RNIB POSITION ON UNIFIED ENGLISH BRAILLE
1. Purpose
To establish RNIB’s stance with regard to the future development and acceptance of unified English braille (UEB), and to outline RNIB’s position with regard to the convergence of braille codes.
2. Author
Peter Osborne, Head, Library and Production Services
pete.osborne@rnib.org.uk or telephone 01733 37
5008.
3. Recommendations
The statements in section 7 have been adopted as RNIB’s current position with regard to unified English braille following consultation with trustees in 2005-6.
4. Background
4.1 The development of the English braille code is governed by the Braille Authority of the United Kingdom, of which RNIB is a member. The Authority has been involved in the development of a unified English braille code under the auspices of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB).
4.2 The ICEB project has enjoyed support from national authorities throughout the English speaking world. The project committee has steered the development of the project to a point where, at the most recent Assembly, the code in its current form was recommended to the Authorities who will need to consider whether it should be endorsed in particular countries. Successful implementation in some countries is now underway.
4.3 Although members of RNIB staff have been integrally involved in the development of the UEB project, RNIB has not clearly enunciated its position with regard to the future of the code.
4.4 The braille strategy group has led the development of a policy position for the support and provision of braille. A recent debate at the RNIB Assembly reaffirmed support for the teaching and provision of braille as a key element of RNIB’s work, and we now need to address how we can realise the aspirations of the supportive policy we have adopted.
5. RNIB and the Unified English Braille Code
5.1 RNIB must assume many roles when considering its position concerning the future development and use of braille. We are one of the largest producers of braille in the world, and, as such, we will want to secure the development of codes which are computable and efficient to produce. We provide a range of services to customers who, in general, are change-averse, and would not like to see significant modifications to the codes they currently read. We are an advocate for positive change, wanting to increase the efficiency of accessible information provision by rationalising codes which are, in some instances, complex to compute.
5.2 As publisher/producer, agent for positive change, service provider and campaigner, we may assume different positions with regard to the provision of information in braille, and it is likely that these positions will conflict at times.
5.3 RNIB’s work with UEB thus far has been supportive of the detailed development of a robust code, but aloof from the public acceptance of that code. We have deployed expertise to support the assignment of characters, and the development of rules. RNIB has taken part in the definition of format guidelines, and has advised on the relationship between the proposed UEBC and codes for other formats/languages. We have not seriously promoted the code in its current guise in the UK, nor have we adopted a position with regard to the viability of the code.
5.4 Authorities throughout the world are considering whether to endorse the code as it currently stands. BAUK will shortly need to consider its position, and its members, including RNIB, should be clear about their position prior to any decision.
6. The Process of Adoption or Rejection
6.1 There has been a tendency to characterise the adoption or rejection of any revision to braille codes as a decision with instant impact. In reality, the decision to even slightly modify a code will take some time to filter through to all materials available in that code, and maybe a generation or more to be fully accepted. Those of us that remember changes such as the modified rules for the use of the “EA” contraction will still use that contraction in its old guise, but will equally read texts produced to the new rules.
6.2 Early examples of texts produced in UEB did emphasise the difference between the current British Braille and the proposed code. UK involvement in the exercise to assess the code using examples produced in the USA was limited, and the majority of readers have not been exposed to materials produced in the code.
6.3 The “campaign for real braille” focused public attention on the issue of the introduction of capital letter indication in to British Braille. A BAUK survey on the issue generated 1200 responses, with the majority in favour of introducing capital letters to braille, although the minority was extremely vociferous.
6.4 The key learning point is that we should propose any change as an evolution, possibly taking at least a generation to fully impact and become accepted. Making UEB readily available in the UK should lead to a phased introduction of a code which, for most readers, will represent relatively little change.
7. RNIB Position
7.1 RNIB supports the progression of braille code development so that braille remains a dynamic medium through which information can be succinctly and efficiently represented. RNIB supports the development of unified, computable codes throughout the world such that information may be more readily exchanged and used internationally.
7.2 RNIB will actively support the promotion and experimental use of UEB as currently proposed as a means towards realising the goal of international exchange of information in braille between English- speaking countries in an efficient manner. RNIB will support the publication of materials in UEB, and promote awareness of the code in the UK, recognising that an evolutionary approach will be required to enable the benefits to be appreciated over time, and that the current British Braille code will need to be supported.
7.3 RNIB believes that UEB will be subject to further evolution so that it can become more robust. RNIB will resource the further development of the code in association with other national agencies/authorities, and will endeavour to play a leadership role in its promotion.
7.4 RNIB supports progress toward a simplification of braille codes and supporting rules to improve the efficiency of braille translation, code and layout, and improved braille literacy amongst blind and partially sighted people in the UK. RNIB believes that simplification of rules will lead to greater efficiency in braille production, and a shorter learning curve for people who can benefit from increased opportunity that learning braille is proven to bring.
- Peter Osborne
- May 2006 final revision incorporating comments from Chair of BAUK.
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