Braille Formats
Principles of Print-to-Braille
Transcription, 2016

Developed Under the Sponsorship of the
Braille Authority of North America

Published by
The Braille Authority of North America

This material may be duplicated, but not altered or sold.

ISBN: 978-0-9859473-8-5 (Print)
ISBN: 978-0-9859473-9-2 (Braille)

Printed by the American Printing House for the Blind. Copies may be purchased from:

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-3148
502-895-2405 • 800-223-1839
www.aph.org
info@aph.org
Catalog Number: 7-09653-00

The mission and purpose of the Braille Authority of North America are to assure literacy for tactile readers through the standardization of braille and/or tactile graphics. BANA promotes and facilitates the use, teaching, and production of braille. It publishes rules, interprets, and renders opinions pertaining to braille in all existing codes. It deals with codes now in existence or to be developed in the future, in collaboration with other countries using English braille. In exercising its function and authority, BANA considers the effects of its decisions on other existing braille codes and formats; the ease of production by various methods; and acceptability to readers.

For more information and resources, visit www.brailleauthority.org/.

Braille Authority of North America (BANA Members)

Alternate Text Production Center of the California Community Colleges (ATPC)
American Council of the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind
American Printing House for the Blind
Associated Services for the Blind
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
California Transcribers and Educators for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind)
Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB)
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Horizons for the Blind
National Braille Association
National Braille Press
National Federation of the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Perkins School for the Blind

Associate Members

Braille Institute of America
Crawford Technologies
T-Base Communications

Preface to 2016 Format
Preface to 2011 Formats
Acknowledgements
Section 1 Basic Principles and General Formats

1.1 Fundamentals
1.2 Technical and Specialized Materials
1.3 Partially Technical Works
1.4 Definitions, Format, and Terminolog
1.5 Formatting for Magazines or Newsletters in Noninstructional Material
1.6 Volume Information.
1.7 Page Size, Line Length, and Line Spacing
1.8 Titles and Running Heads
1.9 Paragraph Format
1.10 Word Division
1.11 Print Page Numbers
1.12 Material Printed Across Facing Pages
1.13 Letter/Number or Number/Number Combinations
1.14 Numeric and Alphabetic Print Page Numbers
1.15 Braille Page Numbers.
1.16 Foreign Material in English Context
1.17 Volume Labels
1.18 Samples

Section 2 Transcriber-Generated Pages and Front Matter

2.1 Fundamentals
2.2 Transcriber-Generated Page Basics
2.3 Title Pages
2.4 Second and Subsequent Title Pages
2.5 Special Symbols Page
2.6 Transcriber's Notes Page
2.7 Front Matter Basics.
2.8 Book Covers and Jackets
2.9 Dedications and Acknowledgements
2.10 Table of Contents
2.11 Other Front Matter
2.12 Body Matter
2.13 Samples

Section 3 Transcriber's Notes

3.1 Fundamentals
3.2 Format
3.3 Placement of Transcriber's Notes
3.4 Technical Codes
3.5 Sample

Section 4 Headings

4.1 Fundamentals
4.2 Heading Hierarchy.
4.3 General Provisions for Centered, Cell-5, and Cell-7 Headings
4.4 Centered Headings.
4.5 Cell-5 Headings
4.6 Cell-7 Headings
4.7 Marginal Headings.
4.8 Paragraph Headings.
4.9 Icons and Headings.
4.10 Lengthy Series of Headings
4.11 Reference Marks and Notes to Headings
4.12 Samples

Section 5 Typeforms

5.1 Fundamentals
5.2 Distinctive Typefaces and Font Attributes
5.3 When Print Font Attributes May Be Ignored
5.4 Retaining Font Attributes
5.5 Color, Highlighting, and Other Print Fonts
5.6 Font Emphasis for One or More Paragraphs
5.7 Emphasized Letters within a Word
5.8 Multiple Emphasis in Exercise Material
5.9 Words Enclosed in Shapes
5.10 Samples

Section 6 Illustrative Materials

6.1 Fundamentals
6.2 Format
6.3 Descriptions
6.4 Omitted Illustrations
6.5 Concept Maps, Graphic Organizers, Idea Webs
6.6 Flowcharts
6.7 Forms
6.8 Genealogical and Ancestral Charts
6.9 Organizational Charts
6.10 Timelines
6.11 When a Tactile Graphic Is Not Produced
6.12 Screenshots
6.13 Slide Presentations.
6.14 Samples

Section 7 Boxed Material

7.1 Fundamentals
7.2 Blank Lines
7.3 Boxes
7.4 The Relationship Between Text and Boxes on Facing Print Pages
7.5 Different Colored Boxes
7.6 Boxes within Boxes.
7.7 Samples

Section 8 Lists

8.1 Fundamentals
8.2 Simple Embedded Lists
8.3 Simple Vertical Lists
8.4 Simple Lists in Columns
8.5 Nested Lists
8.6 Bulleted Lists
8.7 Lists with Only Some Items Bulleted
8.8 Outlines
8.9 Annotated Lists
8.10 Samples

Section 9 Displayed Material, Attributions, and Source Information.

9.1 Fundamentals
9.2 Format for Displayed Material
9.3 Epigraphs
9.4 Attributions
9.5 Source Citations and Permission to Copy
9.6 Cross-References and Incidental Notes
9.7 Correspondence and Diary Entries
9.8 Samples

Section 10 Exercise Material

10.1 Fundamentals
10.2 Blank Lines
10.3 Directions
10.4 Exercise Questions
10.5 Write-on-Lines Before or After Questions
10.6 Write-on-Lines within Sentences
10.7 Displayed Text in Exercise Material
10.8 Exercise Examples, Sample Questions with Answers
10.9 Matching
10.10 True/False Exercises
10.11 Formats for Pictures in Exercise Material
10.12 Samples

Section 11 Tables and Related Columns

11.1 Fundamentals
11.2 Table Basics
11.3 Table Headings
11.4 Column Headings
11.5 Row Headings
11.6 Column Entries
11.7 Techniques for Shortening Column Width
11.8 Keying Long Entries.
11.9 Skeleton and Partially Filled-In Tables
11.10 Omitted Portion of Print Table
11.11 Graphics with Identified Values
11.12 Wide Tables
11.13 Wide Tables: Facing Pages
11.14 Wide Tables: Vertical Division
11.15 Wide Tables: Interchanged Columns and Rows
11.16 Wide Tables: Listed Table Format
11.17 Wide Tables: Linear Table Format
11.18 Wide Tables: Stairstep Table Format
11.19 Samples

Section 12 Sidebars

12.1 Fundamentals
12.2 Identifying Sidebars.
12.3 Formatting Sidebars.
12.4 Samples

Section 13 Poetry and Song Lyrics

13.1 Fundamentals
13.2 Poetry within Narrative Text
13.3 Poetry in Stanza or Verse Form
13.4 Separation of Stanzas.
13.5 Shape Poetry
13.6 Poems with Irregular Lines of Poetry
13.7 Prose Poetry
13.8 Reference Marks and Notes in Poetry
13.9 Scansion, Accent, and Meter
13.10 Hymnals and Songbooks.
13.11 Titles, Hymn or Song Numbers
13.12 Samples

Section 14 Plays, Cartoons, and Graphic Novels

14.1 Fundamentals
14.2 Cast of Characters
14.3 Scene Settings
14.4 Stage Directions
14.5 Prose Plays
14.6 Verse Plays
14.7 Mixed Prose and Verse Plays
14.8 Conclusion of Play
14.9 Interviews
14.10 Cartoons
14.11 Graphic Novels
14.12 Samples

Section 15 Line-Numbered and Line-Lettered Text

15.1 Fundamentals
15.2 Margin-Numbered Paragraphs
15.3 General Provisions for Line-Numbered Text
15.4 Line-Numbered Prose.
15.5 Line-Numbered Poetry.
15.6 Interspersed Line-Numbered Prose and Verse
15.7 Poetic Rhyme Scheme.
15.8 Counted Words
15.9 Verse-Numbered Texts in Religious Material
15.10 Samples

Section 16 Notes.

16.1 Fundamentals
16.2 Print Reference Marks.
16.3 Emphasis Used to Identify Reference Marks
16.4 Notes without a Reference Mark
16.5 Notes
16.6 Gloss Notes in Foreign Language Texts
16.7 Miscellaneous Notes Issues
16.8 Notes in Tables and Columned Material
16.9 Endnotes
16.10 Heavily Annotated Materials
16.11 Keying Technique for Marginal Labels
16.12 Samples

Section 17 Spelling Lists and Activities

17.1 Fundamentals
17.2 Spelling Word Lists
17.3 Word Lists Used with Activities
17.4 Word Lists with Partial Emphasis
17.5 Marked Words in a List
17.6 Definition Lists
17.7 Word Lists in Foreign Language Texts
17.8 Syllabified Words
17.9 Blanks and Omissions
17.10 Intentional Errors
17.11 Crossed-Out Letters
17.12 Insertions
17.13 Nonalphabetical Signs
17.14 Samples

Section 18 Grammar

18.1 Fundamentals
18.2 Emphasized Capital Letters
18.3 Punctuation
18.4 Nonalphabetical Signs
18.5 Words or Abbreviations Printed above Sentences
18.6 Proofreading Marks and Edited Copy
18.7 Linear Sentence Diagramming
18.8 Spatial Sentence Diagrams with Arrows
18.9 Spatial Sentence Diagramming
18.10 Samples

Section 19 Codes and Puzzles

19.1 Fundamentals
19.2 Number, Letter, and Other Puzzle Codes
19.3 Words in Code
19.4 Morse Code
19.5 Crossword Puzzles
19.6 Word Puzzles and Letter Searches
19.7 Sudoku
19.8 Samples

Section 20 Pronunciation

20.1 Fundamentals
20.2 Pronunciation Basics
20.3 Simple Pronunciation
20.4 Diacritic Pronunciation
20.5 Instructional Content
20.6 Reference Sections with Syllabification and/or Pronunciations
20.7 Pronunciation and Summary Keys
20.8 Samples

Section 21 Alphabetic References

21.1 Fundamentals
21.2 General Format for Alphabetic References
21.3 Guide Words
21.4 Indexes
21.5 References without Syllabification or Pronunciation
21.6 Glossaries
21.7 Thesauruses
21.8 Dictionaries and Facsimiles
21.9 Alphabetic References in Foreign Language Materials
21.10 Samples

Section 22 Bibliographies

22.1 Fundamentals
22.2 Bibliography Format
22.3 Annotated Bibliographies

Appendix A Changes and Amendments
Appendix B Agency Decisions
Appendix C Blank Lines
Appendix D Foreign Language Symbols
Appendix E Interpoint Guidelines
Appendix F Glossary for Transcribers
Appendix G Symbols and Indicators
Index

Preface to 2016 Formats

This updated edition of Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011 has been created to bring Braille Formats into line with Unified English Braille (UEB).

With the implementation of UEB, some of the guidelines set forth in Braille Formats, 2011 no longer applied and some just needed to be tweaked a bit. As you read through and apply these guidelines, you will find that you agree with some of the decisions made and you will not agree with others. This document was a study in compromise for the committee. We did our best to provide clear, concise guidelines that will allow readers to most accurately receive the information provided in a braille transcription.

As you use this document, please note that sample transcriber's notes are just that—samples. They are intended to be used as a guide when writing notes in transcriptions. The exact wording shown in the samples may or may not need to be adjusted to apply to the specific document you are transcribing. Please carefully consider what the note says before including it in any text.

I'd like to thank the committee members for their input and help.

Cindi Laurent, Chair (2014–2016)
Marilyn Breedlove (2015–2016)
Randy Davis (2015–2016)
Dena Garrett (2003–2015)
Tina S. Herzberg, Ph.D. (2014–2016)
Norma MacDonald (2014–2016)
Susan Spicknall (2015–2016)
Dorothy Worthington (2007–2016)
Constance Risjord, Consultant (2014–2016)
Saul Garza, BANA Board Liaison (2015–2016)

Preface to 2011 Formats

This new edition of Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011 is more than a revision of the 1997 edition. Extensive changes have been made, and this book now supersedes all previous editions and updates. A partial list of the changes may be found in Appendix A.

The original intent of this revision was that English Braille American Edition would be revised at the same time and that all of the formatting decisions for both literary and technical materials would be covered in this document. As EBAE is not yet complete there will be a period during which they overlap. Where there are conflicts follow Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011.
Another guideline which is nearing completion is the revised Foreign Language Guidelines for Braille Transcription. Again, during the overlapping period, where there are conflicts follow Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011.

The basic philosophy behind the changes in Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011 is simplicity. Decisions were based on readability and comprehension for braille readers. It is expected that these guidelines will be applied unless a situation is not covered. Making the guidelines straightforward allows transcribers to make decisions when confronted with material not specifically addressed within these sections. BANA made the decision that this document is to serve as a set of guidelines. The choice of the word Section as a heading has its roots in the idea that this document is a set of guidelines, and there is not a hard and fast rule for everything encountered in print. The committee tried to make Braille Formats as simple to follow as possible, to eliminate exceptions, and to minimize cross references. Repetition of some material keeps cross references to a minimum.

We have asked the braille readers on the committee to add a rationale at the beginning of most of the sections to explain why we have made the changes. It is called the Braille Reader's Perspective.

The changes in the layout to Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2011 are obvious immediately.

Presentation of Guidelines. Each section is complete, with few references to other sections. A hierarchy of information is used to present basic material first, followed by more detailed concepts.

Decimal Numbering. The change in numbering connects all elements of the sections and subsections.

Examples. Short examples are embedded within the guidelines and longer examples at the end of each section. This allows the reader to see how the guidelines are intended to be used and eliminates the need to hunt through full-page examples for a few lines.

Sectional Page Numbering. This new page numbering provides a way for updates to be added to Braille Formats more easily.

Appendices. There are several appendices covering blank lines, foreign language symbols, interpoint guidelines, agency decisions, and a glossary

There are four major format changes from the 1997 edition.

Braille Page Numbering. A distinction is made between transcriber inserted pages and print pages, which allows us to retain front matter print page order.

Headings. A new heading level accommodates the need for additional distinction in today's textbooks.

Nested Lists. All multilevel lists are formatted the same and the principles apply for all situations. Each level is indented two cells, with all runovers in the same cell. Readers report that as soon as they get to the first runover line they know how many levels they are reading. This avoids confusion with clashing indent and runovers in the same cell.

Footnotes. Most footnotes are now at the end of the print page. This enables the flow of thought to be preserved. There is a new generic footnote indicator which will be used with all types of footnotes.

Lynnette Taylor, Chair (1998-2011)
Deborah Brown (1998-2011)
Susan Christensen (2001-2011)
Dena Garrett (2003-2011)
Debbie Gillespie (1998-2011)
Ann Kelt (1999-2011)
Sandy Smith (2000-2011)
Dorothy Worthington (2007-2011)

Acknowledgements

As chair of the Braille Formats Technical Committee of BANA I would like to thank the committee members, consultants, and BANA reviewers for their help in getting this document completed. Special recognition goes to Constance Risjord for her help with grammar and wording issues. I learned a lot through this process, not the least of which is that it takes a village to produce a document of this size!

Cindi Laurent

Braille Formats Principles of Print-to-Braille Transcription, 2016

Table of Contents

Preface to 2016 Formats

Preface to 2011 Formats

Acknowledgements

Braille Formats
Principles of Print-to-Braille
Transcription, 2016