Conclusions and Recommendations from the European Conference of Directors of Braille Printing Houses and Braille Libraries.

 

Recommendation No. 1.

With regard to the difficulties arising from the transcription of ink print books into braille, the Conference recommends that the braille version should reproduce as accurately as possible the corresponding ink prifit original, taking maximum advantage of the possibilities of the braille system to identify para graphs, chapters, etc., through the use of blank or dotted lines and other means. Although the exchange of views has revealed that there is not unanimity with regard to criteria for repre senting pictures, graphs and diagrams, the Conference has emphasised the need to carry out an exchange of experiences and practical results among the different institutions concerned, in order to exploit fully the potentialities of embossed reproduction and tactile ability. The desirability of undertaking the necessary research and experiments so as to make braille books more attrac tive to touch through imaginative resources was also pointed out. Differing views were also expressed in connection with the desirability and possibility of the representa tion of tridimensional figures, and it is consequently recommended that comprehensive studies should be made so as to determine the possibilities of apprehending perspective through adequate training. Finally, the importance of braille printing houses and other centres interested in the production of embossed literature having a book editing service was made clear.

This service would have the task of analysing the difficulties that braille transcription could pose, as well as of proposing effective solutions to the problem.

Recommendation No. 2.

The Conference made it clear that as in the past braille will continue to be in the future an imperative aid to overcome the lack of information of blind people. In increasing measure the braille book will be supplemented by digital data carriers. Of special importance will be the compact cassette because of its possibility to con siderably reduce the volume of braille books. The Conference asks the braille printing houses and libraries as well as organisations of and for the blind to sponsor the development of this technology as far as possible, and urges the developers to achieve unification of standards and compatibility of comparable media. The massive application of writing and reading devices using compact cassettes will only be possible if blind people can have easy access to the corresponding data car rier centres. The need to establish efficient centres for this purpose, which should function beyond commercial interests and should have sufficient capacity to cope with the wide range of demands of their potential users is therefore emphasised. Although it is admitted that the existence of similar devices can bring about positive competition, it is recommended that adequate cooperation and exchange of information be established among the different parties concerned.

Recommendation No. 3 

This Conference recommends that there should be greater dissemination of information concerning new developments in braille production including those systems suitable for developing countries. 

Recommendation No. 4

The Conference recommends: 1. That a systematic compilation of specialised litera ture should be carried out and that appropriate measures be taken so as to provide printing houses and libraries for the blind with information of interest to them. 2. That a permanent section should be established in the Review of the European Blind on matters relating to the printing and distribution of literature for the blind and that the possibility of publishing that magazine in braille and/or recorded form should be explored. 3. That a free exchange of catalogues among printing houses and libraries for the blind should be made. 4. That home delivery and collection of talking and braille books for the blind should be guaranteed. 5. That a regular exchange of experience among directors of printing houses and libraries for the blind should be made possible by the organising of conferences and seminars, the organising of conferences and seminars 

Recommendation No. 5 

Aware of the fact that the combination and develop ment of new and traditional methods for providing direct and independent access to information is an important prerequisite for the integration of the blind in society, the Conference recommends that increasing moral and material support be given to the solution of current problems that blind people experience in this regard, bearing in mind the demands of scientific and technical progress. 

Recommendation No. 6

 It is recognised that acquisition of skill in braille reading and writing is indispensable to the blind in their work and in their leisure activities, and that without it their lives would be much impoverished. It is therefore recommended that research effort, nationally and internationally, should be directed towards stimulating interest in braille and finding ways of making it easier to learn, more widely accessible and more satisfying to use. 

Towards this end it is recommended that: 

1. The systematic teaching of braille reading to school children should continue for a longer time and to a higher level than is generally the case at present. 

2. The possibility of designing more effective methods and materials for teaching reading to children and to adults is in urgent need of investigation. The provision of adequate expertise in the teaching of braille to adults is also essential. 

3. Any change in braille codes to facilitate computer assisted book production should be adopted only if it also has the approval of the braille authority concerned. Bearing in mind that unanimous criterion with regard to the appropriateness of contracted codes for the majority of blind people does not exist, reliable research should be effected in order to demonstrate their pros and cons.