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Round Table on Information Accessfor People with Print Disabilities Inc
2019 Annual Report
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Congratulations to Tom Macmahon, 2019 recipient of the Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award. He is pictured here (middle) with previous recipient winners. Nigel Herring (far left), Josie Howse (left), Mary Schnackenberg (right) and Frances Gentle (far right), at the 2019 conference dinner in Brisbane.
Table of ContentsVision....................................................................................................................................4Mission................................................................................................................................. 4Objectives.............................................................................................................................4Round Table Executive Committee....................................................................................5Message from the President...............................................................................................6
The 2019 Milestones at a glance.....................................................................................6
Annual Round Table Conference.................................................................................
Guidelines Launched...................................................................................................
Commitment to research..............................................................................................
Advocate for Accessible Publishing.............................................................................
Recognition as trusted entities.....................................................................................
Commitment to braille and accessible graphics...........................................................
Growing our membership.............................................................................................
Thanks.........................................................................................................................
Looking forward...........................................................................................................
2019 Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award – Tom Macmahon.........................9Contributions...................................................................................................................9
Strategic Plan: January 2017 – December 2020..............................................................11Introduction....................................................................................................................11
Strategic Priorities.........................................................................................................11
Additional priorities led by Member organisations and supported by Round Table:......13
Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative........................................................................14Introduction....................................................................................................................14
Outcomes......................................................................................................................15
Pathways.......................................................................................................................15
Australian Braille Authority Report of the Chair.............................................................18Introduction....................................................................................................................18
In Memoriam..................................................................................................................18
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Structure and Accountability..........................................................................................19
ABA Executive Committee............................................................................................19
Regional Braille Forums................................................................................................20
Communications............................................................................................................20
Publications...................................................................................................................22
Guidelines for transcription of foreign language material..............................................22
Proficiency in Unified English Braille.............................................................................22
Braille Music in Australia...............................................................................................22
Josie Howse made life member of SPEVI.....................................................................22
Another tactile bank note in circulation..........................................................................23
International Involvement..............................................................................................23
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................25
Finance............................................................................................................................... 26Report of the Treasurer - for the financial year ending 31 December 2019...................26
Round Table Balance Sheet Statement as at 31 December 2019................................28
Round Table Profit & Loss Statement 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019..............29
List of Members.................................................................................................................30
Round Table Annual Report 2019
VisionThat all information is equitably and equally available to all people at the same time and at the same cost as the published versions.
MissionTo facilitate and influence the production and use of quality alternative formats for people with a print disability. We achieve this through setting and providing standards, advocating, educating and facilitating cooperation and information sharing.
ObjectivesInformation access is important to all people who have a print disability. Information is needed for recreation, education, employment, training and day-to-day living. Research has shown that only around 5% of all information released in print in a year is published in formats that can be accessed by people with a print disability. People who have a print disability access information in a range of formats including braille, large print, e-text, audio etc., and from a number of information providers; these include libraries, websites, agencies, educational institutions, etc. Since its formation in 1981, Round Table has been working towards the achievement of a more accessible information environment in Australia and New Zealand.
We live in the "age of information", and access to information is more important than ever before. Recently developed technologies have created break-through opportunities to provide people with a print disability with more reading material and a better experience of that material. Digital technology also has the capacity to address the problem of timeliness and cost. The use of digital technologies reduces the physical limitations of previous methods. Digital talking books are now available that use structured text, synchronised audio and multi-media functionality to provide people with a print disability with a reading experience similar to that of others. Electronic textbooks are similarly opening up as mainstream e-book platforms start to become an option for some people with a print disability. There is a long way to go, but the signs are promising.
Aligned with the Vision and Mission, Round Table has set six strategic objectives, which are embedded in its Constitution and form the framework for its updated Strategic Plan.
Foster a spirit of cooperation and resource sharing among members
Set standards
Improve the range, quality and accessibility of materials produced
Provide for industry consultation and/or action on matters of common concern with respect to accessible information
Represent the collective views of members to appropriate bodies
Foster consumer consultation
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Round Table Executive CommitteePresident: Sonali MaratheCo-ordinator, Alternative Format PublicationsRoyal Institute for Deaf and Blind [email protected]
Immediate Past President / Treasurer: Neil [email protected]
Vice President / Conference Coordinator: Dinesh BurahManager, Accessible Information [email protected]
ABA Chair / Secretary: Jordie [email protected]
Public Officer: Brian [email protected]
Consumer representative: Sondra [email protected]
General Executive Committee Members:
Maria StevensBlind Low Vision [email protected]
Marcia MarcinkewyczGriffith [email protected]
Round Table Administration Officer: Marjorie [email protected]
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Message from the PresidentThe Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities was formed to facilitate and influence the production and use of quality alternative formats for people with print disabilities and in the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of quality alternative formats for access to information, graphics and online learning material has been especially highlighted.
This past year we had another successful conference, launched new guidelines, supported research projects for making graphics accessible, attracted new members and continued to work with publishers to create “born accessible” content. We achieved this by leveraging the intellectual resources of our community to address challenges facing the print disability sector.
The 2019 Milestones at a glance
Annual Round Table Conference
Our annual conference took place in Brisbane from 5 to 8 May 2019 and was a resounding success. The theme of the conference “The Changing Landscape for Accessible Information” explored how innovation in technology and changes to copyright legislation have changed the landscape for accessing information, creating many opportunities as well as some challenges. The conference also promoted discussion around shared success and facilitated the formation of collaborative partnerships.
We also presented the Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award to Tom Macmahon for his outstanding contribution to the print disability sector.
Guidelines Launched
We launched the Guidelines for Accessible Assessment (2019). The Guidelines contain recommendations designed to make assessment materials accessible to students with Vision Impairment of all ages and levels of education. These Guidelines have been acknowledged as a valuable resource by various organisations including ADCET (Australian Clearing House on Education and Training), who have created a webinar based on them.
Commitment to research
We continued to support the project spearheaded by Monash: “3D Printing to Improve Access to Graphics by People with Vision Impairments”. With the first stage focussing on mapping and the use of 3D maps for orientation and mobility, the Round Table conference conducted workshops to obtain consumer feedback on tactile maps.
Round Table also endorsed a research study by Sydney University Press titled “Inclusive Publishing in Australia: A Benchmarking Study”. The key aim of the study is to understand how accessible content is produced; identify the key challenges that the producers encounter; and develop a framework and practical resources for disability organisations and publishers to reduce the “book famine” affecting people with print disabilities.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Advocate for Accessible Publishing
We continued to advocate for born accessible content through our involvement with the Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative (AIPI) forum. The initiative published two guides with our contribution: “An Introduction to Inclusive Publishing” and “Making Content Accessible – A Guide to Navigating Australian Copyright Law for Disability Access”.
Recognition as trusted entities
In order to gain access to publisher files we have worked hard to get our members who are alternative format producers listed as trusted entities on the AIPI hub. The publishers recognise that these trusted organisations are qualified to ask for book files if no accessible format version is commercially available. This has significantly reduced the turnaround time for receiving files from publishers.
Commitment to braille and accessible graphics
We continued to support the exemplary work of the Australian Braille Authority and the Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group (ANZAGG).
Growing our membership
Round Table’s strength is the diversity of knowledge and experience in the production and use of alternate format materials embodied by its members. This in-depth experience is drawn on by the Round Table to prepare standards and guidelines on the production of alternate formats, as well as to represent perspectives on the accessibility of material. This year we welcomed three new members to Round Table.
Thanks
I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and would like to recognise the immense contribution of the Executive of the Round Table. Neil Jarvis as the Treasurer, Sondra Wibberley and Marcia Marcinkewycz who were a part of the conference program committee, Maria Stevens who made sure delegates had accessible copies of accessible documents, Brian Conway, as a trusted advisor, Dinesh Burah our conference convenor as well as Jordie Howell, Chair of the ABA. Everyone on the team has played an important role in the work we have done this year, devoting their valuable time and shown an overwhelming commitment to our mission.
I would also like to acknowledge Phia Damsma the Chair of the Program Committee for putting together an excellent conference program. Lastly, I am extremely grateful to Marjorie Hawkings, for her impressive organisational skills.
Looking forward
This has been a busy year and there is more to come. While we continue to scan the needs of the sector, review and create new guidelines, and advocate for accessible formats, our focus in the next few months will be on reviewing our strategic plan and setting a roadmap for the next few years.
I look forward to the contributions of every member of our community as we undertake this journey together.Round Table Annual Report 2019
Warm regards
Sonali MarathePresident
Round Table Annual Report 2019
2019 Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award – Tom MacmahonThe award by Round Table to somebody in the field for their outstanding contribution to the print disability sector over a lifetime is always a special occasion. At the 2019 conference in Brisbane the award was presented to Tom Macmahon for his outstanding contribution in Queensland and interstate to the teaching of Music and Assistive Technology to braille using students.
Contributions
Personal, academic and professional achievements
Tom’s passion lies in the area of JAWS instruction and the accessibility of screen reading software. He has filled the roles of Music/ Music Therapy teacher and transcriber, Assistive Technology consultant and as a statewide advisor relating to these unique curriculum areas. Tom has been a powerful advocate for best practice for braille students in the classroom in both primary and secondary settings in his particular areas of expertise offering a valuable user perspective to students. He has enjoyed a long association with Round Table and is an active member of the Australian Braille Authority.
Tom is married to his wonderful life-partner, Mary. They have four children and four delightful grandchildren to keep their personal lives full of joy and activity. He shares a great interest in food and wine with his family and enjoys woodworking as a hobby. His musical interests extend to being a member of the band, Calcite, which performs regularly in various venues including nursing homes.
Tom completed a Music degree with Honours in piano and voice in the 70’s at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide. He then went on to become one of the pioneering students in a postgraduate Music Therapy course at Torrens Teachers College. After completing these studies, he was employed in his first teaching job as a Music Therapist at various schools in the Adelaide area.
His move to Brisbane facilitated his employment by the Department of Education as an advisor in Assistive Technology and braille music teaching, therapy, composition, transcription. Tom is a Senior Teacher in the area of Vision Impairment teaching.
Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
Tom’s expertise and leadership particularly in the area of Braille Music and JAWS, Mountbatten and refreshable braille devices resulted in statewide consultancy, workshop training and representation on national committees. He travelled to Switzerland to attend an international braille conference and was very involved in the adoption of the UEB braille code. He has a strong belief in the value of braille as the most important literacy tool in a student’s kitbag and always encourages his students to solve problems in a creative and constructive way. He was the first blind teacher many braille-using students in Queensland have ever known.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Previous awards and recognition
Senior teacher in the area of Vision Impairment
Leader in Assistive Technology workshops
Tireless committee member Round Table, ABA, QBWA
Voluntary work beyond paid employment
Braille Music Camp
Braille Club held at QBWA
Band appearances in nursing homes
Nature and length of service of activity or service
Tom began his teaching career with the Queensland Department of Education in 1981 and is still currently employed on a part time basis in the roles as previously stated.
Achievements as an individual or as part of a group or organisation
Tom’s expertise has resulted in long-term memberships and participation in national bodies dedicated to students with print disability and in particular, braille users. Much of Tom’s career has been dedicated to sharing his vast personal knowledge of braille Music and Assistive Technology to others. His workshops have helped other teachers in the area and their families optimise learning outcomes for students with a print disability.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Strategic Plan: January 2017 – December 2020Introduction
Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc. was formed in 1981 by producers and users of braille, audio, large print and other materials in accessible formats in Australia and New Zealand.
Our aim was to achieve:
Greater co-operation, cohesion and collaboration between producers. Common production standards for the industry. A joint voice for the industry in its dealings with other organisations. Best use of resources.
Since then, the Round Table has been able to set Trans-Tasman standards for transcription of print material into a range of accessible formats, and it has been a vehicle for negotiation with government, and other industry bodies, on matters such as copyright, subsidies and production standards.
Round Table now comprises over 30 organisational members in Australia and New Zealand, including major producers, distributors and consumer groups.
Our strategic vision, mission and objectives are always printed at the beginning of our annual reports, as they guide our work and inform our priorities. What follows is a statement of the priorities of Round Table for the three years from January 2017. Our success and continued relevance will be measured against these priorities.
Strategic Priorities
Round Table Priority Example of work to deliver priority
Ensure Round Table addresses the accessibility requirements of all people with print disabilities.
Reaching out to organisations with a view to them becoming members.
Annual conference to foster shared learning and networking across the sector.
Conference planned for different locations each year.
Specific themes for each conference.
Members canvassed on preferences for conference themes and activities.
Produce and refresh accessible information guidelines.
Continue with rolling programme of guidelines updates.
Survey members in 2017 to determine their preferences for which to focus on next.
Endorse guidelines produced by other organisations which align to round table thinking.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Round Table Priority Example of work to deliver priority
Promote braille standards and usage.
Publicise and resource the work of the Australian Braille Authority and support the work of the Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust.
Produce publications and promote events and activities which encourage the wider take-up of braille and increased quality production of braille materials.
Encourage increased take-up and production of braille music notation and services.
Ensure Round Table and its members hear the voice of consumers.
Increase interaction with consumer organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
Support individual consumers to attend annual conference through DSS grant or other appropriate mechanisms.
Enable full participation of consumer representative on the Round Table Executive Committee.
Promote ongoing research and resourcing of new ways to make graphical information accessible.
Publicise and resource the work of the Accessible Graphics Sub-Committee.
Partner with academic institutions to investigate innovative ways to make graphical information accessible.
Facilitate workshops at annual conference where practitioners can come together to share ideas and experience.
Develop relationships with organisations in the publishing and library sectors and expand our connections with the tertiary education sector.
Work with public library organisations to increase access to collections and greater co-operation which benefits print disabled readers.
Build on existing relationships with the Australian Publishers’ Association, Publishers’ Association of New Zealand and others.
Be a facilitator between member organisations and publishers to make the production of accessible information smoother.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Round Table Priority Example of work to deliver priority
Contribute to the sector-wide campaign for the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty and to wider copyright-related activities.
Play a leading role in the APA-led initiative on the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty in Australia and support the ratification and implementation campaign in New Zealand.
Involve representatives of rights-holders and other copyright-related organisations to contribute to discussions at Round Table conferences.
Make clear position statements on copyright reforms proposed by the Australian and New Zealand governments which support access to information by print disabled people.
Make submissions in response to policy proposals by Government
Align our submissions, where possible, with those of member organisations to strengthen the voice of our sector.
Promote the needs of print disabled people when commenting on Government plans in the fields of education, copyright, library provision and other relevant topics.
Offer round Table as a vehicle to promote a sector-wide point of view where appropriate.
Additional priorities led by Member organisations and supported by Round Table:
Promote inclusive education at all levels.
Work to increase availability of accessible format materials at tertiary education level.
Promote standards in VI teaching.
Promote accessible learning initiatives.
Promote the use of accessible technology in the classroom.
Raise awareness of the implications of the expansion of NDIS for print disabled people.
Promote the availability and take-up of accessible, affordable technology by print disabled people, including the access to electronic braille devices.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Australian Inclusive Publishing InitiativeThe following update is drawn from the communique, which was jointly issued after the fourth Forum meeting in November. The Australian Publishers’ Association, and specifically Sarah Runcie, has spearheaded this Initiative and worked hard to keep all the organisations involved working together collaboratively.
Introduction
Representatives of the publishing industry, authors, libraries, copyright, disability associations, government and accessible format providers came together on 1 November 2019 for the fourth annual meeting of the Marrakesh Treaty Forum.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess progress on the projects developed at the previous meetings in November 2016, 2017, and 2018, to consolidate the lessons of the past three years, and to set ambitious plans for the next 12 months in order to increase access to published material for people living with print disabilities in Australia.
Background
The Marrakesh Treaty aims to increase the amount of material available to those with a print disability by facilitating access to published material within nations and across borders.
Globally, it is estimated that as few as 10% of published books are available in an accessible format. While there have been many advances in technology, and even with an increased availability of accessible format material from overseas under the Treaty, people living with a print disability are still significantly disadvantaged.
Lessons
Over the past three years, the Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative (AIPI) has built a collaborative, consultative and consensus-based approach to tackling accessibility problems, founded on cross-sector understanding, trust and respect.
The Initiative acknowledges and reaffirms the following lessons from previous fora:
achieving equal accessibility is only possible when inclusivity is embedded into the process;
inclusive publishing reaches beyond limited definitions of print disability to encompass a broader notion of consumer need, and this is the basis of the business case for inclusive publishing;
we have moved from talking about books, with all the assumptions of print-based products, and specific formats to talking about content that is ready for all formats;
we have moved from a phase of building a forum to building industry capability through identifying and completing specific measures for practical implementation;
we, as representatives of several industries, remain in a transition phase that demands agility and continual adaptation in order to achieve our desired outcomes.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
The new directions for the Initiative are:
to have a deeper engagement with the book design community on accessibility;
to engage with key technology and software companies whose products are used in the production of e-books and print books;
to more actively encourage the uptake of inclusive publishing practice by recruiting accessibility champions across the publishing industry;
to communicate some of the Australian publishing industry successes in implementing accessible publishing.
Outcomes
The Forum revisited the proposed outcomes from 2018 and agreed on seven desired outcomes for 2023:
2019 outcomes for 2023
Industry recognises need and opportunities for inclusive publishing.
Widely adopted standard part of publishing process.
Everything accessible for new publications and by default available.
An adaptable, collaborative, open, sharing and accessible industry.
Every consumer wants and understands accessible publishing.
Australian publishing gaining global recognition.
Synergies with digital ecosystems in aligned areas.
Mandated by need, accessibility and business model is working.
The AIPI is a relevant, inclusive and powerful forum.
Pathways
The Forum agreed to the following strategic investments:
Internal collaborations.
External partnerships.
Educating publishing sector.
Dedicated co-ordination.
Mobilise champions and leaders.
Source funding.
Building and supporting standards.
Raise profile, awareness of AIPI and celebrate success.
Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative Projects 2018–2019 Update
No. Project Status
Round Table Annual Report 2019
1. AIPI (knowledge hub) website. Complete.
2. Trove database, unifying the print disability sector libraries accessible format information.
Interface with Titlepage, the metadata repository for the commercial market.
Commenced.
Needs resourcing.
3. Inclusive Publishing and Making Content Accessible Guides.
Complete
4. Run first successful inclusive publishing production workshop.
WIPO/ABC curriculum pending publication.
Needs resourcing.
5. Develop a PR and communications strategy (including mainstream press and industry events e.g. awards).
In development
6. Build AIPI business plan to secure appropriate funding.
Commenced.
National Arts and Disability Strategy submission complete.
7. Published inclusive publishing business case study.
Complete.
8. Identified new key players to join the AIPI forum.
Commenced.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative Projects 2019–2020
1. Develop and begin rollout of inclusive publishing training for book industry professional associations.
2. Include accessibility as part of daylong event on future of publishing at BookUp conference 2020.
3. Create accessibility plans for all forum members.
4. Continue to collate and publish relevant content on the AIPI website.
5. Promote three to five case studies in inclusive publishing.
6. Gain public commitment from more than five leading publishers for inclusive publishing of all new books by 2025.
7. Scope a potential inclusive publishing index to measure industry standards and track progress.
8. Support National Library of Australia and Libraries Australia to develop and implement accessibility cataloguing standards.
9. Nominate a representative to EPUB3 and W3C learning group.
10. Create university library forum addressing print accessibility.
11. Secure $2.2M to resource key AIPI projects.
The Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative will reconvene in a year’s time to report progress in making ‘born accessible’ a reality for all Australian readers.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Australian Braille AuthorityReport of the ChairIntroduction
The ABA has enjoyed a busy and successful year of braille promotion, resource development and accreditation work. The 2019 ABA national meeting ran smoothly, assisted by the warm and welcoming staff of Braille House who hosted our meeting in Brisbane. At the ABA workshop, Transcribers and consumers were introduced to ABA’s newest publication, Guidelines for Transcribing Foreign Language Material. During the year, our Regional Braille Forums continue to champion braille through meetings and braille-related activities. Very sadly, we farewell and acknowledge three colleagues in braille who have passed on during the year, a former Regional Braille Convenor, a braille teacher and a retired leader of a blindness agency. The Trans-Tasman Braille Proficiency Exam was conducted in the first two weeks of October and it was Australia’s turn to organise materials this year. The work of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) is strongly supported by ABA executive members with the newsletter now published quarterly, and guidelines developed to reflect decisions taken by the Code Maintenance Committee. We are also excited to celebrate the achievements of one of our executive members who has been made a life member of SPEVI for her services to braille and the vision impaired. Our member organisations have promoted braille and provided it for clients through the production of thousands of pages of material. We also celebrate developments in the UebOnline course with the addition of maths courses, expanding the scope for those wishing to learn braille online.
In Memoriam
This year we acknowledge and remember three colleagues who passed on in 2019.
Nicole Donaldson convened the Queensland Regional Braille Forum for six years and was largely responsible for instituting and running Braille Club. Nicole also held the position as Vice President of SPEVI.
Edie Watkins, a teacher at the North Rocks Central School in the 1960s and 1970s. Edie taught many people Braille basics, introduced children to typing, encouraged her students to explore the environment around them and made lessons interesting and enjoyable.
Peter Evans was Head of RVIB Children’s Services (1977 -1991) and Executive Director of the RVIB for three years. Under Peter’s leadership, the organisation moved residential services from an institutional model to a series of smaller family style group houses. He also oversaw the establishment of the reverse integration program where blind students spent part of their school week in a local school setting and students from participating schools were integrated into the RVIB education program.
May our three highly valued colleagues and friends rest in peace.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Structure and Accountability
As a subcommittee of the Round Table, ABA oversees the maintenance and development of braille codes and standards and best practice across Australia; as well as promoting an awareness of braille as the primary literacy medium for people who are blind, deafblind or who are severely vision impaired. Our national meeting is held as the first day of the Round Table conference each year.
ABA Executive Committee
The executive committee comprises the Chair and five members elected at the national meeting every two years. Regional Braille Forum Convenors attend executive meetings as "members in attendance". The members of the executive committee for 2018 – 2020:
Leona Holloway (Correspondence Secretary) – Leona has worked extensively in the field of accessible information, most recently as a research assistant at Monash University improving access to graphics for people with a vision impairment. She administers the ABA webpage and Facebook page as well as helping develop guidelines, update ABA publications and answer queries and correspondence through the ABA website. Leona has served as Australia’s representative to the International Council on English Braille for the past four years.
Kathy Riessen – Kathy is the coordinator of Accessible Format Production at the South Australian School for Vision Impaired. Kathy’s work with ABA includes assisting with developing braille formatting guidelines as well as running workshops on the Duxbury Braille Translator and ABA guidelines. Kathy’s thoroughness and attention to detail enables her to troubleshoot Duxbury queries and find answers to complex braille matters. Kathy is a skilled music transcriber. She co-wrote the Braille Music Australian Addendum, which is published on the ABA website and recently completed work on ABA’s newest publication, Guidelines for Transcription of Foreign Language Material.
Josie Howse – Josie has developed and taught many braille-training programs both within Australia and abroad. Each year, Josie works tirelessly marking and coordinating the Braille Proficiency Examination for Australia. She co-edited the UEB Training Manual – Australian Edition and assists with updating formatting guidelines. Josie may have retired last year, however she still finds time to answer queries received from the UEB Online website. Learners both locally and internationally have benefitted from Josie’s support and tuition in braille.
Tristan Clare – Tristan has worked as a Braille Transcriber and proofreader for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children for 11 years. Tristan brings a detailed knowledge of UEB, braille maths and language to the ABA executive. In 2018, Tristan assisted with the development of ABA’s Foreign Language Guidelines. She also undertook the task of marking up materials for touch readers for the Trans-Tasman Proficiency exam for the past two years. Tristan has also served as Secretary for the Sydney Regional Braille Forum.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Sam Taylor – Sam is a lifelong user of braille and braille technologies. He has worked as blindness products specialist for two major adaptive technology companies and represents Australia on the ICEB Technical Committee. Sam has worked as a braille transcriber specialising primarily in music and is highly proficient in the braille music code.
Sandra Robertson (Sydney Braille Forum Convenor) and Melissa Fanshawe (Queensland Braille Forum Convenor) have attended executive meetings each month. These in-person updates on forum activities are valued highly and the passion and motivation with which these groups are conducted is very much appreciated.
I would like to extend my thanks to our hard-working and dedicated executive for your contributions and support this term.
Regional Braille Forums
Sydney and Queensland have active Regional Braille Forums, which hold meetings, run braille-related activities and are the voice of our consumers, teachers and parents. In Queensland last year, students had the opportunity to attend the Ekka and participate in fun activities such as an audio described wood chop and egg cracking. Phia Damsma from Sonokids, was also invited to a meeting of Braille club to introduce the concept of coding to students.
In Sydney, the RBF hosted guest speakers including Vision Australia, Trent Betts talking about ePub and Christina Christensen presenting on the digital transcription of braille music. Braille users, Tristan Clare and David Standen spoke about technology they use on a daily basis including apps such as FlickType, Braille Screen Input and AIRA, as well as a demo of accessibility features on the apple watch.
It is wonderful to see our forums sharing knowledge and coming up with innovative sessions for members to learn from and enjoy.
Communications
ABA Website
In the past year, the ABA website has been updated with a News feed and a Directory of braille in public spaces. The Directory of Braille in Public Spaces was launched on 4 January 2020 as part of World Braille Day celebrations. The directory located at http://brailleaustralia.org/finding-braille/public/ serves to help touch readers find available resources and to acknowledge organisations that have provided braille or tactile accessibility.
The directory includes a list of restaurants with braille menus, cities with braille street signage, locations with braille and tactile maps, braille in playgrounds and parks, and products with braille labelling. A list of public art that is accessible by touch is also available from the Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group (ANZAGG) at http://printdisability.org/about-us/accessible-graphics/publicart/.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Contributions are welcome. Please contact [email protected] if you know of further items that should be added to the Directory.
The News feed can be accessed at http://brailleaustralia.org/2020/. It provides a space for details about upcoming or past events, awards and opportunities.
As always, the Events page has been kept up-to-date with information about upcoming events relating to braille, such as training opportunities, conferences, technology displays, accessible art exhibitions and ABA meetings. See http://brailleaustralia.org/events/.
Facebook Page
As of February 2020, the ABA Facebook page had over 880 followers. Our typical follower is female (77%) and Australian (61%).
The most popular posts this year were:
Braille fail (unisex accessible lift) – 2.7k Onkyo Braille competition announcement – 1.2k Thanks to Fox Creek Wines for sponsorship and provision of wine (with braille labels)
at SPEVI Conference – 1.1k World Braille Day – 1.1k Blindfolded Twister available with tactile symbols 1.1k Congratulations to Tom Macmahon, awarded Tammy Axelson Lifetime Achievement
Award 1k Braille fail (centred braille dots on a toilet sign) - 950
It should be noted that our love of braille fails has a more serious side, and has led to raised awareness of braille signage standards. Australian Building Codes require uncontracted braille at key access points, however there is no requirement for signs to be checked by a braille reader. If you find a braille fail, please alert the building owner, ask them to contact the signage company and provide contact details for ABA or a local organisation that can assist with proofreading.
Ozbrl
Ozbrl is the primary channel for communications from the Australian Braille Authority, as well as a place where anyone can ask or respond to questions about braille and post information about braille-related events. Official messages of relevance from Round Table are also posted to Ozbrl.
In December 2019, Ozbrl was migrated to the groups.io platform due to the closure of some services on Yahoogroups where the mailing list previously resided. All existing subscribers were sent an invitation to the new list and have joined. We always welcome new members.
If you wish to subscribe, please send a message to [email protected].
The Australian Braille Authority extends sincere thanks to Bruce Maguire for establishing and maintaining the Ozbrl list on Yahoogroups for so many years.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Publications
DBT Producer's Manual
The DBT Producer's Manual (2011) was published after the release of DBT 11.1. Now that DBT 12.4 SR1 has been released, there are some aspects of the manual, which are out-of-date. These summaries of changes in later versions are available for download from the ABA website at http://brailleaustralia.org/about-braille/duxbury-braille-translator-producers-manual-2011/. We encourage DBT users in Australia to notify us of any further changes.
Guidelines for transcription of foreign language material
An introduction to ABA’s newest publication was conducted at the workshop last year and the examples included in the presentation were found most helpful by conference attendees. This document can be found on the Braille Australia website. We welcome feedback and input from transcribers producing materials in languages other than English. Thank you to Kathy for initiating the creation of this very useful resource and for her coordination and collation of the finished document.
Proficiency in Unified English Braille
The Trans-Tasman examination is made up of three sections: a proofreading passage, translation from print to braille and translation from braille to print. Each year the exam is held during the first two weeks of October. 2019 welcomes three successful candidates now holding Proficiency Certificates. Thank you to Tristan Clare who completed the mark-up and formatting for touch readers, Kathy and SASVI for collating packages for candidates, and to Josie and her team for undertaking the marking of papers.
Braille Music in Australia
On the ABA Directory of Products and Services page, we have a list of braille music transcribers who are available to except transcription requests.
A successful National Braille Music camp was held in the 2019 June-July school holidays. The absence of Music Director Ben Clarke last year was a big change for camp, however two young university students took the bulk of the choir conducting and a very enjoyable camp was held, culminating in the Friday night showcase concert.
Josie Howse made life member of SPEVI
ABA extends our congratulations to Josie Howse, ABA executive member and coordinator of the Trans-Tasman Examination in Australia, who was awarded Honorary Life Membership of SPEVI in recognition of her significant contribution to the field of vision impairment in Australia and internationally during the past 41 years. In bestowing Honorary Life Membership, SPEVI recognises Josie’s passion for education and braille literacy for children who learn by touch.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Another tactile bank note in circulation
Instigated by Connor McLeod who launched a successful change.org petition in 2014, Australian bank notes are now recognisable by touch. The fourth tactile bank note was added to our currency in October 2019. The $20.00 displays three small tactile bumps along both edges running lengthwise. This follows the $50.00, which was released in 2018.
International Involvement
International Council on English Braille Executive Committee
The International Council on English Braille coordinates and promotes the use of braille throughout the English-speaking world. ICEB developed Unified English Braille and continues to oversee its use, improvement and documentation.
Australia is a proud and active member country of ICEB, with support from the Round Table. The other member countries are Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, USA and the United Kingdom.
Leona Holloway has served as Australia’s representative to the ICEB Executive over the last four years, in the role of Public Relations Officer.
ICEB was scheduled to hold its 7th General Assembly in May 2020, hosted by UKAAF and RNIB at Google’s Academy London. Unfortunately, increasing concerns regarding international travel and mass gatherings COVID-19 meant that the event could not take place as planned. The Assembly is now planned to take place in October 2020, hopefully in person in London but otherwise as a virtual meeting.
A new Executive for ICEB will be appointed for the next four year term in October. After Chairs have been appointed or reappointed to Committees, each member country’s Braille Authority will be asked to consider their appointment of one delegate for each Committee for voting and interested observers to assist. The Australian Braille Authority warmly invites our members to consider becoming involved at this international level.
ICEB Music Committee
Jordie and her committee have populated the music committee webpage outlining the way in which member countries are using braille music and technology and music programs.
The ICEB braille music page can be found at http://iceb.org/music.html.
UEB Codes Maintenance
The UEB Code Maintenance Committee is responsible for updates to the Unified English Braille code and documentation on its rules for use. Ever since its inception, the Committee has been ably Chaired by Phyllis Landon of Canada. Leona Holloway is Australia’s representative and Kathy Riessen has made significant contributions as an observer.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
The most important work done by the CMC this year was discussion and resolution regarding representation of apostrophes and quotation marks in braille. Rule 7.6 is now revised and available on the ICEB website for immediate use. The concept of non-specific quotes has been abolished in favour of lower h and lower j for double quotation marks, preceded by a dot 6 for single quotation marks. It is permissible to swap the symbols for double and single quotes when single quotation marks are predominant, as with the majority of texts in Australia. Clear guidance has also been provided for automated translation. We are extremely glad to have dealt with this contentious issue. Thanks are extended to Kathy Riessen and Joe Sullivan of Duxbury Systems for their clear and thoughtful proposals that made major contributions to the deliberations.
There has also been discussion of the issue of medial capitals in shortforms, but without reaching a final revised rule. It has been agreed that DeafBlind should be permitted as a shortform.
Updates to the Rules for UEB have been published on the website, as a PDF/Word/BRF file for download, and are available for purchase in hard copy from RNIB.
A smaller group is working on updates to the Guidelines on Technical Materials. In the revised rule 1.8 on omission marks in mathematical expressions is almost complete, however there is still some discussion over the issue of the visible space.
Braille Technology Committee
This year, progress has continued with the LibLouis UEB correction and proofing project. James Bowden and a small team of volunteers made substantial changes and corrections to the LibLouis UEB Braille tables, both in forward and back translation to benefit all those systems, which rely on LibLouis.
The committee also plans to approach screenreader manufacturers to address the absence of font attributes delivered (such as bold, italics, underline) when using UEB and LibLouis with braille display technology.
Christo de Klerk is working on production of an Afrikaans table for LibLouis.
This year saw Commercial Production and availability of the Canute 360 standalone desktop multi-line Braille display. It is suitable for reading straight text only, not diagrams or other tactile graphics.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee works to share the work of ICEB and to promote braille for literacy, access, education, employment and daily living skills. Leona Holloway is the Chair of the Public Relations Committee and Australia’s representative. This news is shared through a quarterly newsletter, the iceb-announce listserv, Facebook and Twitter. For links, please refer to http://iceb.org/icontact.htm. Over the past year, the work of Australians and the Australian Braille Authority was shared through the ICEB newsletter with articles on the 2020 SPEVI Conference, the National Braille Music Camp, Tricia d’Apice’s research into braille reading rates, Monash University’s research into art gallery accessibility, UEB Online for math, and the 2019 Round Table Conference.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Research Committee
The ICEB Research Committee is led by Dr Frances Mary d’Andrea from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Australia’s representative is Emily White of Melbourne University and the Statewide Vision Resource Centre. The Committee operates via listserv, sharing news of braille research published through conferences and journals. On average, 2 or 3 emails are sent per month. We look forward to the Committee’s report on the state of braille research, to be presented at the ICEB General Assembly in October.
Conclusion
ABA has enjoyed a particularly strong year in braille promotion and advocacy and I am inspired by the commitment I see in our members as we work together to strengthen the awareness of braille in Australia. A large ABA presence attended the SPEVI conference where braille literacy focused heavily: presentations included a poster presented by Kathy Riessen outlining the roles of ABA and BANZAT. We look forward to developing connections made at the conference. Regional Braille Forums continue their work and meetings have good attendance rates. The ABA website remains a vital and current resource and our directory of services is well utilised by people searching for braille producers and products, New sections have also been added this year including Braille in Public Spaces and Two Honour Rolls paying tribute to Australian and International past leaders in braille. We also congratulate three successful candidates who completed the trans-Tasman certificate.
We come to the end of a two-year term for our committee and my second term as chair. I would like to thank the ABA executive for your continued dedication to braille, contributions during meetings and your support as we collaborate to promote and celebrate braille. I trust that you will all continue this work and involvement with ABA in whatever capacity you can give. I would also like to extend thanks to the President of the Round Table, Sonali Marathe, the Administration Officer, Marjorie Hawkings and the Round Table Executive for your support of ABA, the work of ICEB, and also to me as Chair.
Jordie HowellChairAustralian Braille Authority
Round Table Annual Report 2019
FinanceReport of the Treasurer - for the financial year ending 31 December 2019
It is with pleasure that I present to you my report on the Round Table finances for the year ending 31 December 2019.
Introductory Comments
2019 was a healthy year for Round Table’s finances. As you will read in the financial details below, the organisation enjoyed a surplus – with income exceeding expenditure by $10,730.73, which was up on last year’s surplus of $2,523.52. This is after all the income and expenditure for the year plus adjustments for income and expenditure, which should be allocated to 2020 activities, is accounted for.
This gives us a useful cushion, as we know that 2020 will be a challenging year financially, owing to predicted additional costs in connection with the quadrennial assembly of the International Council on English Braille. Round Table is fully committed to enabling the Australian Braille Authority to be fully represented at this strategically vital forum.
As in previous years, it is worth noting that Round Table’s income comes predominantly from two main sources: the annual subscriptions paid by Round Table member organisations and any surplus we are able to earn from our annual conference. Every cent of that income goes back into Round Table’s annual programme of work, so that it is able to run a successful conference in future years, produce and maintain guidelines on accessible information, and under-take all the other activities which you will read about in this Annual Report.
I made the same comment in last year’s annual report, but I feel it is essential to remind members of this fact so that everyone understands the importance of renewing their membership and sending people to conference.
2019 was the second year of Round Table’s contribution to the exciting accessible 3D printing research programme, led by our colleagues at Monash University. Round Table remains proud to be associated with this project. We can already see the first signs of how this project will lead to new innovations and developments in this increasingly important aspect of accessible information. Round Table is making in-kind and financial contributions to support this project over three years. In 2019, we were greatly appreciative of a donation by one of our member organisations, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI), which assisted us to make our financial contribution to the project. We hope that others will follow their example in 2020.
Thanks
To the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services (DSS) which again provided funding to assist the attendance and participation of individuals with print disability at the 2019 Round Table conference.
Round Table Annual Report 2019
To our President, Sonali Marathe, and to all my fellow Executive Committee members who have provided support and guidance in many areas of decision making in relation to financial matters.
To Melinda Nota of VisAbility who has continued to provide Round Table with advice and assistance throughout 2019. Melinda's expertise is always greatly appreciated.
Finally, and most importantly, enormous thanks are due to the Round Table Administration Officer, Marjorie Hawkings. Marjorie expertly deals with all the day-to-day financial affairs of Round Table. She does this deftly, ensuring that all issues are navigated skilfully. Marjorie liaises with the President, the Treasurer and with Melinda Nota whenever necessary and maintains Round Table's accounts in an exemplary manner, enabling me to make a full presentation to the executive committee each month on the state of our organisation’s finances.
I present this report for the information of the membership and move its adoption.
Neil JarvisTreasurer
Round Table Annual Report 2019
Round Table Balance Sheet Statementas at 31 December 2019
2019 2018
Assets
Current Assets
Cash On Hand
Cheque Account $33,341.83 $24,587.54
Business Maximiser Account $22,980.10 $22,924.33
Total Cash On Hand $56,321.93 $47,511.87
Total Current Assets $56,321.93 $47,511.87
ABA Funding Loan $200.00 $200.00
Other Assets
Prepayments -$5,251.27 $-7,053.27
Total Other Assets -$5,251.27 $-7,053.27
Total Assets $51,270.66 $40,658.60
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
GST Liabilities
GST Collected $9,726.13 $10,241.41
GST Paid -$6,980.40 $-7,377.01
Total Current Liabilities $2,745.73 $2,864.40
Total Liabilities $2,745.73 $2,864.40
Net Assets $48,524.93 $37,794.20
Equity
Retained Earnings $9,112.12 $6,588.60
Current Year Surplus/Deficit $10,730.73 $2,523.52
Historical Balancing $28,682.08 $28,682.08
Total Equity $48,524.93 $37,794.20
Round Table Profit & Loss Statement1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019
2019 2018
Income
Conference $74,757.54 $65,421.59
Membership $15,865.23 $14,717.50
Interest Received $72.56 $108.51
Braille Proficiency Tests $490.00 $560.00
ICEB Meeting Attendance contribution $0.00 $1,581.82
Special Projects – 3D Member contribution $5,000.00 $11,545.45
Total Income $96,185.33 $93,942.65
Expenses
Bank Fees $40.15 $72.64
PayPal Fees $1,182.97 $1,042.65
Executive expenses $10,587.33 $11,032.76
Admin support $10,292.00 $9,982.00
Conference $50,683.06 $52,976.92
Insurance $976.58 $950.47
Xero Accounting $518.16 $64.07
Internet, Website & List serve $757.60 $661.88
Post - Phone - Fax $156.60 $9.09
Memberships $781.08 $613.62
Travel $479.07 $1,160.31
ICEB Meeting attendance expenses $0.00 $2,822.06
Special Projects – 3D ARC Monash University $9,000.00 $10,000.00
Total Expenses $85,454.60 $91,419.13
Net Surplus / (Deficit) $10,730.73 $2,523.52
Round Table Annual Report 2019 29
List of MembersAccessible Information and Communications LimitedEmail: [email protected]
Australian Publishers AssociationEmail: [email protected]
Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ)Email: [email protected]
Blind Citizens AustraliaEmail: [email protected]
Blind Low Vision NZEmail: [email protected]
Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust (BANZAT)Email: [email protected]
Catholic Education, Diocese of ParramattaEmail: [email protected]
Centre for Inclusive DesignEmail: [email protected]
Christian Services for the BlindEmail: [email protected]
Copyright AgencyEmail: [email protected]
Department of Education and Training, Victoria, Statewide Vision Resource Centre Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Department of Education and Training, Western Australia, Vision ImpairmentEmail: [email protected]
Department of Education, New South WalesEmail: [email protected]
Department of Education, Northern Territory, Vision Resource Centre, School Support ServicesEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Department of Education, Tasmania, Vision Impairment ServicesEmail: [email protected]
Department of Education, Training and Employment Queensland, Alternative Format LibraryEmail: [email protected]
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Griffith UniversityEmail: [email protected]
Guide Dogs NSW / ACTEmail: [email protected]
Information AlternativesEmail: [email protected]
KC & the Graphics BandwagonEmail: [email protected]
Macquarie UniversityEmail: [email protected]
Queensland Braille Writing AssociationEmail: [email protected]
Queensland Narrating ServiceEmail: [email protected]
Queensland University of Technology, Equity ServicesEmail: [email protected]
Royal Institute for Deaf & Blind ChildrenEmail: [email protected]
Royal Society for the Blind of SA IncEmail: [email protected]
RPH AustraliaEmail: [email protected]
St Edmunds School for Students with Vision Impairment and Other Special NeedsEmail: [email protected]
South Australian School for Vision ImpairedEmail: [email protected]
South Pacific Educators of the Vision ImpairedEmail: [email protected] and [email protected]
VisAbilityEmail: [email protected]
Vision AustraliaEmail: [email protected]
Round Table Annual Report 2019 31
