Abstract

Since 2000, BrailleNet has developed a collaborative Web server, the Serveur Hélène, for providing visually impaired readers with books. The original files are purchased from publishers with whom BrailleNet has established contracts. These files are pre-processed and adapted for different types of needs: embossed Braille books, large-print copies and/or electronic books [1]. Two main services are offered:

1. To organisations producing adapted books, we provide files to be embossed in Braille or large-printed.
2. To individual readers, we provide an access to a digital library on the Internet.

The preprocessing and the adaptation of the original files are done partly by hand, partly automatically.

This paper describes the chain we have build, the services we offer and how we intend to develop them in the near future.