PRESS RELEASE
March, 2009
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Judith Dixon, Chairperson
Braille Authority of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />North America
PHONE: 1-202-707-0722
E-MAIL: <mailto:jdix@loc.gov>jdix@loc.gov
Braille Authority of North America To Evaluate Nemeth Uniform Braille System
The Braille Authority of North America announced today that it is
making plans for the evaluation of the recently completed Nemeth
Uniform Braille System (NUBS).
According to its developer, Dr. Abraham Nemeth, NUBS is an updated
version of the Nemeth code, which has been in use since 1972. The
new system has been in development for ten years and is capable of
rendering both literary and technical texts.
"BANA deliberates very carefully before making even small changes to
braille," said Judith Dixon, BANA chairperson. "We want to ensure
that braille readers have access to the same information as do their
print-reading counterparts in this age in which the norms for printed
material are evolving rapidly. However, it is essential that we
understand the impact of any changes on readability, writeability,
space considerations, familiarity to current braille readers,
etc. The benefits of making any change must be shown to outweigh the
drawbacks."
The timeline and other details of the evaluation process are still
being determined. The evaluation will involve the input of all
stakeholders, and information on how those interested can provide
input will be made available soon.
To view the completed code, or to read documents explaining the code,
visit http://www.braille2000.com/brl2000/nubs.htm
The mission and purpose of the Braille Authority of North America are
to assure literacy for tactile readers through the standardization of
braille and/or tactile graphics. BANA promotes and facilitates the
use, teaching and production of braille. It publishes rules,
interprets and renders opinions pertaining to braille in all existing
codes. It deals with codes now in existence or to be developed in the
future, in collaboration with other countries using English braille.
In exercising its function and authority, BANA considers the effects
of its decisions on other existing braille codes and formats; the
ease of production by various methods; and acceptability to readers.
For additional resource information, visit www.brailleauthority.org.
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