We are proud to announce that Kay Escobedo has earned her Certification as a Literary Braille Transcriber! Kay has worked as a paraprofessional in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools for the past twenty-eight years. She has worked with students of all ages in large and small groups.
Kay said that a Blind student she worked with, “challenged me to learn how to read Braille, so I took the course [IMC Braille Transcriber Course for Educators] and realized how much I enjoyed Braille. Now we both try to stump each other or help each other.” She highlighted how “this is going to be very helpful with my job – it already has been. My student is now in high school, so he is becoming more independent. So, I spend most of my time making sure he has all the materials, and or access to all materials. I feel that the visually impaired and blind students need to have all the support they can get. They are such amazing people, with very bright futures ahead of them.”
When asked about her experience with the IMC Braille Transcriber Course, Kay said, “I felt very grateful for all the support and information that the staff was able to provide. It was great that they did not just give the answer, they helped by reminding you where to look for the answers. They were always quick with the responses and the reports were also very helpful.”
For those interested in the IMC Braille Transcriber Course, Kay suggests “slow down and reread over and over. Take as many notes as possible. Enjoy the journey.” The IMC Braille Transcriber Course is split into two segments with the first part focused on introduction to transcription, and the second on the certification itself. Both are self-paced, and the IMC staff provide lessons and instruction through our online learning management system. Kay was surprised with how the contractions and short-form Braille were easier than she thought and reminded herself and others taking the course to “practice, practice, practice.”
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Literary Braille Transcriber like Kay Escobedo, sign up here: For Educators – Braille Transcriber Course.
