NBA SKILLS COMMITTEES

Braille Formats Course: Mary Ann Damm, WI, chair 
Develops and implements the self-study NBA Braille Formats Course and conducts the examination leading to certification as a braille textbook transcriber.

Computer-Assisted Transcription: Cindi Laurent, MN, chair
Makes available information concerning the techniques required for preparing braille with the assistance of a personal computer, and keeps transcribers informed of new developments in the field.

Braille Formats/Textbook Committee: Mary Ann Damm, WI, chair
Makes available to transcribers and instructors of braille transcribing interpretations and usage based on rules contained in the official braille codes as they pertain to the transcription of textbook materials.

Foreign Language: Joanna E. Venneri, CA, chair
Makes available to transcribers and instructors of braille transcribing interpretations and usages based on rules contained in the official braille codes as they pertain to the transcription of foreign languages.

Literary Braille: Delores Billman, TX, chair
Makes available to transcribers and instructors of braille transcribing interpretations and usages based on rules contained in the official braille code as they pertain to literary braille transcription. For Computer Braille Code questions, contact Betsy McBride, Committee Member

Mathematics and Science Braille: Dorothy Worthington, MN, chair
Makes available to transcribers and instructors of braille transcribing interpretations and usages based on rules contained in the official braille codes as they pertain to the transcription of mathematics and science texts, including the special formats, tables and figures in such texts. For Chemistry Code questions, contact Betsy McBride, Committee Member

Music Braille: Lawrence R. Smith, MI, chair
Makes available to transcribers and instructors of braille transcribing interpretations and usages based on rules contained in the official braille codes and all subsequent materials approved by the Braille Authority of North America as they pertain to the transcription of music.

Online Learning: Linda Horton, AZ, chair
Train braille transcribers via e-mail as they prepare for Literary Certification.

Tactile Graphics: Betty Marshall, AB, chair
Makes available information concerning the equipment and techniques required for production of tactile graphics, and keeps tactile graphics producers informed of good practice and new developments in the field.

Transcriber and Educator Services Committee: Angela Brewer, GA, chair 
Provides education and timely information to volunteer groups and educators of persons who are visually impaired.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEES

Bylaws, Policies and Procedures: Mary Archer, MN, chair
Reviews, frames, and proposes amendments to the NBA Bylaws and to the Policies and Procedures in accordance with actions taken by the Board of Directors. The committee also interprets these documents.

Fund Development: Mary Archer, MN, chair
Maintains ongoing relations with existing supporters, seeks new funding sources for NBA programs and services, and submits applications to appropriate grant makers.

Meetings: Whitney Gregory, TX, chair
Identifies sites for NBA professional development conferences, establishes local contacts, if available, and coordinates the details of the meetings.

Membership Development: Linda Horton, AZ , chair
Devise the plan for increasing NBA membership and improving relationships with volunteer braille groups.

Nominating: Mary Archer, MN, chair
Presents a slate of candidates for offices and directorships to be elected at each Annual Membership Meeting, and submits to the board of directors names of candidates to fill vacancies occurring in the interim between Annual Membership Meetings.

Personnel: Diane Spence, TX, chair
Conducts yearly evaluations of the Executive Director and reviews the yearly evaluations of the office staff.

Planning and Program Development: Jan Carroll, KY, chair
Devises long-range plans for the Association and reviews specific projects.

Public Relations: Jan Carrol, KY, chair
Positively promotes the organization and purpose of the National Braille Association to individuals, groups, or organizations.

Publications: Joanna E. Venneri, CA, chair
Examines for content, format, and style any educational materials such as guidelines, manuals, and lessons developed for publication. Is responsible for production of the Bulletin - NBA's quarterly membership publication, produced in print, braille, on disk and audio cassette. The Bulletin contains articles about new materials and equipment, modification of braille codes, skills columns, tips to transcribers, and news of activities of interest to the membership.

Skills Coordinating: Mary Archer, MN, chair
Coordinates the activities of the skills committees: Computer-assisted Transcription, Literary Braille, Mathematics and Science, Music, Tactile Graphics, Textbook Format, and Transcriber and Educator Services.