For Immediate Release
09 December, 2024 –the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) is delighted to announce the completion of the third edition of The Rules of Unified English Braille, superseding the second edition published in 2013.
This edition introduces several new features including:
- a comprehensive index of all rules;
- use of Unicode braille patterns for all examples; and
- the addition of many more cross references.
All changes to the UEB code since 2013 have been incorporated into this new edition. In particular:
- the rules and terminology for quotation marks and apostrophes have been rewritten to facilitate more accurate automated translation;
- medial capitals are now permitted around shortforms, e.g. DeafBlind, QuickTime, and LetterWriter;
- new symbols have been added for the checkmark (tick) and German sharp s (eszett);
- a clarification that the contraction for ‘th’ should be used in the name Beethoven has been added;
- a word followed by the line indicator may now be brailled in contracted form;
- the line indicator may now be used to indicate a column break in a table; and
- a small number of words have been added to the Shortforms List.
Matthew Horspool, Code Maintenance Officer, said: “The completion of this edition of the Rulebook would not have been possible without the hard work of innumerable individuals, many of whom contributed their time voluntarily. I wish to thank them for making this significant milestone possible. I am confident that it will serve us well for many years to come.”
Judy Dixon, President, said: “The importance of a consistent, rational braille code cannot be overstated. UEB’s reach is now extending to countries whose primary language is not English but where English is widely used. Several such countries have expressed interest in joining ICEB and we welcome their participation as we enter the next phase of UEB development.”
The Rules of Unified English Braille, Third Edition is available for download in print (PDF) and braille (BRF) from www.iceb.org and is made available under the Creative Commons license.
Contact
Judy Dixon, President
Notes
The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) was formed in 1991 and provides a forum for international cooperation among those countries that use English-language braille by assisting countries to establish standard-setting bodies in relation to braille codes and practices; working towards the development and adoption of international minimum standards for the production and teaching of braille; and facilitating the exchange of braille materials between member countries. Its members currently include braille authorities from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Nepal, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To learn more about ICEB, visit www.iceb.org or write to [email protected].
The Rules of Unified English Braille is the definitive source of rules for the Unified English Braille code (UEB), which is maintained by ICEB and adopted by braille authorities throughout the English-speaking world.