Cracking the Code: UEB Implementation in a Braille Printing House

摘要

On January 6th 2016, an entire language system was recast—structures altered, letters removed, and rules reshaped. This date marked the United States’ implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). This new system of braille coding has replaced English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States, and has unified the braille system across the English-speaking world. Now that English braille has been standardized, readers will be able to share and enjoy a larger scope of literary resources.As a high-volume braille printing house and member of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA), Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has closely followed UEB developments over the years. We were very aware of the fact that a change to the braille code would result in substantive changes to the work we produce. Thankfully, we were given ample time to prepare for these shifts in the braille code.In this paper, we will outline the methods which were used to transition our EBAE-centric workforce to UEB—and how we handled the challenges that arose when working in one code, whilst training in another. The authors will elaborate on many necessary procedures—including the customization of in-house software, creation of instructive tactile graphics, the training of long-distance freelance transcribers and proofreaders, alterations made to educational programs, and other such changes. This paper will detail the methods with which a prominent braille printing house has embraced UEB—from initial preparations and impressions, to results of implementation. The authors will provide a printing house’s perspective of this fascinating juncture in braille’s storied history.