Everything that I know about braille, I learned in elementary school. I know that the braille system is used by blind people to read and write, and I also know that braille was invented by a French guy named Louis Braille. I recently learned that L’Occitane uses braille in their packaging, but that’s about all that I can rattle off. There’s a lot more to braille, and the Wikipedia page on braille is a great place to get educated. Why should you be reading up on braille? Because the National Braille Press is hiring, and if you want to work for them, you better be well versed in the ins and outs of braille. They are a non-profit organization that prints and publishes braille books, magazines, textbooks, and tests and offers embossing services with the hopes of promoting braille literacy.

Jobs You Can Feel Good About

I’m not sure how much computers, text to speech, audiobooks, and other technological innovations are affecting braille publishing, but it seems that the National Braille Press continues to thrive. Right now they’re looking for a few additions to their team in Boston, MA, and some of their job openings seem primed for top entry-level talent. The National Braille Press is hoping to hire an Executive Assistant, a Sales and Programs Coordinator, and a Donor Relations Coordinator. The e-mails that you should send your cover letter and resume vary, so be sure to check the job postings carefully.

The NBP also seems to always be looking for braille transcribers. They offer a braille transcription course (it costs money) that offers the training to gain national certification from the Library of Congress. Here’s what they have to say about braille transcription jobs:

This is a perfect career opportunity for people who (1) love reading and books (2) enjoy learning new computer codes and (3) care about making a good living while making a difference. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, word games like Scrabble, playing an instrument, or even writing codes like HTML, etc., you probably have the innate ability to become an excellent transcriber.

Our best transcribers are organized and self-supervising; passionate about “getting the details right;” driven to use computer technology efficiently; fast learners and open to feedback; and impatient to get the job done.

They say that an excellent transcriber can make up to $70k per year, while an average transcriber makes about $40k per year. It’s certainly a career path that you probably never thought of but is worth considering.

Links to Help You Begin Your Research

• NBP.org
• National Braille Press’ Jobs on Idealist
• About National Braille Press
• Francis B. Ierardi – NBP’s Founder
• Tour the NBP Plant
• National Braille Press Annual Reports
• NBP in the News

Can you read braille?

We've identified National Braille Press as having career opportunities in the following categories:

• administrative
• all employers
• development
• Massachusetts
• non-profit
• publishing
• sales

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