Braille

Braille is a tactile code embossed onto heavy paper. Each Braille cell is composed from six raised dots as described below:

Dot 1 ?? Dot 4

Dot 2 ?? Dot 5

Dot 3 ?? Dot 6

Grade II Braille uses contractions, and is usually used in long texts to reduce the bulk of paper required. Braille allows blind people to write text that is immediately readable.

For people who are deaf-blind, Braille is the only way of reading text and accessing computers. Refreshable Braille displays are available to convert electronic text to Braille. Braille embossers and translating software are also available to ‘print’ Braille from computerised text.

More on Braille is available from these resources:

w CD on Grade One Braille for Sighted People

RVIB (Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind)

For information on supply, contact RVIB on 03 9522 5299.

w What is Braille?

Association for the Blind WA

http://www.abwa.asn.au/resources.html

This site includes a free download of the Braille font.

w        Braille Fact Sheet

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, USA, 1987

ftp://ftp.loc.gov/pub/nls/reference/facts/about.braille

w Why is Braille so big?

Braille Plus Inc

http://www.brailleplus.net/braille-articles/why-is-braille-so-big.htm

How do I prepare files for Braille embossing?

This list of tips is based on information from the resources listed below, and from those working in the field.

1. Convert symbols, icons and other abbreviations to text

2. Put the ‘number’ (#) sign in front of numbers so that the translation software converts numbers accurately.

3. Do not include extra blank lines in your text. Indicate new paragraphs with the use of one tab.

4. Determine what commands the Braille software reads from your word-processed version. Typical commands include: centre, tab, indent, (hard) return, and page break.

5. Convert columns to continuous text. Tables, graphics, and pictorial presentations need to be converted to text.

6. Eliminate the use of stylistic factors such as bold type, underlining, and special symbols. Italics are the only stylistic format that typically translates into Brailled formats.

7. Use both upper and lower case letters in words; the use of all upper case, for example, doubles the pages or space needed for Braille.

8. Convert any bullets (s) in the text to an asterisk (*) or a hyphen (-).

Three resources on preparing files for Braille embossing are:

w Transcribing with Duxbury

High Tech Center Training Unit

http://www.htctu.net/trainings/manuals/alt/Duxbury.pdf

Duxbury version 10.3 has developed the capability to work closely with MS Word. You can do much of your formatting in Word, taking advantage of its easily applied styles, its rapid search and replace features, and above all, its familiarity.

This manual takes you through step by step, converting a printed document to e-text, and then using MS Word to prepare the document for translating using Duxbury Translation Software.

w Tips on Braille – Appendix IV (4) Formatting Braille documents

California Community Colleges

http://www.cccco.edu/divisions/ss/disabled/attachments/ampd.pdf

This guide provides detailed instructions on producing Braille.

w User-Friendly Materials and Alternate Formats

J. Starks, & C. Higgins, National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research, 2001

http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/ufm/ufm.html

Where do I go to have Braille produced?

A good photographic description of computer-based Braille embossing is provided by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre of Victoria at http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/production.htm

VDSS (VET Disability Support Service) has a Braille embosser and relevant software, and can arrange for Braille transcription.

& Go to the section on VDSS for contact details.

Other tactile resources

Dymo Brailler

Available from the Qld Blind Association (QBA) for around $80, the Dymo Brailler is very handy for labelling audio tapes, CD’s, and a whole lot of tools a person might want to use.

QBA contact details are:

Telephone: 07 3848 8888

Facsimile: 07 3848 6989

E-mail qba@qba.asn.au

Website http://www.qba.asn.au

Tactile Paints

Raised craft paints can be useful for marking a wide range of things such as specific keys on keyboards, microwave buttons, and so on.

Feel and Peel Stickers

These multi-use tactile/visual stickers are useful for both students and adults. The bright, translucent coloured stickers are made of durable plastic. Available from: The American Printing House for the Blind

This site is a working draft only! For more information on this project, send an email to: unidesign@optusnet.com.au