Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that can have a deep and lasting impact on the lives of others? Take a closer look at the fun, challenging and useful ways you can donate your time and talents at State Services for the Blind (SSB).

Overview

Without the generous contribution of time and talent from our energetic volunteers, we could not produce the 750,000 pages of Braille that we do each year; record nearly 1,000 books into audio; prepare and record thousands of hours of programming for the Radio Talking Book or repair thousands of audioplayers. In any given year, our volunteers contribute close to 2 million dollars of in-kind contributions. Thank you for considering joining them!

Produce Braille
Maintain Equipment

Produce Braille

The Braille Unit at SSB has an ongoing need for volunteers who have National Library Service (NLS) certification in braille. They can also use volunteers who do not know braille for other important tasks.

Braille Transcription

A volunteer must have or be working on certification as a braille transcriber by the National Library Service in Washington, D.C. The training for certification takes about a year to complete; it is available in many local areas. Upon certification, additional training is available in transcribing textbooks. Volunteers use computers, either their own or one provided by SSB, to produce braille in their homes. At least one braille volume of about 70 pages must be transcribed each month.

Tactile Graphics

Tactile graphics (raised pictures, maps, or diagrams that can be felt rather than seen) volunteers assist in producing the illustrations that are used in many types of braille books. Graphics are prepared by tracing, freehand drawing, or by using a computer design program. Training is provided and the time commitment varies with the project being worked on. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille.

Proofreading Assistant/Copy Reader

A proofreading assistant/copy reader works as a team with a braille proofreader; the volunteer will read print material aloud while the proofreader checks the braille copy for accuracy. Volunteers read for approximately three hours at a time, with frequent breaks. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille, and no reading test is required.

How to Apply

For more information and an application, fill out the volunteer services form.
Maintain Equipment

The Communication Center loans SSB customers with print disabilities special Talking Book players. These machines play specially formatted digital book cartridges. Volunteers clean, test, and repair these digital book players.

Knowledge of electronic devices and how they work is necessary. Volunteers should be able to troubleshoot electronic devices down to the sub-assembly and wiring/cable level. They should also be able to use hand tools, as well as follow testing and cleaning protocols. A commitment of three to four hours per week on a regular basis is required. Training, tools, and work space are provided.

How to Apply

For more information and an application, fill out the volunteer services form.