U.S. & Canada Adopt New Braille Terminology
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.

End of announcement.

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Note! EASI's January online courses start Mon. Jan. 6.  Still time to
register for either Beginner Barrier-free Web Design or Train the Trainer.
Both courses have sample lessons available:
Beginner Barrier-free Web Design http://easi.cc/workshops/easiweb.htm
Train the Trainer http://easi.cc/workshops/trainer.htm

Both courses can be used as part of the 5 courses needed for the
Certificate in Accessible Web Design.