Accessibility

Why your Translation Agency should offer Braille

Companies are turning to you for braille translation services. You’re a translation company, right? That means you can create braille with a snap of your fingers! Except you can’t.

What many people don’t understand is that braille isn’t another language; it’s a code. You’re not in the coding business; that’s not what you do. But, you’re turning away business that could otherwise bring in profit. And that’s rarely ever good. There’s no doubt that you want to maintain your current clients and draw in new revenue. So, how do you keep this business and diversify your services without adding unnecessary risk? Find a company with whom you can partner for your accessible format needs.

Why offer braille “translation” services?

Unless we’re maxed beyond our regular capacity with copious amounts of work, we don’t like to turn away business. And, we can imagine you don’t like turning away business, either. Adding accessible documents to your company’s repertoire allows you to take on these new business requests from potential clients. It also allows you to offer new services to your existing customers. You have the potential to become a one-stop-shop for everyone’s translation, printing, and other format needs.

Also, if you’ve followed recent trends, you know that Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) litigation is soaring. Companies are expected to provide document accessibility to their customers. Offering new accessibility services keeps you relevant as a company. You’re keeping up with “new trends” in your industry and helping your customers resolve or avoid ADA litigation. (In all honesty, this “trend” has been around for almost 30 years, but we understand that it’s new to you and many others.)

This is a win for your translation agency. Now it’s time to figure out how to offer document accessibility services.

Why you need a partner.

We can guess what you’re thinking. You translate documents into several languages! What’s a little braille “translation” here and there? The amount of work involved in creating accessible documents may surprise you. Here’s why it’s best to have an experienced and trusted partner take the reigns on your accessibility projects.

Did you know there’s a significant initial cost for braille? Commercial embossers can run tens of thousands of dollars alone! Plus, there’s the cost of software, paper, training people, and maintaining the equipment. It’s a costly endeavor and a financial burden you’re most likely not ready to place on your company.

There are also more accessible formats than just braille. Large print, audio, and accessible PDFs are other popular accessible formats. They all require unique formatting to make readable and user-friendly. 

When you start adding up the costs, time, and materials, it’s almost not worth it. You want to offer these new services to your clients but you have your hands full with language translation. This is where many translation agencies abandon their efforts to incorporate accessible documents. But, partnering with a company you trust allows you to offer accessibility solutions almost immediately. It’s the best answer for you and your clients.

Time to get started.

Now that you’re ready to become your customers’ one-stop-shop for “translation,” it’s time to find your accessibility partner. Once you find your trusted partner, you can advertise your new services and open a whole new revenue stream for your company. Get started today!

Jessica Sanders

Jessica Sanders has been in the document accessibility world for over a decade. Early in her career, she worked hands-on transcribing standard print into accessible formats like braille, large print, and audio and even helped Braille Works in their transition to Unified English Braille (UEB). After more than 5 years in transcription, Jessica decided it was time for a change and transitioned to Braille Works' marketing team. She now spends her time educating the world on the critical need for accessible documents.

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