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Volunteer Information
Thank you for your
interest in becoming a volunteer for Recording for the Blind &
Dyslexic (www.rfbd.org).
RFB&D is a nonprofit organization that provides educational
materials, in tape and CD format, for people who cannot effectively
read standard print textbooks because of a visual, perceptual
or other physical disability. Volunteers fill a variety of roles
in our Northern California Unit located in Palo Alto.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
READER / DIRECTOR
When people hear about RFB&D, the first thing they think of
is reading. We work in teams of two - a reader and a Director.
All recording volunteers learn to direct first so that they will
understand our recording process and our reading "conventions."
Directing is an essential component of recording textbooks. Directors
guide the session by operating the computer, proofreading the
text and keeping track of a session's progress. One does not test
to read until proven competence as a director. We have specific
needs for readers in technical subjects with knowledge to read
at advanced academic levels. We look for readers in Accounting,
Computers, Information Technology, Economics, the Sciences, French,
Mathematics, Spanish and a variety of other subjects. Even after
qualifying to be a reader you will be called upon to direct sessions
as needed. Training for directing is dependant on trainer availability.
Scheduled training shifts are not necessarily available volunteer
shifts.
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Quality Control (QC) - All the hours of recording in the world
don't mean a thing if the finished book does not leave the studio
and reach the students hands. The books can't leave the studio
until they are completely quality controlled. This is the process
of checking the digitally recorded files of textbooks for errors
and needed corrections. If you know how to direct a reader, then
you know how to QC. Readers and Directors will routinely be asked
to perform QC on their work. Training is on Fridays 9am-11am or
11am-1pm and must be scheduled ahead of time. Once fully trained,
this can be done at any 2-hour shift depending on booth availability.
Special Projects - On an as needed basis we look
for people to assist with our mailings, packaging various information
brochures, and volunteering at our Scholastic Achievement Awards
Celebration held in the spring of every year.
Steps to becoming
an RFB&D Volunteer
Contact Us - If you are interested in volunteering please
call (650) 493-3717 ext. 13. Leave your contact info and how you
heard about us on our voicemail. You will then be contacted by
our Volunteer Coordinator to talk about your expertise and availability.
Training - You will eventually be contacted to set up your first
training session. Our recording shifts are in two-hour intervals
beginning at 9:00 a.m. The training period that you undertake
is one-on-one with an experienced director taking 2-3 sessions,
or more if desired. Training shifts are not set in stone and can
change from session to session. They are determined by trainer
availability and your schedule matching up. Once trained, we will
set up a solid shift time for you. We ask that you volunteer a
minimum of one two hour session per week.
The studio is located
at 488 West Charleston, Palo Alto and is open:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m.. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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