the 18 Edition of Governing for Results - Washington State Digital ...

Washington State School for the Blind;
Department of Corrections;
Department of Printing
BRAILLE ACCESS AND PRODUCTION
Access to the printed word is a key element in the ability to gain knowledge, make
informed decisions, and provide self-advocacy, thereby allowing a person to actively
participate in our society. The Braille Access and Production team, made up of
individuals from three state agencies – Department of Printing (PRT), Department of
Corrections (DOC) and Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) – have
developed a collaborative team and system that has become a model in access for
the blind and is being replicated in numerous states. The initial team began in 1993
between PRT and WSSB. In 1997 DOC was added as an important team member
through the addition of training of inmates at the Washington Correctional Center for
Women (WCCW). This expansion of the team increases the production of Braille;
helps keep costs low, and provides training for inmates.
Results
! Over 7 million pages of Braille produced for blind consumers since 1993.
! Blind consumers are able to receive Braille documents in a timely manner.
! Since July 1, 1997, inmates at WCCW have transcribed Braille worth
approximately $225,000 at a cost of $12,500. (Much of this has been textbook
material for blind children in local school districts.)
! Timely textbooks for children in Braille.
! Six inmates have been trained to produce Braille and have passed the state’s
Braille competency exam.
! The state of Washington has one of the only systems in place whereby Braille
can be produced in a timely manner. Agencies requesting this service can do
this directly to the Braille Access Center or through PRT.
! One inmate has been released from prison and is now providing contracted
Braille for the Braille Access Center.
! Braille Access has received national recognition for the development of this
process and production team.
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