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As described in the ICEB Constitution, ICEB is governed by an Executive Committee and much of its work is carried out by committees. These include Permanent Committees (Bylaws, Finance, UEB Code Maintenance and Nominations) and Special Purpose Committees (Public Relations, Music Braille, Braille Technology, and Braille Research). Former Committees no longer operating include the Braille Signage Committee and UEB Certification Committee.
The Executive Committee has the power of decision and is directly responsible for interpreting and carrying out the general policies established by the General Assembly for the administration, management and control of the property and affairs of ICEB.
Positions to the Executive Committee are put forward by a Nominations Committee and confirmed by the General Assembly. Positions are held for a four year term.
Members of the Executive Committee for the 2016-2020 term are as follows:
In addition to carrying out its work via listserv, the Executive Committee meets quarterly by teleconference, at face-to-face meetings immediately before and after the General Assembly, and two years later at a mid-term Executive meeting.
The UEB Code Maintenance Committee is a technical committee responsible for the upkeep, review and documentation of the Unified English Braille Code. For example, it considers requests for new or changed symbols, and is currently working on a revision of the Guidelines for Technical Materials. The Committee consists of one representative from each member country of ICEB in addition to the deterritorialised Chair and up to two invited experts.
Members of the UEB-CMC for the 2016-2020 term are: Phyllis Landon (Chair, Canada), Leona Holloway (Australia), Peg Mercer (Canada), Dr. Dónal Fitzpatrick (Ireland), Maria Stevens (New Zealand), Jean Obi (Nigeria), Tamaryn Watson (South Africa), James Bowden (UK), Jennifer Dunnam (USA), Joe Sullivan (invited expert, USA) and Bill Jolley (invited expert, Australia).
More information about Unified English Braille is given on our UEB page.
The Music Braille Committee is tasked with aligning Unified English Braille to the international music braille code to avoid conflicts and highlight minimal ambiguities. It consists of one representative from each member country of ICEB.
Members of the Music Braille Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: Jordie Howell (Chair, Australia), Rebecca Blaevoet (Canada), Stuart Lawler (Ireland), Moya Michalakis (New Zealand), Jean Obi (Nigeria), Neels Matthyser (South Africa), Roger Firman (UK) and Karen Gearreald (USA).
More information about the work of the Braille Music Committee is given on our Braille Music page.
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for making known to the outside world the policies, decisions and activities of ICEB. Its key activities are promoting the use of braille and ICEB through online and social media, creating a regular newsletter, and establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant bodies. It consists of one representative from each member country of ICEB.
Members of the Promotions Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: Leona Holloway (Chair, Australia), Jen Goulden (Canada), Stuart Lawler (Ireland), Chantelle Griffiths (New Zealand), Reinette Popplestone (South Africa), Mike Townsend (UK) and Sue Reilly (USA).
The Braille Research Committee is responsible for monitoring and sharing news of braille-related research worldwide. It consists of a Chair and one representative from each member country of ICEB.
Members of the Braille Research Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: Frances Mary D'Andrea (Chair, USA), Emily White (Australia), Natalie Martiniello (Canada), Carol Byrne (Ireland), Maria Stevens (New Zealand), Deena Moodley (South Africa), Kate Flynn (UK) and Robert Engelbretson (USA).
The Braille Technology Committee keeps abreast of developments regarding the implementation of Unified English Braille on electronic devices and in braille translation software. The Committee works to engage with manufacturers and developers to ensure that the implementation of the UEB is of high quality and usability. The Committee consists of one representative from each member country of ICEB.
Members of the Braille Technology Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: James Bowden (Chair, UK), Sam Taylor (Australia), Natalie Martiniello (Canada), Stuart Lawler (Ireland), Paula Waby (New Zealand), Deena Moodley (South Africa) and Judy Dixon (USA).
The Bylaws Committee is a Standing Committee responsible for reviewing and updating the ICEB Constitution and ICEB Bylaws for the administration of ICEB. Its work is guided by charges from the Executive Committee, approved motions of the General Assembly, and accepted resolutions of the General Assembly. The Committee consists of a Chair and small number of members appointed directly by the Executive Committee.
Members of the Bylaws Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: Ntshavheni Netshituni (Chair, South Africa), Ilka Stäglin (Ireland), Jen Goulden (Canada), Maria Stevens (New Zealand) and Christo de Klerk (South Africa).
The Finance Committee is a Standing Committee responsible for administering and reporting on the finances of ICEB. It is led by the ICEB Treasurer.
Members of the Finance Committee for the 2016-2020 term are: Jen Goulden (Chair, Canada) and Phyllis Landon (Canada).
The Nominations Committee is a Standing Committee responsible for preparing a slate of Officers and Members-at-Large for the upcoming term. The Nominations Committee is appointed by the standing Executive Committee at least 6 months prior to each General Assembly. Members of the Nominations Committee must not intend to serve for office in the upcoming term. Mary Schnackenberg (New Zealand) is Convenor of the 2020 Nominations Committee.