A Message From The President
DOROTHY WORTHINGTON,
PRESIDENT
Note: Dorothy gave the following speech at the April 2011 NBA Professional Development Conference on the occasion of her installation as NBA President.
As many of you probably know, I have been the Math Committee chairperson for 8 years, and have truly enjoyed that position. Creating and presenting math workshops has made me much more knowledgeable about the Nemeth rules than I ever thought I could be. Joanne Baldwin, a former president, was my very daunting role model. I even like doing the workshops, although that stresses me out. I am a reluctant public speaker.
But now is a time of transition, for me personally and for braille. There are a lot of new and challenging things happening in our world.
Since 2002, we have been living with an interim foreign language code developed by NBA. A certified code for Foreign Language braille is on its way to being approved by BANA (Braille Authority of North America). The Tactile Graphics Guidelines were officially adopted last year after a 10-year joint effort by United States and Canada, and will soon be posted and published. The BANA Formats committee has worked for 8 years on rewriting and clarifying the guidelines for Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription. The proposed guidelines recently underwent the required formal review and study, and we should have a finished Code sometime next year. At some point in the near future, the braille powers-that-be will make a decision about a unified braille code for the English-speaking world -- a code that will combine literary and technical transcriptions under one set of rules and constructions.
All of these newly adopted guidelines are going to require "continuing education" for transcribers. NBA plays an important role in this aspect of braille codes. We are the primary organization for training transcribers, clarifying issues, and answering questions. BANA establishes codes but has no system for education. Many of our members serve on the technical committees of BANA and are instrumental in the creation of the "rules". Through our organization, these same members provide us with the tools for understanding and for sharing understanding with transcribers across the country. This is our mission.
My personal transition is evident. Like many of you, (okay, a few of you -- I forget how old I am) I started with the frustration of the Perkins before moving on to the more efficient computer programs. I have been both a paid and a volunteer transcriber. My secret ambition, which I never thought would be realized, was to be on the board of NBA. Since 2003, I have been a board member and workshop presenter. I will now take my very beautiful black walnut gavel and preside as president of the board. This transition is going to require the support, aid, and patience of the other directors and you. My mission is to make sure that we are providing the best assistance and training that we can so that all transcribers are aware of the changes that are happening in braille codes, have an understanding of the specific rules, and have access to any help that may be needed.
I want to add that the life of our organization depends on funding. The present economic crisis has affected us as it has others, including, I'm sure, many of you. Not only did our investments take a hit, but donations are down because others have taken the same hit. Our methods of earning money are not sufficient to cover our costs. We need the help of our members -- and any contacts you may have that could provide support for our mission.
To all of our members: Consider service to NBA. We need some new old faces to become board members. Current or past directors can talk with you about what that means.
We hope to see you next spring in St. Louis. Remember that you may contact us at any time for help, to set up trainings, or to just get another opinion on a snag in your transcription.