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JULY 1, 2003 at 2:01 PM
From the Christian Science Monitor
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The staff of 49 at the National Braille Press is producing an unusually high volume of pages from this converted piano factory near Boston's Symphony Hall. They hope to ship 500 braille versions of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix within three weeks of the book's June 21 release date.
A first printing of 500 copies will fill the needs of 10 percent of the entire K-12 market of braille readers in the US, and the work involved is no small task.
After the text is transcribed into the correct notation - which involves spelling out words that don't contract in braille, such as Hermione or Hogsmeade - pages are punched, proofed, and pressed through the old Heidelberg cylinders. Volunteers then help the staff collate, fold, and staple the books by hand (machines would smash the braille). Finally, the 500 copies, each of which amounts to a 13-volume stack of paper more than a foot high, are shipped.
In the end, the books will be priced the same as nonbraille versions - just under $30. "The cost doesn't even cover the paper," says Diane Croft of National Braille Press. "But we're a nonprofit, and it's our job to raise the difference. No one should be penalized for having to read braille."
Braille reading has declined in the past few decades, continues the article, which you can read at the top link. I used to work for a technology company that catered to the disabled community, including the blind. You'd be amazed at what computers and software today can do - read aloud text on a screen for instance - and, perhaps in the process, make Braille unnecessary.
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Witch
Points: 609
Aravis says:
Wow, that's amazing. And we thought our book versions were big LOL. But seriously, I am really glad the Braille Press is making it possible for the blind to enjoy Harry Potter too, as no one should be excluded from being able to enjoy the Harry Potter world.
Posted Jul 1, 2003 at 2:45 PM EST
Points: 1450
Gopotter2004 says:
Good LORD. That's such a lot of paper! And a LOT of work... we need a new system. I wonder what wizards would do...
Posted Jul 1, 2003 at 11:26 PM EST
Marauder
Points: 3954
jade says:
That is so good that the price is the same and like everyone has said no body should be discrimanted because they are blind and have to read braille.
Posted Jul 2, 2003 at 6:44 PM EST
Witch
Points: 661
Flitterbloom says:
I'm so glad to know that they are keeping all the Harry Potter fans in mind when they write the books! Its great!!
Posted Jul 3, 2003 at 8:38 AM EST
Points: 3950
CowsOJMilkSoil says:
People never really realize how fortunate they are to just be able to hear and see. Before this article I never really thought of braille, now I'm really thankful for the ability to read and use my own eyes, I think its great that the fifth book is being available to everyone!
Posted Jul 3, 2003 at 9:36 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 342
Precious says:
Barry it's in Braille hehe...Thats a kind of bumpy writing that blind people understand by running their fingers over it lol
Posted Jul 5, 2003 at 7:44 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 342
Precious says:
I'm so happy to see that Blind people can enjoy Harry Potter too ! :)
Posted Jul 5, 2003 at 7:45 PM EST
Witch
Points: 532
Obsessed-Harry-N-Dan-Fan says:
i want that book even though im not blind cuz i collect all harry potter books-in different languages and stuff.
im also happy for all the blind people that they can read it but they could also buy the audio books and then it would be easier for their fingers hehe
Posted Jul 5, 2003 at 8:53 PM EST
Professional Beater
Points: 20891
feltonluver says:
Wow that's a lot of volumes I must say. Must be pretty heavy, but how big is braille I wonder. That's really cool!!!
Posted Feb 29, 2004 at 7:47 PM EST
Mediwitch
Points: 2608
nickyole1 says:
I am glad that it costs the same. I am not surprised at how many volumes Order of the Phoenix came out to, seeing as how it was almost 900 pages!
Posted Jul 31, 2004 at 8:31 PM EST
Squib
Points: 178
ravenclawrox says:
wow cool. Thats like raally long
Posted Oct 8, 2005 at 3:30 PM EST
Honeydukes Eye Candy
Points: 3501
Pansyful says:
Braille reading has declined in the past few decades, continues the article which you can read at the top link. I used to work for a technology company that catered to the disabled community including the blind.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 at 11:27 AM EST