More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC)
The IERC is a statewide, centralized depository of specialized formats for school-age students who are blind or visually impaired enrolled in local education agencies. These formats include braille and large print instructional materials, as well as tangible aids and equipment specifically designed for use by students with visual impairments.
The IERC collaborates with the PATINS Project, Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) for the provision of services. Request for instructional materials, for school-age students who are blind or have low vision, are submitted to the ICAM by the LEA appointed Digital Right’s Managers (DRM) and are processed by the IERC. All materials are provided at no cost to eligible students and are on loan to the ordering local education agencies. In addition to the centralized, statewide depository, the IERC also houses and manages a Braille Transcription Project and oversees the Miami Accessible Media Project located at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Indiana Education Resource Center Brochure
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Mail:
Attn: IERC
Administrative Office of the ISBVI
5050 E. 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 554-2740
Toll-free: (800) 833-2198
Fax: (317) 475-9181
eMail:
IERCEmail@isbvik12.org
More IERC Practice
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
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Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should braille and large print instructional materials be ordered?
All textbook orders for the upcoming school year should be ordered by April 15 of the current school year if possible. Order all textbooks titles you know that the student will require. It takes a minimum of 4 months for new braille transcriptions and 3 months for production of large print/accessible files, sometimes longer during the summer peak order season.
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Is there a cost to borrow materials from the IERC?
LEA's do not have to pay for the materials received from the IERC. Materials are provided through Federal Quota dollars and Part B discretionary funds and are on loan to the LEA's. All items are tracked and LEA's are accountable for the return of materials to the IERC when the student has finished using them.
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Why do you need the ISBN number on textbook orders?
The ISBN or International Standard Book Number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Prior to 2007, it was a ten-digit number. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. This number helps the IERC pin-point the exact textbook information. Read more about ISBN numbers here.
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Sometimes classroom teachers provide the wrong textbook information to me and I order the wrong large print or braille book. If the IERC provides the book I have ordered, but it is the wrong title or edition, will they provide a second, corrected copy?
Only if we have it in our collection, ready to loan. We will not purchase a second copy as these items are very costly. It is the responsibility of the LEA to insure the accuracy of the order information prior to placing the order the first time. The IERC will provide the LEA with commercial sources where they can purchase the materials directly if needed.
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Does the IERC supply magnifiers, CCTV's or other non-APH materials?
No. The LEA's will need to purchase these materials directly from the commercial vendors. The LEA's may want to contact the PATINS Project Lending Library for product information or possible equipment loan. https://www.patinsproject.org/
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May DRM's order more that one copy of a braille or large print textbook for a student?
The IERC will provide one set of textbooks in braille or large print. It is the LEA's responsibility to provide a second copy if it has been documented as a need on the student's individualized education plan. The IERC's role is to assist the LEA's in the provision of accessible instructional materials.
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Are the materials ordered with federal quota dollars generated by my students the property of the school or do the materials need to be returned to the IERC?
Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them. It is the responsibility of the state's Ex Officio (IERC Director) to oversee the federal account, which includes the distribution, tracking, and re-loan of educational materials purchased with quota dollars. All federal quota dollars as well as materials purchased with those dollars must be accounted for.
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May the student consume braille and large print workbooks?
Workbooks or consumable textbooks ONLY may be consumed if needed. If materials are consumed, they must be accounted for during the annual inventory recall process as consumed so we can update our inventory accordingly.
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If my student moves in-state, but to another LEA, can I send his/her materials with them or do they need to be returned to the IERC?
All materials loaned to an LEA for use by a specific student must be returned to the IERC if the student moves to a different school corporation. It will be the responsibility of the DRM from the new school corporation to update the student information on the ICAM and to order materials required for use by the student enrolled in the new LEA.
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If borrowed braille and large print textbooks and specialized aids and equipment are not accounted for or returned to the IERC at the end of each school year, will the ordering district be charged for their replacement?
The local education agency is ultimately responsible for tracking and accounting for all ordered instructional materials purchased with state and federal dollars and loaned to them by the IERC at the end of each school year. The IERC reserves the right to charge the ordering local education agency for lost or unaccounted braille and large print books as well as specialized aids and equipment. For books with multiple volumes, the school district would be charged for the cost to replace the entire book, if the IERC cannot replace individual volumes.
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Why do I need to send two print copies of a textbook for production of transcription?
If textbooks ordered are not available in large print or braille, two original copies will be requested by the IERC for production or transcription from the LEA. One copy is torn apart during the production process and kept on site with the master and the second copy, used for proofreading, is returned to the school after production or transcription is complete. It is the responsibility of the local education agency to provide the requested print copies of the textbooks, not the IERC or the MAMP. The local education agency can choose not to send print copies to the IERC for production or transcription and can purchase directly from commercial sources if available.
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Why did the IERC send out a braille copy of the national edition of a book when the state edition was ordered?
In order to keep costs down and to prevent the transcription of a braille book already available, the IERC reserves the right to substitute the national edition of an ordered state edition if the publisher verifies that the national edition is classroom compatible with the state edition.
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Will the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) produce accessible versions of any textbook?
No. Only accessible derivative versions, as a result of the production of the hard copy large print or transcription of a braille textbook, will be made available in accessible formats as determined appropriate by the MAMP. Any accessible formats produced by the MAMP will appear in the ICAM during a search if the student has qualified for these specialized formats per their IEP.
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May large print and braille instructional materials be ordered directly from the Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)?
No. All orders for large print and braille instructional materials must go through the ICAM via the appointed DRM and then to the IERC for review and processing. All orders sent to MAMP originate from the IERC.
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Will the IERC provide textbooks of a religious nature for a students being served in parentally placed, non-public schools?
No. Per the Indiana State Code, we cannot expend federal dollars on the purchase or production of religious curriculum materials for use by students in parentally-placed, non-public schools, including those books from religious publishers. However, if the book is used as part of the local education agency curriculum and has been endorsed by the local education agency, we can provide those titles.
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Does the IERC provide older copyrights or editions of braille and large print textbooks?
The IERC reserves the right, dependent on funding, to not purchase older copyrights or editions of specialized braille and large print instructional materials. If the LEA requests an older copyright of a textbook in braille or large print, and the IERC is unable to purchase, the IERC will assist the LEA by researching available commercial vendors for procurement at the local level. Furthermore, if an LEA writes into a student's individualized education program (IEP) that braille and/or large print textbooks will be provided for a student, it shall not be the ultimate responsibility of the IERC to provide the braille and/or large print textbooks and materials.
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Will the IERC replace braille and large print instructional materials lost by districts?
Due to limited funds, the IERC cannot replace specialized instructional materials that have been purchased/shipped by the IERC and received at the LEA, then lost or misplaced at the local level.
IERC Staff
Leslie Durst
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ldurst@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Director
Betsy Scott
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267
bscott@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Braille Project Manager
Terry Harris
800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282
tharris@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Director, Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
Martha LaBounty
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
mlabounty@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Librarian
Nonna Cortez
800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750
ncortez@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
Braille Transcriber
Eric Kindler
800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740
ekindler@isbvik12.org
Specialty Areas
IERC Orders and Materials Specialist
Name | Specialty Areas | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Durst | IERC Director | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ldurst@isbvik12.org |
Betsy Scott | IERC Braille Project Manager | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, Ext. 267 | bscott@isbvik12.org |
Terry Harris | Director Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) | 800-833-2198 | 765-689-8920, ext. 6282 | tharris@isbvik12.org |
Martha LaBounty | IERC Librarian | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | mlabounty@isbvik12.org |
Nonna Cortez | Braille Transcriber | 800-833-2198 | 317-253-1481, ext. 750 | ncortez@isbvik12.org |
Eric Kindler | IERC Orders and Materials Specialist | 800-833-2198 | 317-554-2740 | ekindler@isbvik12.org |
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline
Unified English Braille
Timeline for Implementation in Indiana
Compiled by Indiana UEB Implementation Committee
August 21, 2014; Revised April 13, 2015; November 16, 2015
Unified English Braille Code
In November 2012, the Braille Authority of North Ameria (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while continuing the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The full motion is posted on the BANA website.
BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB). This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. For more information, view the official press release.
Indiana Statewide UEB Transition
Indiana has been actively working on the transition to UEB. A statewide stakeholders committee met in 2014 and 2015, and will continue to meet ongoing to further develop/refine Indiana’s state plan for UEB implementation and to guide the transition. The UEB Implementation Committee consists of representatives from the Statewide Resource Center, State AT Project, University Training Programs, Adult Services, Residential School and Outreach Staff, TBLV’s from around the state, Prison Braille Program, Braille Transcribers, and the Indiana Department of Education.
The Indiana UEB state plan was submitted to and approved by the Indiana Department of Education in September 2014. To date: transcribers have trained in the UEB and received their Canadian UEB certification. They are currently seeking U.S. national UEB certification; university programs have implemented UEB coursework for their teacher training programs; and workshops, conferences and webinars have and will be conducted for BLV teaching and paraprofessional staff.
Considerations for Math Code
UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
As a default, requests for instructional materials for subjects that require math code (i.e., science and mathematics), for all grades, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for mathematics. UEB will be provided in lieu of Nemeth Code only if the student’s IEP dictates UEB for math instruction. The Case Conference Committee (CCC) must determine if UEB or UEB with Nemeth better meets the instructional needs of the student.
When it is determined that braille is a consideration for the student who is blind, then the code for the instruction of math/technical subjects (Nemeth or UEB) will need to be specified and a written justification provided.
View “Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana” developed by the UEB Implementation Sub-Committee.
Timeline
The transition to UEB from EBAE in Indiana will be a six year plan, based on a school year calendar. It began with the 2013-2014 SY and will run through the 2018-2019 SY. Full implementation of the UEB (i.e. instruction, materials, assessment) is targeted for the 2018-2019 SY.
Each local education agency (LEA), based on the approved state timeline, will be responsible for developing a plan for implementation of the UEB at the local level to meet the full implementation UEB date. The Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) will work closely with LEA’s to best meet the educational braille needs of individual students.
Implementation of this timeline involves the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available.
Timeline Breakdown
2013-2014 SY
- Transcriber training.
- Research and begin drafting state plan.
2014-2015 SY
- Transcriber training and certification.
- Approval of a state plan for UEB implementation.
- Statewide UEB professional development for BLV teacher and paraprofessional staff (workshops, conferences, braille training, webinars and UEB resources).
January 2015
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2015-2016 school year, for Grades K-5.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2015
- IDOE provides state assessments in EBAE/Nemeth.
2015-2016 SY
September 2015
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in Grades K-5. Begin using available UEB materials.
January 2016
- IERC begins transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code, for the 2016-2017 school year, for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2016
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth as well as EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 3-5 and EBAE/Nemeth for Grades 6 and up.
2016-2017 SY
September 2016
- Teachers begin UEB instruction for students in grades 6 and up. Begin using available UEB materials.
JanuarY 2017
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
Spring 2017
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2017-2018 SY
September 2017
- Continue UEB instruction as needed for remaining students, move in and transfer students.
January 2018
- IERC continues transcription of braille requests, not previously transcribed in EBAE, in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
- Existing materials transcribed in EBAE will continue to be provided in EBAE.
- Transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC.
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth and EBAE/Nemeth for all grades.
2018-2019 SY
- Complete UEB transition. All school-age materials will be produced in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth. All students who read braille will be expected to access material produced in UEB.
- Based on availability of UEB, existing materials transcribed in EBAE may continue to be provided.
Spring 2019
- IDOE provides state assessments in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth for all grades.
UEB Trainings and Learning Opportunities
Training will be provided by the PASS (Promoting Achievement for Students with Sensory Loss) Project, Blumberg Center, Indiana State University in collaboration with the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) and the PATINS (Promoting Achievement Through Technology and Instruction for all Student) Project, through 2015. Additional trainings after 2015 will be provided as needed.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille (Fall 2014)
UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille was intended to educate and prepare teachers and staff in order to facilitate a smooth transition from EBAE to UEB. Six regional trainings provided a comparison of English Braille American Edition (EBAE) and UEB. Teachers and staff participated in hands-on exercises specific to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Introduction to Unified English Braille Webinar (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed as a resource and for those unable to attend the regional trainings.
- UEB Ready? ListServ (Fall 2014)
An e-mail discussion listserv has been created to provide a communication tool for teachers and staff to ask questions, share resources and strategies, and discuss important issues specific to the implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB). Transcribers, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other professionals working with students who utilize braille as their literacy mode are participating in this forum.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Directors of Special Education (Fall 2014)
A webinar was developed to address questions and concerns specific to Directors of Special Education in Indiana regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? A Supported Independent Study (Spring 2015 & Summer 2015)
The PASS Project in conjunction with Indiana State University offered a 13-week training program via distance education utilizing Blackboard. Participants in the program are using Ashcroft’s Programmed Instruction: Unified English Braille (API-UEB) as a guide to learning UEB. Throughout the program, instructors answered questions and provided feedback on quizzes prior to the final exam.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Technology (Spring 2015)
This training provided an opportunity for vendors to share information about technology that supports Unified English Braille (UEB). Participants were presented with the capabilities of various devices and how to utilize these devices with students thereby allowing teachers to make informed recommendations on the device(s) that will best meet the needs of students. This training was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision. Students and their parents are encouraged to attend.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Software (Spring 2015)
In this training, participants learned how to utilize the Duxbury Braille Translation software to become more efficient in their ability to transcribe and produce needed braille instructional materials in UEB. It was intended for Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision.
- UEB Ready? The Implementation of Unified English Braille in Indiana: A Webinar for Parents (Fall 2015)
A webinar was developed with parents in mind directly addressing their questions or concerns regarding the transition to UEB.
- UEB Ready? Teaching the Transition (Fall 2015)
This training provided strategies and resources to assist Indiana teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are blind or have low vision when teaching the transition from EBAE to UEB.
Resources
The IERC website will post UEB information, resources, and updates. UEB information can be found at the IERC website or by visiting the BANA website:
App List
Access Together, is an app designed to help people with disabilities locate accessible restaurants, shops and other venues in their communities. For more information, visit: http://www.accesstogether.org/.
AccessNote, an iOS notetaking app for the classroom from the American Foundation for the Blind, is available from the iTunes App store. Cost: $19.99. The app requires iOS 7.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. For more information visit iTunes.
Aipoly Vision (iOS, Free)- Aipoly is an object and color recognizer app that helps persons who are blind, visually impaired, and color blind to understand their surroundings. Simply point your phone at the object of interest and press the large toggle button at the bottom of the screen to turn on the artificial intelligence. Visit iTunes.
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Magic App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader. Visit http://www.ballyland.com/mobile/ballyland-magic-app.php for more information.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit iTunes. The user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App can be found at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.current.html.
Better Vision All-in-One Reading App is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that magnifies text, provides contrast and color filters to improve clarity, and can read text aloud. The Zoom-in Magnification enlarges text and images from 2x to 10x; the reading lamp works on mobile devices that have a built-in light function; the text-to-speech reads text aloud in four languages (English, German, Dutch, and Spanish); and the Contrast Enhancing Filters allow the choice of six color scheme settings, including high contrast white on black. Cost: $5.99 from the app store or on Play Google. For more information, click here.
Braille Driller- An app for people who want learn the Braille alphabet. Includes a review of the Braille alphabet and four activities of increasing difficulty. For use on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Braille Now - An app designed to teach sighted persons how to recognize the Braille letters a-z. For use on iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Braille Sonar - This app allows for the lookup of Contracted Braille symbols, somb basic computer braille symbols and Nemeth Code. Free from iTunes. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Color ID Free - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time. For use on iPad, iPod Touch(fourth generation and newer), iPad 2 and Android. Free from iTunes.
Color Identifier - Uses the camera on the iPhone or iPod touch to speak names of colors in real time.$4.99 from iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from iTunes.
Disney Movies Anywhere App - Every Pixar film is now available with Mobile Audio Description from Disney using the Disney Movies Anywhere app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-movies-anywhere-watch/id766894692?mt=8
DoItWrite is a clever $1.99 iOS app that helps blind users Learn to draw lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers for use with iOS 7's VoiceOver handwriting feature. Once shapes are learned, users can practice speed and accuracy with a fun game to blast characters as they tumble down the screen. Available through the App Store in iTunes. Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Dragon Dictation - Dictate message and Dragon types it out on the screen. Options include text message, email, copy-and-past, Facebook, and Twitter. Works on iPad, iPhone, and on second and third generation iPod Touch (external microphone required). Free from iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
EyeHope Magnifier - Turns iPhone into a powerful magnifier (1-100x magnification). Four high-contrast modes for low vision users. For use with iPhone or iPod Touch. $.99 from iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
Learning Ally Audio - Learning Ally members to download DAISY audio Learning Ally titles from onto iOS devices, i.e. iPad, iPhone and iPod. Membership is required. The app is free from iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
LookTel Money Reader - Identifies type of bills using the iPhone or iPod Touch. $9.99 from iTunes.
LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial App - Learn and Practice the Basic Gestures used with VoiceOver and iOS. For more information visit Applevis. App is free from iTunes.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit iTunes. http://mpaja.com/frontpage/MBraille
Optelec Magnifier App for iOS devices. The app provides basic magnification and high contrast functionality. The Optelec Magnifier App is free from iTunes.
Pocket Braille Reference - supports one symbol word contractions and one-letter word contractions. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Free from iTunes.
Read2Go - App from BookShare.org for iOS devices, i.e iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users to read Bookshare books. $19.99 from iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
Talking Timer- Designed as an aid in exercise—found useful in kitchen. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $0.99 from iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThirdEye Technologies Inc. - ThirdEye restores autonomy to visually impaired persons' lives by enabling them to recognize everyday objects. Users touch on button and the technology verbally returns back whatever object the user is looking at within seconds (for example a "5 US Dollar Bill" or an "Ibuprofen bottle"). App is free from iTunes.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on iTunes.
Timely-Time Teller iOS app will announce the time at regular intervals and at specific recurring times. Timely-Time Teller requires iOS 6.0 or later, is compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for $2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from iTunes.
ViA - Visually Impaired Apps. A Free app from Braille Institute of America for the iPhone or iPad to assist blind and low-vision users to easily sort through the 500,000+ apps in the iTunes App Store to locate the apps that were built specifically for visually impaired users. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from iTunes.
Voice Brief - Reads emails, twitter, etc aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $2.99 from iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.
Web Reader – An app that uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages aloud. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from iTunes.
WritePad - Handwriting recognition, note-taking translation app. Compatible with iPad. $4.99 on iTunes.
ZoomReader - Optical Character Recognition allows user text-to-speech on books or menus. $19.99 on iTunes.
Indiana UEB Position Statement
UEB Transition and Implementation in Indiana
Indiana Educational Resource Center/ICAM
Position Statement for the Provision of Materials
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) is the official governing body for braille in the United States. In November 2012, BANA voted to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current English Braille American Edition (EBAE) in the United States while maintaining the use of the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision, the Music Braille Code 1997, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Braille Code, 2008. The UEB will replace the English Braille American Edition (EBAE). The full motion is posted on the BANA website. BANA, at its November 2013 meeting, affirmed January 4, 2016, (Louis Braille’s birthday) as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of Unified English Braille (UEB).UEB is one code for literary, mathematics, and computer science text elements. The UEB technical code for math and science is part of the UEB and is used in all grade levels; therefore the use of the term UEB implies a complete code that includes math.
Textbooks and other instructional materials for students who are blind or have low vision will be provided by the Indiana Educational Resource Center (IERC) via the Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM), per the approved UEB Timeline for Implementation in Indiana, and as indicated below:
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects using literary braille (i.e., social studies and language arts), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2015-16 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades, in subjects using literary braille, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB for the 2016-2017 school year.
- Requests for instructional materials in subjects that require math (i.e., science and mathematics), not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth for the 2015-2016 school year for Grades K-5. Requests for all grades in technical subjects, not previously transcribed in EBAE, will be produced in UEB with Nemeth Code for the 2016-2017 school year. UEB Technical Code will be provided in lieu of UEB with Nemeth Code if the student’s IEP dictates UEB math. BANA’s “Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts” will be followed for UEB with Nemeth Code transcription.
- Instructional materials previously transcribed in EBAE will continue to be made available. The IERC will not convert and produce existing braille files from EBAE into UEB as a policy. The transcription and conversion of instructional materials will be evaluated on the educational needs of each individual student and based on established criteria set by the IERC. Students who have been taught EBAE may continue to receive materials originally produced in the EBAE. Exceptions will be made for students, just learning the UEB, who have had no previous training in the EBAE.
- The provision of textbooks and instructional materials in UEB and/or UEB with Nemeth Code will be dependent on the availability and capacity of certified transcribers.
Transition will be a gradual process over the next few of years. Implementation will involve the collaboration of state and national partners and may change as state and national information changes or becomes available. Indiana is anticipating full implementation for the 2018-2019 school year.
IERC Practice
IERC Annual Calendar
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind begins on the first Monday in January.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind is completed on the ICAM by IERC appointed Designees.
- Process for submitting braille orders on the ICAM to the IERC for the next school year begins.
- Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration Report is submitted to the American Printing House for the Blind by the IERC.
- Annual IERC Inventory Recall/Reallocation process begins on the ICAM.
- Material requests for the next school year are due to be submitted on the ICAM.
- Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation process ends.
- Materials currently on loan, that have not been renewed or retained during the Annual Inventory Recall/Reallocation, are due back at the IERC.
- IERC begins shipping materials ordered on the ICAM to the schools.
- Federal Quota allocation is appropriated to the American Printing House for the Blind. The allocation is made available to the IERC/Indiana Department of Education.
- School Corporations begin to prepare for the Annual Census/Federal Quota Registration of Students who are Legally Blind.
Vision Resources
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Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Various apps we found that are useful for Blind and Low Vision persons using Apple and Andriod products.
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Accessible Reading Comparison Chart, developed by Julie Ann Lieberman, MS and Laura Cantagallo, help the user decipher the differences between a number of accessible PDF reading apps available in Google Play.
APH Free Apps
AroundMe - App that quickly allows user to find out information about their surroundings. Free from AroundMe on iTunes. Works with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Ballyland Apps by Sonokids is an educational iPad game that helps young children with vision impairment to learn and practice a number of VoiceOver gestures.
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download) which is offered as a way to download audio books and WebBraille files from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) now is available as a mobile app for iOS from the iTunes and App Store. To access this free app download visit BARD on iTunes. View the user guide for the newly released NLS BARD Mobile App.
Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Braille Tutor, from iEnable, is an app to teach and practice UEB braille skills. Visit Perkins eLearning to read the app review by Diane Brauner. You can learn more about Braille Tutor by visiting the iEnable website. Braille Tutor is free through the Apple store for lessons 1-19, uncontracted braille. There is a fee for lessons 20-91 in contracted UEB. Free at Braille Tutor on iTunes.
Digit-Eyes - An audio scanner and labeler, enables people without vision to read barcode labels. $9.99 from Digit-Eyes on iTunes. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Digit-Eyes Lite QR Bar Code Reader and Labeler – Audio scanner and labeler for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Free from Digit-Eyes Lite on iTunes.
Draw2Measure Protractor is a free app for iOS® devices designed for students who are blind and visually impaired, and can be used by sighted students too. It gives all students an alternative way to measure angles. Students can place an angle over the screen of a device, such as a phone or tablet, and trace along the sides of the angle with a fingertip or stylus. The app records the locations of the sides and then calculates the angle. For objects that may not fit on a screen, students can find measurements by rotating the device itself, which utilizes the built-in gyroscope sensor to measure the angle. It reports angle measurements in both degrees and radians. Watch a short YouTube video to see the Draw2Measure app in action. Draw2Measure is a free download from the Apple App Store and works with devices running iOS 8 or later. It cannot be downloaded directly from APH. Free on Draw2Measure Protractor on iTunes.
eMagnifier- Variable zoom from 1x to 8x with option to freeze and save image to camera roll. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Free from eMagnifier on iTunes.
Eye Note - A mobile device application to denominate paper currency. For use on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Free from Eye Note on iTunes.
Fleksy - This auto-correct iOS app allows blind and visually impaired users to type faster without worrying about typing mistakes. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Free from Fleksy on iTunes and offers in-app purchases.
KNFB Reader - App for iOS recently released version 2.7.3 which now allows the user to take a picture by pressing the Volume Up button on their device and the Volume Down button to execute field of view. Cost $99.99 from KNFB Reader on iTunes.
Learning Ally Link for mobile is an educational reading app designed for learning through listening. Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and audio textbooks for dyslexic, blind and visually impaired readers. Free on Learning Ally on iTunes.
Light Detector - Detects sources of light that have been left on or to detect location of windows. $1.99 from Light Detector on iTunes. Compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
MBraille is an intriguing new iOS app. The $39 version allows you to write in contracted English Braille, send a variety of communications, and edit. The free version lets you learn the app and send tweets. To download visit MBraille on iTunes.
overTHERE is a free, accessibility app that helps individuals who are blind explore and interact with the surrounding environment by using virtual audible signs. Free from overTHERE on iTunes.
Prizmo Go- Instant Text Capture is a free, iOS app that allows the user to quickly capture printed text with the camera. Recognized and selected text can be read aloud. The app works with VoiceOver, provides spoken guidance prior to shooting and has text-to-speech capabilities for reading printed documents. Free from Prizmo Go on iTunes.
Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, has been released to the Apple App Store. The app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. The app uses artificial intelligence and the camera on your iPhone to perform a number of useful functions: reading documents, identifying a product based on its barcode, recognizing people based on their face, providing a description, and recognizing images within other apps. Free from Seeing AI on iTunes.
Talking Calculator - Scientific calculator for blind and low vision users. Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. $1.99 from Talking Calculator on iTunes.
Talkler – a VoiceOver compatible iOS app that enables blind and visually impaired persons to use voice commands to listen to and manage emails. Free from Talkler on iTunes. Popular in-app purchases offered from $1.99-$19.99.
TapTapSee - An iOS app to help blind persons identify objects they encounter in their daily lives. The user takes a picture of what is in front of them and the app identifies and speaks the identification back to the user. The application also features instant recognition on all US paper currency. Free from TapTapSee on iTunes. In-app purchases available.
ThumbJam- With over 40 sampled instruments and hundreds of scales this app allows user to effortlessly play any musical genre. Compatible with iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. $8.99 on ThumbJam on iTunes.
VisualBraille - Translate common words, sentences, and numbers from text to Braille. For use with iPhone and iPad.
VisualBraille Lite - Free app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from VisualBraille Lite on iTunes.
vBookz- Accessibility-friendly audio book application with text to speech built-in. Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $4.99 from vBookz on iTunes.
VisionSim by Braille Institute - A Free app developed by Braille Institute of America for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices to simulate nine degenerative eye diseases. Free from VisionSim on iTunes.
VO Lab is a new app by Sonokids for adolescents and adults who are blind or have low vision. This educational iPad game is designed for students aged 14+ to learn touch gestures and concepts of VoiceOver and VoiceOver gestures, Apple’s built-in screen reader on iOS Devices. The app is both entertaining and educational, and provides beginning learners of VoiceOver with opportunities to gain the required foundation skills to use the iPad or iPhone independently. App is $4.99 on VO Lab on iTunes.
Voice Dream Reader is a mobile reading tool, text-to-speech (TTS) app for iOS. It comes with 78 voices, will extract text from PDF, ePub, text-based DAISY, Word, and Text files in Dropbox, Google Drive or on your device. Users can listen to web pages with built-in Browser, or on their Pocket or Instapaper reading List. It reads books from Gutenberg and Bookshare. It has a personal pronunciation dictionary, sleep timer, work and line highlighting, VoiceOver support, large font size and customizable colors, and navigates through text by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter and 15, 30, 60 seconds. Users can add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. For more information, visit the Voice Dream website. Available from the Voice Dream Reader on iTunes for $9.99.
- Braille Literacy and Book Resources
- Braille Software Programs
- Career Information
- CVI
- Eye Disorders
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Guide Dog Agencies
California
Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Ohio
Oregon
- Indiana O&M Specialists
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Indiana Websites
BOSMA Industries for the Blind
Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Indiana Family to Family
In.gov: Official Web Portal for the State of Indiana
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana Reading and Information Service
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
Indiana Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
INSPIRE (Indiana Virtual Library)
Low Vision Centers of Indiana
PASS: Promoting Achievement for Student with Sensory Loss, Indiana State University
PATINS (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) -
National Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
APH ConnectCenter
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH)
American Council of the Blind
American Diabetes Association
American Foundation for the Blind
American Optometric Association
American Printing House for the Blind
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
Bookshare.org
Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
Braille Institute of America
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
Center on Technology and Disability
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Closing the Gap
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Foundation Fighting Blindness (retinal diseases)
Hadley
Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Learning Ally
Lighthouse Guild
National Association for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
National Braille Press
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
National Eye Institute
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)
National Federation of the Blind
National Industries for the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, Music and Arts Center for Humanity
Prevent Blindness America
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University
Schools for the Blind
United States Association for Blind Athletes
United States Blind Golf Association
United States Braille Chess Association
Vision Council of America: Better Vision Institute -
Parents and Families
4to24 App: Preparing Your Child for Success
Ballyland Apps for iPAD
Blind Babies Foundation
Blind Children’s Center
APH FamilyConnect
Braille Bug
Braille Institute, Dots for Tots
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children's Book Program
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Enabling Devices
Guide to Braille Resources
INSOURCE Special Education Parent Support
National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy
Perkins School for the Blind Scout
Physical Education, Recreation, and Health
Prevent Blindness
Recreation and Leisure Resources
Seedlings Book Angel Program
Storybud
Wonder Baby
You’ve Got Braille
Youth Transition Toolkit - Product Catalogs
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Resources for Learning Braille
Braille FUNdamentals
Braille Too: The Next Generation
BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning
Building on Patterns: Braille Literacy Program
Burns Braille Guide
Mangold Braille Program
Ashcroft's Programmed instruction: Unified English Braille
UEB (Unified English Braille)
UEB Curriculum for Braille Students
UEB Online
Hadley
UEBOT (Unified English Braille Online Training)
UEB Math Tutorial
NEMETH Math Tutorial -
Video Description Resources
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Survey Reports
DCMP Survey of Educators Reveals Great Potential for Described Educational Video
Educational Media Producer and Accessibility Survey ResultsDescription Guidelines
The Description Key
Description Tip Sheet
DCMP Decription WebinarsSources for Identifying Described DVD Movie Releases
Audio Description Project (ADP) DVD Described Movie List
Perkins School for the Blind: Described Movies and Television Listings
WGBHSources for Online Described Media
Video Training Material
Description Advocacy -
Vision Resources
AEM (Accessible Educational Materials)
American Journal of Ophthalmology
This site features a searchable database of abstracts from articles incurrent and past issues of the American Journal of Ophthalmology including topics about latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques or recent research findings.
AppAdvice - AppAdvice is the ideal resource on the Web for people looking to discover iOS apps.
AppleVis - AppleVis is a community-powered website for vision-impaired users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Best iPad Apps - List of iPad apps for teachers. Ranges from digital story telling to apps to teach creativity.
Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairments [ ENG ] [ SPAN ]
Blindness Resource Center
Braille and Large Print Calendars
Braille Bug
College Accessibility for Visually Impaired Students - Sponsored by Online Colleges
Descriptive Video Service
Financial and Support Resources for Individuals with Vision Impairments
Guide to Braille Resources
A Guide to Driving with Vision Loss
Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
Helping Students with Visual Disabilities: Resources, Tools and Technology to Foster School Success
Louis Database
Laser Eye Surgery Hub, UK - This site provides an international collection of online resources regarding blindness and low vision.
Minimizing Vision Problems in College: A Student’s Guide to Eye Health and Wellness
Money Readers
Neuroscience for Kids, Vision
NIMAC Database
Paths to Literacy For students who are blind or visually impaired.
Perkins Scout
Physical Education (PE) Website at APH
Prevent Blindness
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vision Associates
News for Parents of Children Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
APH ConnectCenter
APH ConnectCenter includes the APH CareerConnect, VisionAware, the FamilyConnect, Braille Bug and the new APH Transition Hub for school-age youth with blindness or visual impairments, planning for graduation and life after graduation.Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network
Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network provides resources to connect with other parents, including a monthly parent newsletter with helpful tips and resources, as well as tele-support groups and presentations.Ballyland App
Ballyland App is a new, educational and fun iPad game specifically designed for children who are blind or have low vision, to learn and practice touch gestures for VoiceOver, Apple's built in screen reader.Storybud
Storybud is an online story site, developed by a father with low vision so that he could interact with his children during bedtime story time. Storybud provides the online stories in various formats: audio only; a combined text and audio; or text on the screen only. The site is accessible for persons who are visually impaired using speech software.Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources has an updated fact sheet on children with visual impairment, including blindness.Learning Ally’s Website Adds Features for Parents
Learning Ally, a nonprofit organization serving 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning and reading-based disabilities, has transformed its website and launched new features and services to further benefit its members as well as parents and teachers. Parents can check out the more stremlined and user-friendly web site to access the organization's on-line library of more than 75,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including the world's largest library of audio textbooks.VOICEtext, providing sentence-by-sentence highlighting of text on the screen in sync with audio narration. In its initial stages, this feature is being incorporated into a limited selection of titles in Learning Ally's library, will expand into more titles over time, and will benefit individuals for whom a multi-sensory approach to reading is recommended.
Perkins Resources
The Perkins School for the Blind has resources for parent, kids, and teachers that include fiction and non-fiction books and Internet resources. They also have additional teacher resources for your toolkit.Perkins Scout is a searchable database of carefully evaluated online resources related to blindness and visual impairment. The website mascot, a·dog guide·named Scout, will help you retrieve the information you’re looking for; all of it has been reviewed by Perkins experts and organized for your convenience.
Free Braille Books
Through the Seedlings Book Angel Program, visually-impaired children can receive two free braille books. Choose from print/braille/picture books, print/braille books, or braille only books. Register for Seedlings.WonderBaby
WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with vision impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Much of the content on WonderBaby is provided by parents. They are not just passive observers or consumers of information; many site users comment on articles, answer questions in the Q&A forum, and share hyperlinks to net resources. Some submit original articles. It's in this sharing that WonderBaby earns much of its authenticity. These are real parents with real kids who are blind or visually disabled. They can empathize with other parents seeking answers. Having educated themselves, they feel compelled to give back so that fellow and future parents of children who are blind or visually disabled can also benefit from their experiences.Youth Transition Toolkit now available online from Talent Knows No Limits
The "Youth Transition Toolkit: A Guide for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood" is now available online from Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL), a public information campaign of the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP). Developed in partnership with young people, the toolkit is designed as a how-to guide on preparing for transition to adulthood and making choices about their own health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and social and recreational activities. Some of the questions the toolkit helps youth address include:- What is Transition Planning? What is an IEP and how can I lead my IEP Meeting?
- How can I manage my Social Security and medical benefits?
- How does college differ from high school? How can I obtain services for my disability during college?
- What resources are available to help me choose the right career?
- Is there assistive technology available that can help me secure a job?
- How can I find accessible housing to live on my own?
- What should I do to prepare for a job interview?
To learn more, visit the Youth Transition Toolkit website.
Braille Tales Free Print-Braille Children’s Book Program
The American Printing House for the Blind is seeking applicants for its free print-braille children’s book program, Braille Tales. Braille Tales collaborates with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kentucky Correctional Institute to mail 6 print-braille books a year to families with a child and/or a parent with a visual impairment.Braille Tales is designed specifically for blind preschool children (age 0-5) and their families to foster early literacy and familiarity with braille. The program brings accessible, age-appropriate books into the homes of children who might not otherwise experience braille until they begin school.
National Braille Press, Programs Promoting Braille Literacy
Hands On! Books for Blind Children is a series of programs for blind children that seek to provide braille books to thousands of blind children and their families throughout every stage of their learning and to provide advocacy and education promoting the benefits of braille. These programs include: Readbooks! Because Braille Matters Family Outreach Program, Bumpy Basics, Children's Braille Book Club, and Lifelong Literacy. Visit the NBP web page for more information about these children’s programs.
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN)
What Are They...and, Why Are They So Important?
Since 2007, the ISBN has been a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Previously, the ISBN was a ten-digit number.What is the purpose of an ISBN?
The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.What are the unique characteristics of an ISBN?
Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.Examples of formats which require a unique ISBN include:
- Hardcover versions of textbooks
- Paperbound versions of textbooks
- Indiana Editions of textbooks
- National Editions of textbooks
- Teachers Editions of textbooks
- Examination copies of textbooks (often shared with districts during district new adoption process)
- Revised editions of textbooks
- E-book format of textbooks that are purchased from publisher
- Etc.
Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning imbedded in the numbers?
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows:
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"...usually
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN
Tricks and Tips to Identifying the Correct ISBN!
The following are TIPS to identifying the correct ISBN:
- Ask the school-based staff to make a copy of the back cover of the Student Edition of the textbook or a copy of the copyright page.
- Google the ISBN (the actual number, itself, without the hyphens). You can also enter the number at www.gettextbooks.com to verify the correct edition and textbook information.
Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
On November 2, 2012, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) passed the motion to officially adopt the Unified English Braille code or UEB in the United States. In November 2013, BANA affirmed January 4, 2016 as the date by which the United States will implement the general use of the UEB. This action was based on a year of dialogue and planning that included the UEB Transition Forum, held on October 16, 2013. The forum involved 48 delegates representing 31 organizations from the braille community. Read more about the motion to adopt UEB.
The IERC has been preparing for the rollout of UEB since 2012. Our braille transcribers have trained and received certification in the new code and have actively been transcribing instructional materials in UEB. The IERC has worked closely with the Indiana State University Blumberg Center, PASS Project, to develop and conduct training for teachers and paraprofessionals who will be responsible for instructing our braille readers in the new code. Student instruction has begun for all grades and the IERC is transcribing all new requests in UEB and UEB/Nemeth.
Indiana UEB Implementation Timeline Webpage | PDF version of UEB Implementation Timeline
Indiana UEB Position Statement Webpage | PDF version of UEB Position Statement
Nemeth UEB Factors and Considerations for Math Code Indiana
UEB and Nemeth Code Power Point PDF version
Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille, NCEO Webpage
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Leslie Durst at 317-554-2740 or 800-833-2198: email: Leslie Durst
To read more about the UEB, please visit BANA or International Council on English Braille.
The IERC Braille Project
The mission of the Braille Project is to provide high quality, well formatted braille instructional materials in a timely manner to Indiana’s school-age students who are blind or have low vision and whose assessed, primary reading medium is braille.
Orders for braille instructional materials are submitted thru the ICAM. The IERC assigns transcripts to the Braille Project for instructional materials, currently not available in braille, as their capacity allows.
The Braille Project utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcribers.
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP)
The Miami Accessible Media Project (MAMP) was established in May of 2008 thru the collaborative efforts of the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Indiana Educational Resource Center and the Indiana Department of Education. It is the goal of the project to provide quality braille, large print, and accessible instructional materials to students who are blind or have low vision in Indiana’s local schools, in a timely and efficient manner, while providing a skill to the offenders that will increase employment opportunities thus reducing recidivism.
MAMP produces and transcribe books from National Instructional Material Accessible Standard (NIMAS) formatted publisher files whenever possible. NIMAS files are electronic publisher files that have been formatted or tagged in a universal format to assist accessible format textbook producers in producing accessible specialized formats in a timely manner. By utilizing NIMAS files, textbooks no longer need to be scanned in or input manually. This significantly speeds up the process of producing braille, large print and digitally rendered textbooks. However, the ICAM can only access NIMAS files from the national repository, the National Instructional Materials Center (NIMAC), if the schools require the publishers per their textbook contracts to send them down to the NIMAC. Be sure to include this contractual language when purchasing textbooks from the publisher to insure that the appropriate files can be secured for production and transcription, especially for core instructional materials not on the state adoption lists. See an example of this contractual language.
Print copies of the textbooks are still required for production and transcription, along with the NIMAS file, to insure that all text, images, and image descriptions are included and placed in the correct sequence.
MAMP utilizes state-of-the art production equipment and techniques in the transcription and production of braille textbooks. All transcription staff meets the national certification requirements for braille transcription.
IERC Federal Quota Annual Census of Students who Meet the Definition of Blindness
Each year during the month of January, Authorized Officials or their Designees are asked to participate in an annual census of students who meet the definition of blindness per Indiana’s Article 7 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): an impairment in vision, that even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). The purpose of the registration is to enroll eligible students who meet the definition above to generate Federal Quota dollars. Find a template of a form for the eye care specialist for census.
For the State of Indiana to participate in the Federal "Act to Promote the Education of the Blind", the registration status of all students who are blind or low vision is reviewed annually. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) administers the federal quota allocation for all states, including Indiana. Funds are appropriated by Congress to APH to produce specialized instructional materials to be used by students who are blind or low vision. The appropriated amount is then divided into separate accounts within each state according to the number of students who are reported in an annual registration.
Students must enrolled in educational programs below the college level and have a parental consent form, in English or Spanish , on file at the local level in order to be eligible for inclusion on the list submitted by the IERC to APH. For additional information regarding the parental consent process, read our consent to release student information talking points, in English or Spanish as well a short FAQ, in English or Spanish . You may also access a 2020 APH letter,in English or Spanish , to share with parents, regarding the need for parental consent and how APH collects and uses the student data for the purposes of the Federal Quota program.
Schools or agencies may order, through the IERC, items available from APH federal quota allocation equal to the funds generated by the number of students registered each year. So long as funds are available within a given year, the IERC will honor any reasonable and legitimate request for APH material that is approved by the designated contact person. Items ordered with APH federal quota funds must originally be used by students who generated the dollars. Materials ordered with Federal Quota dollars are the property of the State of Indiana and must be returned to the IERC after the student is finished using them.
For more information regarding the federal quota, visit: APH Federal Quota Overview