[Nfbc-info] FYI FW: [nfb-talk] (Press release on NLS transition to Unified English Braille)

[Michael Hingson]

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-talk [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David
Andrews via nfb-talk
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2015 12:45 PM
To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfb-talk] (Press release on NLS transition to Unified English
Braille)


>
>The Library of Congress issued the following press release on January 
>16, 2015. It is provided for your use and information.
>
>Braille and Talking-Book Program Embraces New Braille Code Unified 
>English Braille Makes Print-to-Braille Translation Easier
>
>The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 
>(NLS), part of the Library of Congress, next year will implement the 
>Unified English Braille (UEB) code on Jan.
>4, 2016-the 207th birthday of Louis Braille.
>
>"This is the first extensive change to the English braille code, a 
>major literacy tool, since the 1930s," said NLS Director Karen 
>Keninger. "The new code will be especially beneficial to students and 
>other users of technology. It resolves persistent translation errors 
>that occur when, for example, a student's work is translated to print 
>for a teacher to read, or when print material is translated to 
>braille." Those who use computers, smartphones, e-books and texting 
>features will find it very useful.
>
>The code, which has been adopted by seven other English-speaking 
>countries, brings the braille code into the computer age. "UEB is not 
>much different from the English Braille American Edition that we've 
>been using," Keninger said.
>UEB uses the same six-dot cell pattern as the present code, but drops 
>some contractions, uses different spacing rules and allows for 
>transliterating a wider array of symbols.
>
>The Braille Authority of North America (BANA)-which oversees the use, 
>teaching and production of braille in the United States-adopted the 
>code in November 2012. It then began preparing constituents for the 
>change to ensure implementation in 2016. "Since many BANA members 
>produce braille or transcribe braille, the NLS announcement will not be 
>a surprise. They have already been preparing,"
>said Judy Dixon, NLS consumer relations officer and NLS representative to
BANA.
>
>Beginning Jan. 4, 2016, all books added to the braille collection will 
>be produced in UEB.
>"Current patrons should make the transition easily as the new code 
>builds on the old system," said Keninger. Existing braille books will 
>remain in the collection and be available.
>The UEB books are not expected to be available from the collection for 
>at least six months.
>Patrons will not need to change their equipment.
>
>NLS administers the braille and talking-book program, a free library 
>service available to U.S. residents and American citizens living abroad 
>whose low vision, blindness or physical disability makes reading 
>regular materials difficult. Through its national network of libraries, 
>NLS mails books and magazines in audio and braille formats and digital 
>audio equipment directly to enrollees at no cost.
>Music instructional materials are also available. Selected materials 
>may be downloaded.
>For more information, visit
>www.loc.gov/nls/<http://www.loc.gov/nls/> or call 1-888-NLS-READ 
>(1-888-657-7323).
>
>The Library of Congress, the nation's oldest federal cultural 
>institution and the largest library in the world, holds more than 158 
>million items in various languages, disciplines and formats. The 
>Library serves the U.S.
>Congress and the nation both on-site in its reading rooms on Capitol 
>Hill and through its award-winning website at 
>www.loc.gov<http://www.loc.gov>.
>
>###
>For more information contact:
>Jane Caulton
>Head, Publications and Media Section
>jcau at loc.gov<mailto:jcau at loc.gov>

         David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org


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