accessible Media
159 Durham Street
Belfast
BT12 4GB
Telephone: 028 9050 1888
Fax: 028 9065 0001
Email: accessiblemediani@rnib.org.uk
Open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.