[Ncabs] Braille code changes....Unified English Braille update

[Alan A. Chase]

The Braille Authority of North America (BANA), at its November 8–10
meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, affirmed January 4, 2016, as the date
by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified
English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and
planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16.
The forum, which involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations
from the braille community, was structured to help organizations craft
the steps and timetable through which the United States will make an
effective transition to Unified English Braille.

The decision to adopt UEB in the United States was made by a decisive
vote of the BANA Board on November 2, 2012. The full motion is posted
on the BANA website at
http://www.brailleauthority.org/ueb/UEBpassed.html.

BANA recognizes that the implementation of UEB will require major
adjustments to the infrastructures that produce, deliver, and teach
braille, as well as time and strategies for braille users to become
familiar with changes in the code. BANA continues to work with leaders
throughout the field to build a carefullydesigned timeline and
coordinated plan. Detailed timelines are under development by
individual organizations, and transition efforts are now being
initiated. BANA stands ready to collaborate with the braille community
as it builds and adapts the infrastructure necessary for a smooth
transition to UEB.


-- 
Alan A. Chase, M.Ed.
Special Education Teacher, Wake County Public School System
Program Coordinator, Envisioning Youth Empowerment Retreat
President, North Carolina Association of Blind Students
Secretary, Governor Morehead School Alumni Association