Oregon DOC Braille Transcription Training & Employment Services Program

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) proposes creating a Prison Braille Transcription Training and Certification program with wraparound employment services.  The purpose is to develop a nationally accredited braille transcription training and certification program through which certified transcriptionists will also be provided individualized pre- and post-release assessments and delivery of services for identified return-to-community transition risks and employment services and connections needs.  Project activities include establishing the training and certification program, establishing a braille production center, providing release risk and needs assessments and evidence-based programs to address the identified risks and needs, and creating partnerships with community stakeholders including the Willamette Education Service District (the intended primary recipient of braille productions), Willamette Workforce Partnership (the local workforce development board with connections to the rest of Oregon's regional workforce boards), and Oregon Employment Department to bring a suite employment services into the institutions before release for continuation post-release. 

Expected outcomes include developing a training program that will result in nationally recognized certifications, developing a braille transcription and production program that can become self-sustaining; providing evidence-based services; providing employment services, supports, and connections; and reducing the recidivism rate.  The training and initial engagement in employment services will occur in Salem, Oregon, with direct benefit to our adults in custody there, but the program will also benefit the entire state as participants will be releasing to any of Oregon’s 36 counties with the ability to continue their employment support services in their county of release and pursue a career providing much-needed school textbook braille transcriptions for visually impaired K-12 students.  

The project is designed to promote racial equity and the removal of barriers to access and opportunity for communities that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality.