Focusing on the use of Modern Equipment for Storing and Reading Braille Script as well as Establishment of National Data Carrier Centres.
1. using the writing-modul which belongs to the
Braillocord and
2. using the data-storage media usually used by
publishers.
These data-storage media are changed into a special
p, computer programme by the "Rechenzentrum" in Munster. This procedure has been very successful but has not yet
reached the most possible degree of perfection, a fact,
which must be considered also under the aspect of the
financial problems arising from the application of more complicated computers. As for the efficiency of these modern electronic
I devices on a larger scale no decisive predictions can be
made at present. The main difficulty is the price
(DM10.000 for the BRS.76) being far too high for the
majority. Another problem lies in the complicated handling
of these devices. The experiences in other fields of
technical development show, however, that prices can be
reduced and that devices can be simplified, if there is
a genuine request. The most essential point in respect
to the present stage of development is, according to my
opinion, the demonstration of technical possibilities.
Essential for the practical use of the mentioned
devices is, of course, the existence of Braille-cassettes
accessible for each aspirant. This problem should be
thought over thoroughly already at this moment in order to be able to take the necessary steps in time. The
opinions concerning this subject differ more or less from
p one another because of various interests, for instance,
( commercial ones, and, last not least, a certain wish for
prestige being understandable in a way. It is obvious that especially the associations of the blind pay atten
tion to these quite new perspectives because of their mission concerning the professional and social integration
as well as promoting the cultural efforts of their members. It is, therefore, plausible, if the corresponding discus-
' sions are not always free from animosity. An intensive
engagement of the interested persons can, however, so it
seems to me, be very useful in any case. For we stand
ladies and gentlemen, at the beginning of a new period in
the application of that script having been given by the
well known Frenchman Louis Braille to the Blind of the
whole world.
Considering the problems connected with the establish
ment of data-storage media centres it is necessary to remember that, according to the information of experts,
copies of Braille-cassettes should be only made from ^
master-cassettes the exact function of the reading-devices being disturbed otherwise. So one has to establish datastorage media centres where Braille master-cassettes are produced and collected. I wish to point out here, that
the production of Braille-cassettes with the writing-modul belonging to the reading-device can only be exceptional
because this procedure takes a lot of time and needs qualified transcribers knowing Braille and it's special '
scripts. This would mean considerable expenses again. «
Naturally it is the same case, if one chooses data-storage I
media usually used by the publishers because of the
necessary technical efforts (computers). On the other side one must admit that only thus the advantages of this
new technique can be fully used opening a, chance for the
blind to get hold of the most up-to-date literature in
the shortest of time. m
We have to ask now, which kind of possibilities show «
themselves at present concerning the establishment of
data-storage media centres.
1. The existing Braille publishers take charge of the
production of Braille-cassettes. At this point the protest of the associations of the "*
blind comes in. They think, that those publishers have
already reached the limit of their capacity. So the ^
printing of important and up-to-date books being needed very urgently is often delayed in a very irksome way for
those waiting for them. Of course, I do not know the situation in other countries which may be more favourable.
Besides, one should not forget the experiences and the qualified staff of the Braille publishers that count very
much.
2. The producers of the reading-devices undertake,
the production of Braille-cassettes too.
Of course, many of the technical presuppositions
that are necessary would be available in that case, and
a vital interest is likely to be found here, because
financial advantages might come out of it. A too intense
dependence on the producer would be possible in this case
bringing perhaps disadvantages for the user as well in
respect to the programme as to the price.
Here I also want to lay stress upon the possible
difficulties in case of licences given by the publishers,
because' those work on economic principles. The privileges
which the talking-book libraries have obtained after much
effort concerning the licence of the publishers, might
be in danger of getting lost.
3. The associations of the blind become responsible
for the data-storage media centres, being financed
mainly by public authorities and producing,
independent of financial interests, a stock of
Braille-cassettes exclusively orientated on the
many-sided requirements of the users.
In this case the arising problems are the personnel
and financial ones. For these data-storage media centres
can only be efficient if one disposes of sufficient
financial means which cannot be raised by the associations
of the blind. Especially with regard to the necessary
qualified staff the financial factor is decisive.
Already these short hints make it obvious, that no
general solution can be found here, because the starting
situation is varying in the different countries.
At best one can lay down a few fundamental demands
that ought to be considered in all future discussions of
these problems.
(a) There must be a guarantee, that the data-storage
media centres being independent of economical
ambitions and wishes for prestige will develop
to efficient establishments, thus creating the
pre-suppositions to utilise the new technical
possibilities to the utmost.
(b) Braille-cassettes must be offered as well for
an adequate price or as a loan.
(c) The offer must be many-sided taking into con
sideration the need for knowledge and learning
as well as for entertainment.
(d) A possible lending of Braille-cassettes belongs
absolutely into the competence of the Braille-lending libraries, if the data-storage media
centres do not pursue it themselves.
(e) It is very important to choose the right way
already at the present moment to make sure,
that the new technical development enabling
Braille-text to be stored on a minimum of space
brings all possible advantages for the users.
To take care of that, is not only our task, but
even our duty.
You will understand, that in the course of this
meeting I could only treat my subject very insufficiently
being just able to hint at some very important aspects or
to give a few impulses which might lead you to think
matters over. But this was, after all, my intention.
Perhaps I have succeeded in contributing something to
the following discussion.
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