Winter 2005

Nancy Lopez-Swaney reads a newly Brailled document

As part of the Lighthouse effort to ensure all information is accessible, the Human Resources department created the new position of Braille and audio services coordinator earlier this year.

“I assist people in getting materials to help with their jobs,” explains Nancy Lopez-Swaney, our new Braille and audio services coordinator. “Right now, I’m working on Brailling people’s paychecks and beneficiary forms. That way, people can access materials that help them with benefits.”

Nancy prepares materials in a variety of alternate formats to accommodate different vision types and individual needs. “We help employees in particular with their jobs: helping them with agendas, meeting notes, lots of reference materials, and manuals,” she says.

“I receive files electronically. If they’re not formatted, I will format them. I will set up a document and translate it into Braille,” Nancy continues. After the document is formatted and translated it is then made into a hard copy Braille document through use of a Braille embosser, the equivalent of a printer for a sighted person. Some embossers at the Lighthouse have the capability of embossing Braille on both sides of a heavy sheet of paper.

Nancy also puts text into audio format. “I will get materials on tape, and I have an audio machine which will make copies. I also have Text-Aloud, a screen-reader that will translate text into voiced information.”

“I think it’s extremely important for materials to be available in alternate formats, being a Braille reader myself,” Nancy, who is legally blind due to Leber’s optic atrophy, remarks. “What a wonderful thing it is when I can read something without depending on someone to read it.” She adds, “this is really helping our mission of providing employment for people who are blind.”

“I’m always happy when I’m doing a service-oriented job,” Nancy smiles. “The team that we have is helping employees have a better experience of their workplace.”

Our quarterly newsletter is available in Grade One and Grade Two Braille, large print, audiocassette, and email. If you would like to receive Horizons in one of these formats, please contact Development Assistant Melissa Mueller at 206-436-2116 or emailmmueller@seattlelh.org and let her know which format you prefer.

Previous Page | Horizons Main Page | Home