Newsletter - December 2024

In This Issue

1. President's Message (Daphne Hitchcock, BLC President)
2. World Braille Days
3. Journées mondiales du Braille
4. Now available: Third Edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille (Jen Goulden, ICEB Representative)
5. Braille Promotions presents: Let's talk about embossers!
6. It's time to renew your BLC membership!
7. BANA Fall 2024 Update
8. Celebrating Braille!
9. Book Review: BRAILLE ON DISPLAY, 2024 EDITION
10. Edie Mourre Scholarship accepting applications until March 31, 2025
11. La bourse d'études Edie Mourre accepte les candidatures jusqu'au 31 mars 2025
12. Save The Date: BLC AGM / 2025 LbC AGA - Notez cette date à votre agenda!
13. Save the date! Fifth Annual Braille Literacy Canada virtual Symposium!
14. À vos agendas! Cinquième symposium virtuel annuel de Littératie braille Canada!
15. Braille Art Corner
16. Social Media Links

President's Message

By Daphne Hitchcock, BLC President

Over the years of working as a teacher of students who have visual impairments (TSVI) and now as president of Braille Literacy Canada, I have firmly held my belief in the importance, the sheer 'vitalness' of braille and braille literacy. Even though technology has given us audiobooks and screen readers, it is braille, hardcopy or refreshable, that creates equitable access to literacy. Whether you are spelling, proofreading, writing or reading, braille is required for literacy.

This seasonal quip brought it home for me, knowing the correct spelling is what gives the giggle to this play on words...

Santa Claus comments to his wife on a blustery day, "I hear something on our roof" Mrs. Claus replies, "Ah, it's just the rain, dear".

Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) strongly believes in leading the way in Canada for all things braille through advocacy and education. Coming up in 2025 are some great opportunities for learning. In January, join BLC and partners for World Braille Days event(s), and in February, Braille Promotions welcomes you to the Home Embosser workshop. In May and June there will be the opportunity to attend a workshop on the day of our AGM, as well as the 5th Annual Braille Symposium. During the holidays, plan to visit our website to review the transcripts or YouTube videos from our 2024 Braille Symposium.

I might be a little biased, but I truly believe that BLC is a wonderful organization. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our Board and our Members for your support - thank you for attending our events, for volunteering your time and for donating financially. Each of these contributions work together to sustain the initiatives and programs of BLC, and help us with the essential work of promoting access to information in braille.

On behalf of our BLC Board, I would like to wish you and yours the very best of the Holiday Season.

With warmest wishes,
Daphne Hitchcock

World Braille Days

Join us for a retrospective of 200 years of braille and 5 years of World Braille Days events on January 17 (English Event) and January 21 (French event) from 1-3 pm Eastern.

We will also be offering another year of Braille Boost with new activities and resources for braille learners and those who support them. Visit https://nnels.ca/world-braille-days-wbd-2025 to register, and look for social media and newsletter announcements from our partners at AEBC, AERO, BLC, CCB, CELA, CNIB Beyond Print, CNIB Foundation, NNELS, and PRCVI. Plan to join us!

Journées mondiales du Braille

Soyez des nôtres pour une rétrospective des 200 ans d'existence du braille et des cinq années de Journées mondiales du braille le 17 janvier (événement en anglais) et le 21 janvier (événement en français) de 13 h à 15 h, heure de l'Est.

Nous vous proposerons également une nouvelle année de Coup de pouce au braille, avec de nouvelles activités et ressources destinées aux apprenants en braille et à ceux qui les soutiennent.

Consultez https://nnels.ca/fr/journées-mondiales-du-braille-2025 pour vous inscrire. Surveillez les médias sociaux et les bulletins d'information de nos partenaires que sont l'Alliance pour l'égalité des personnes aveugles du Canada, le SOREFS, LBC, le CCA, le CAÉB, Au-delà de l'imprimé d'INCA, la Fondation INCA, le RNSEB et le PRCVI. Soyez des nôtres!

Now available: Third Edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille

By Jen Goulden, ICEB Representative

The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) is delighted to announce the completion of the third edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille, superseding the second edition published in 2013.

This edition introduces several new features including:

• a comprehensive index of all rules;
• use of Unicode braille patterns for all examples; and
• the addition of many more cross references.

All changes to the UEB code since 2013 have been incorporated into this new edition. In particular:

• the rules and terminology for quotation marks and apostrophes have been rewritten to facilitate more accurate automated translation;
• medial capitals are now permitted around shortforms, e.g. DeafBlind, QuickTime, and LetterWriter;
• new symbols have been added for the checkmark (tick) and German sharp s (eszett);
• a clarification that the contraction for 'th' should be used in the name Beethoven has been added;
• a word followed by the line indicator may now be brailled in contracted form;
• the line indicator may now be used to indicate a column break in a table; and
• a small number of words have been added to the Shortforms List.

The Rules of Unified English Braille, Third Edition is available for download in print (PDF) and braille (BRF) from https://www.iceb.org.

ICEB brings together English-speaking countries from around the world and is the body responsible for Unified English Braille (UEB). The General Assembly is held once every four years, with a midterm face-to-face meeting of the ICEB Executive Committee taking place two years into each term.

If you'd like to learn more about braille on the international stage, visit https://www.iceb.org or write to info@blc-lbc.ca.

ICEB produces a newsletter under the direction of its Public Relations Committee, which is chaired by Stuart Lawler of Ireland. The newsletter is jam-packed with all sorts of braille-related events and information from around the world. If you'd like to receive the newsletter, UEB updates and other announcements directly into your inbox, we invite you to subscribe to our one-way announce list by writing to iceb-announce+subscribe@groups.io.

You can also follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter and Mastodon at @ICEBbraille.

Braille Promotions presents: Let's talk about embossers!

Have you been considering the purchase of an embosser for home use? Or are you just curious about using embossers and want to learn more. Join us on Saturday, February 15 at 1:00 pm Eastern, to hear from our panel on their experiences with home embossers.

Bring your questions and our panel will provide you with lots of information.

To register email us at info@blc-lbc.ca, subject line Embosser Workshop.

It's time to renew your BLC membership!

Want to join us or are you already a member of BLC? As we approach the end of the year, the time is coming to join or renew your membership for 2025. The new membership year begins on January 1st!

The easiest way is to fill out our online membership form.

You can then pay online with PayPal, send an Interac email transfer, or get instructions for sending a cheque.

If you are already a lifetime member (or do not wish to be a member) but would still like to support the work of BLC, we invite you to visit our website and donate online. Or donate to BLC through the Vancouver Foundation by supporting the Edie Mourre Fund or the BLC-LBC Endowment Fund. Donations to BLC are tax-deductible, and you could receive up to 49% of the amount donated back at tax time!

If you have any questions about BLC or need any assistance, you can contact us any time at info@blc-lbc.ca. We always love hearing from you!

Here's to another year full of braille!

BANA Fall 2024 Update

The second 2024 semiannual face-to-face meeting of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) was held in Colorado Springs, CO, on October 26 through 28. The National Braille Association, a BANA member organization, hosted the meeting immediately following its annual professional development conference.

BANA Chair Jen Goulden presided throughout the meeting. After welcoming observers, she introduced NBA's Executive Director, David Shaffer, and NBA President, Patrick Janson, both of whom welcomed the Board and observers.

During its three-day meeting, the BANA Board reviewed semiannual reports from its general, technical, and Board committees, each of which works on specific charges from the Board. The Board acted on recommendations from these committees and issued new charges when appropriate.

The Board also elected a new slate of officers for 2025 and considered applications for BANA membership.

The Board is pleased to announce that The Educational and Translation Center of Puerto Rico, Inc. will join BANA as an associate member. Their term will begin January 1, 2025.

BANA elected its officers for the 2025 year. The new slate of leaders consists of:

• Chair-Jen Goulden representing CNIB
• Vice Chair-Wendy Buckley representing the Perkins School for the Blind
• Secretary-Amber Pearcy representing National Braille Press
• Treasurer-Danette Johnson representing Hadley

Celebrating Braille!

BLC is inviting you to submit articles letting us know 'what it means to have braille in your life'. Braille is essential and we want to celebrate it with you.

Send us a poem or a vignette but keep it short, no more than 250 words. Email your creative piece to info@blc-lbc.ca by December 31, 2024 and we'll publish your articles in our 2025 newsletters.

Book Review: BRAILLE ON DISPLAY, 2024 EDITION

From Jackie Brown, Author: "Just about everyone who knows me appreciates my passion for the Braille code, and why I think it plays such a crucial role for those who are either well versed in using it, or for those who are starting to learn it. I began to learn Braille as a four-year-old. In my view, the earlier you learn the better because the sensitivity of your fingers reacts more quickly to touch. Well known Braille users in the community such as BBC journalists Peter White and Gary O'Donoghue, and assistive technology advocates and users, Jonathan Mosen and Steve Nutt, have all used Braille for many years which has undoubtedly enhanced their credentials in the employment arena.

In 2016, I decided that it would be really useful to have a publication where all the current Braille displays and note-takers could be discussed in one place, and so Braille On Display 2016 Edition was born. Jonathan Mosen ran his own consultancy business at that time, so agreed to publish and distribute the book on my behalf. He had the means to take payments, while I had the means to publicise it.

Four years later, Braille On Display 2020 Edition followed with more new devices, while others were still retained yet relegated to legacy equipment. Although Jonathan had moved on to pastures new by then, he still published the book for me, and dealt with payments.

But in the last four years, the number of Braille devices has exploded with the introduction of multi-line displays and Braille input only products. When people began asking me when the next iteration of Braille On Display was being released, I knew I had to come up with another edition. This time, however, I wanted to make it freely available in electronic format to anyone who wanted a copy. I also decided to offer publication to the Braillists Foundation (an organization in the UK) as it felt very fitting that in the year celebrating 200 years of Braille, the book should be distributed by the organisation that does so much to promote our beloved code."

This new edition, available to anyone at no cost, is an excellent resource. Technology has advanced significantly in the last four years. Updates and improvements are happening because of new breakthroughs in digital technology and people who use braille displays are benefiting.

In the January 2020 issue of the BLC newsletter, we said this about the book Braille On Display:

Jackie will tell you about the features found in most of today's popular Braille devices, and offer her opinion on their pros and cons. You'll learn about full Braille note takers, devices that act as Braille displays for your computer and smartphone, and devices that fall somewhere in between. It's hard for many of us to get our hands on all these devices. So why not purchase a handy guide written by someone who's done all the evaluation work already.

This still applies to the new 2024 edition, but many new displays are now included. The author also describes devices like the Hable One, Orbit Speak, Orbit Writer, and BT Speak which allow for braille keyboard input but have no braille display. What is very helpful about this book is that the older braille displays are still covered.

Also included is a description of how braille screen input is used on iPhone and Android devices, and, for the first time, we learn about multi-line displays which include representation of tactile graphics. I encourage everyone who is considering owning a braille display to download this free book. I wonder what new braille devices she will be writing about in 2028?

You can activate the link below to go to the webpage where you can download the book.

https://www.braillists.org/brailleondisplay/

Edie Mourre Scholarship accepting applications until March 31, 2025

The 2025 competition for the Edie Mourre Scholarship is now open and will be accepting applications until March 31, 2025.

Are you interested in pursuing a certification in braille transcription? Or maybe you have always wanted to study music braille? Perhaps you have been contemplating pursuing braille studies but the cost has held you back? Your time could be now!

The Edie Mourre Scholarship fund is intended to assist those who are pursuing employment as a braille transcriber or proofreader, or as an educator. Eligible codes include: Unified English Braille, Code braille français uniformisé, music braille, or other braille systems.

More information on the program and an application form (in English and in French) may be found online at https://www.brailleliteracycanada.ca/en/programs/ediemourre.

Good luck, and we invite you to share this announcement with others!

-- From the BLC Board of Directors

La bourse d'études Edie Mourre accepte les candidatures jusqu'au 31 mars 2025

Le concours 2025 pour la bourse d'études Edie Mourre est désormais ouvert et les candidatures seront acceptées jusqu'au 31 mars 2025.

Vous désirez obtenir un certificat en transcription braille ? Vous souhaitez depuis toujours étudier la notation musicale en braille ? Vous avez peut-être envisagé d'étudier le braille, mais vous n'aviez pas les moyens financiers de le faire ? Voici une bonne nouvelle !

Le fonds de la bourse d'études Edie-Mourre a été mis sur pied pour aider les personnes désireuses de travailler comme transcripteur, correcteur d'épreuves ou professeur de braille. Codes admissibles : Unified English Braille, Code braille français uniformisé, notation musicale en braille autres codes de braille.

De plus amples informations sur le programme et un formulaire de candidature (en anglais et en français) sont joints à cet e-mail, et peuvent également être consultés en ligne à l'adresse suivante : https://www.brailleliteracycanada.ca/fr/programs/ediemourre.

Bonne chance, et nous vous invitons à partager cette annonce avec d'autres !

-- Du conseil d'administration de la BLC

Save The Date: BLC AGM / 2025 LbC AGA - Notez cette date à votre agenda!

Note this in your calendar!

Our BLC AGM will be on May 24, 2025. It will be a hybrid event; the in-person meeting being held at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, with the opportunity for all the members to participate via Zoom. The AGM planning committee is putting together a workshop event for that date - details on the AGM and Workshop event will be available in the new year.

Notez cette date à votre agenda!

L'AGA de LBC se tiendra le 24 mai 2025. Il s'agira d'un événement hybride; la réunion en personne se tiendra à l'hôtel Chelsea à Toronto et tous les membres pourront y participer sur Zoom. Le comité de planification de l'AGA prépare également un atelier qui se déroulra le même jour - les détails de l'AGA et de l'atelier vous seront communiqués dans la nouvelle année.

Save the date! Fifth Annual Braille Literacy Canada virtual Symposium!

Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) will be holding its fifth annual virtual braille symposium on Friday June 13, 2025 from 1 - 5 PM EDT. This event will be of interest to braille readers, educators, transcribers, parents and anyone else who is passionate about braille literacy!

Wherever you are located, the international braille community is strong. As we look ahead into the bright future of braille literacy, there is much to celebrate and share.

À vos agendas! Cinquième symposium virtuel annuel de Littératie braille Canada!

Littératie braille Canada (LBC) tiendra son cinquième symposium virtuel annuel sur le braille le vendredi 13 juin 2025, de 13 h à 17 h HAE. Cet événement s'adresse aux lecteurs de braille, aux éducateurs, aux transcripteurs, aux parents et à tous ceux qui se passionnent pour la littératie en braille!

Où que vous soyez, la communauté internationale du braille est vivante. Alors que nous nous tournons vers l'avenir prometteur de la littératie en braille, beaucoup de choses doivent être célébrées et partagées.

Braille Art Corner

Time for a tasty treat! These crossed candy canes bring double joy to all. This design was created by Edith West. Use 8x11 paper, it is sixteen rows in length

Row 1: Space 5 times, make dots 3-5-6, make dots 2-3-4-5-6, make three dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, make make dots 2-3-6 (question mark)), Space 4 times, make dots 3-5, make dots 1-4 five times, make dots 2-6

Row 2: Space 4 times, make dots 2-3-4-5-6, make seven dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, space 2 times, make dots 3-4, space 7 times, make dots 1-6

Row 3: Space 3 times, make dots 2-3-4-5-6, make nine dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, make dots 3-4, space 9 times, make dots 1-6

Row 4: Space 3 times, make five dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-4, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, space 3 times, make dots 3-4, make dots 1-4, make dots 1-6, space 3 times, make dots 4-5-6.

Row 5: Space 3 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 2-3-6. Space 1 time, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, space 1 time, make dots 3-4, space 2 times, make dots 3-4, space 3 times, make dots 3-4

Row 6: Space 4 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make three dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-4-5 (letter q), space 2 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, space 3 times, make dots 2-6, space 2 times, make dots 3-4

Row 7: Space 5 times, make dots 1-4-5 (letter d), make one dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-4-5 (letter q), space 2 times, make dots 3-4, space 1 time, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6, space 3 times, make dot 4, make dots 2-4

Row 8: Space 9 times, make dots 3-4, space 3 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 9: Space 8 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 10: Space 7 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 2 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 11: Space 6 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 12: Space 5 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 6 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 13: Space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 8 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 14: Space 3 times, make dots 3-4, space 4 times, make dots 3-4, space 10 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make four dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-3-5-6

Row 15: Space 3 times, make dots 1-6, Space 3 times, make dots 3-4, Space 12 times, make dots 1-2-4-5-6, make 3 dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 (full cells), make dots 1-2-4.

Row 16: Space 4 times, make dot 4, make dot 5, make dot 4, space 14 times, make dots 1-4-5 (letter d), make dots 1-2-4 (letter f).

Social Media Links

Here are a few of the items we have posted on our social media platforms in recent weeks.

• The Tactile Times advent calendar is back once again for 2024. It includes 24 Christmas-themed surprises and can be accessed at: https://www.games.tactiletimes.org/advent.html
• Celebrate Braille 200 - livingbraille.eu : Share Your #Braille Experience! https://livingbraille.eu/topic/braille2
• If you are interested in purchasing a #braille display but don't know where to start, this page is for you! Braille On Display is a comprehensive ebook on braille displays, written by acclaimed braille display expert Jackie Brown. https://ww.braillists.org/brailleondisplay