|
U.S. & Canada
Adopt New Braille Terminology
For more articles visit
www.bridges4kids.org.
Braille
Authority of North America
PRESS RELEASE
December 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Archer
PHONE: 651-642-0852
E-MAIL:
marcher@ssb.state.mn.us
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announces a
change in terminology to what has been traditionally known as
"grade 1" and "grade 2" braille. These categories will now be
referred to as "uncontracted" and "contracted" braille
respectively.
The change is being made at the request of many in the
blindness field. People often confuse grades of braille with
first and second grades in elementary school. BANA believes
that the change to more accurately descriptive language will
increase awareness and improve the overall understanding of
how braille is learned, read, written and transcribed.
BANA urges all organizations, agencies, teacher training
programs, braille production facilities, software developers,
professionals in the field of blindness and braille readers to
incorporate this terminology into writing, publications,
presentations and general practice. The ultimate goal is to
enhance understanding and more accurately reflect what braille
truly is--a versatile and effective reading and writing system
for people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired.
|
