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NBA Spring 2008 Professional Development Conference
April 2-5, 2008
Dallas Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria
14901 Dallas Pkwy.
Dallas, Texas 75254
1-800-228-9290
This spring’s Professional Development Conference will take place over four days, April 2-5, 2008. The conference kicks off with a tour of the Dallas Arboretum on Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon marks the beginning of our pre-conference sessions on working with NIMAS files. The pre-conference sessions will continue through Thursday morning. Our conference workshop sessions will begin on Thursday afternoon. The workshops provide opportunities for networking and refreshing skills, learning more efficient methods to do our work, and discussing our unique skills with others working in the same field. All aspects of braille production will be covered including mathematics, music, textbooks, tactile graphics, and more.
We will meet at the Dallas Addison Marriott Quorum Hotel. Hotel reservations should be made on or before March 12, 2008, to receive special room rates. Contact the Dallas Addison Marriott at 1-800-228-9290. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the National Braille Association Conference.
Workshops fill up quickly, and some are limited in the number of participants who may attend. We encourage you to pre-register for workshops before March 12, 2008, to be assured of your first choices and personal copies of the workshop materials. Braille and large print materials are prepared for those who need them only when they are registered by March 6, 2008. After March 12, 2008, please register on site. The Registration Desk opens Wednesday, April 2, at 12:00 P.M.
The pre-conference sessions on working with NIMAS files require each attendee to bring a laptop. If you would like to attend this training, but do not have access to a laptop, they are available for rent. You can indicate this need on your conference registration form. A coffee break will be provided on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning for all those attending a pre-conference workshop. Please review the more detailed information on the pre-conference sessions found later in this registration booklet.
The conference registration fee includes a luncheon on Thursday, a banquet Friday evening, and a luncheon on Saturday. These meal functions will also serve as the site of our semi-annual meeting of the membership. During the banquet on Friday evening, we will be honoring NBA board members leaving office and welcoming those who are returning to, or joining, the NBA board. Two coffee breaks throughout the workshop sessions will be provided.
REGISTER TODAY
Availability of rooms and special rates are
not guaranteed after Wednesday, March 12, 2008Room Rate: $119.00, single rate, plus applicable taxes
$119.00, double rate, plus applicable taxesOur host hotel is the Dallas Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria.
For hotel reservations, call toll free 1-800-228-9290. Please be sure to identify yourself as a member of the group attending the National Braille Association Conference to get the special room rate. Contact the NBA National Office if you have trouble booking a guest room before the March 12 cut-off date.
Guest rooms at the Dallas Addison Marriott Quorum feature high speed internet access, phone lines, pay-per-view movies, coffee makers, iron/ironing boards and hairdryers.
Two dining options are available right within your host hotel. Café Costas, offering American and Mediterranean cuisine, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The onsite Starbucks is a great place to get a cup of coffee and a light snack. Starbucks is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For more details visit:
TRANSPORTATION
From the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
Driving Directions:
Use North Exit and follow I-635 East for 14 miles to the Dallas Tollway North.
Exit at Beltline Road and make U-turn.
Hotel is on the right.
Estimated taxi fare: $40.00 (one way)
From the Dallas/Love Field Airport (DAL)
Driving Directions:
Take Mockingbird Lane East to Dallas Tollway North.
Exit at Beltline Road.
Make a U-turn and the hotel is on the right.
Estimated taxi fare: $26.00(one way)Parking: Self-parking in the covered garage is complimentary. Valet parking is also available for $15.00 per day.
Get Ready, Get Set, BID!
Attention: NBA Shoppers!
This conference marks the return of the ever-popular Silent Auction. Bring your money and be prepared to hand it over as we anticipate some fantastic items in Dallas.
If you or someone you know has something to donate for the auction, please send it to:
NBA Silent Auction
c/o Whitney Gregory
Visual Aid Volunteers, Inc.
617 W State Street
Garland, TX 75040
24th Annual Dallas Blooms Event
A Tour of the Dallas Arboretum
Join us on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 for a tour of the Dallas Arboretum. The tour will begin at 9:00 A.M. Those requiring transportation can sign up to take a bus to and from our host hotel. Those needing this service must meet in the hotel lobby at 8:00 A.M. Please note that bus transportation is limited to the first 56 people. Lunch will be provided at the Arboretum and the cost is included in the tour fee. The tour ends at 12:30 P.M. and those who are taking the bus will return to the hotel at approximately 1:30 P.M.
To Learn More About the Dallas Arboretum, Visit:
www.dallasarboretum.org
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
April 2-5, 2008WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2008
Tour of the Dallas Arboretum 8:00 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
Registration Desk 12:00-2:00 P.M.
Using NIMAS Files with Braille2000, I 2:00-5:30 P.M.
Using NIMAS Files with Duxbury 2:00-5:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008
Registration Desk 7:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Using NIMAS Files with Braille2000, II 8:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
Using NIMAS Files with MegaDots 8:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
Opening Luncheon 12:00-1:30 P.M.
Exhibit Hall 12:00-5:00 P.M.
Workshop Session I 2:00-4:30 P.M.
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
Registration Desk 7:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Exhibit Hall 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Workshop Session II 9:00-11:30 A.M.
Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall 10:30 - 11:00 A.M.
Workshop Session III 2:00-4:30 P.M.
No-Host Cocktail Hour 6:00-7:00 P.M.
Banquet 7:00-9:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2008
Workshop Session IV 9:00-11:30 A.M.
Coffee Break 10:15 - 10:30 A.M.
Closing Luncheon 12:00-1:30 P.M.
Workshop Session V 2:00-4:30 P.M.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Hands-On Training for Braille Translation Software
with NIMAS UpdatesSponsored by National Braille Association (NBA), American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Computer-Assisted Specialties Company (CASC), Duxbury, Inc., and Braille Institute. We especially recognize the support from Pearson Scott Foresman and thank them for providing the NIMAS textbook source files and accompanying pages of the printed textbook.
Braille2000, Pt. 1 & Duxbury
Wednesday, April 2
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Marriott QuorumBraille2000, Pt. 2 & MegaDots
Thursday, April 3
8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Marriott Quorum
Through the efforts of many leaders and the collaborative work of the AFB Textbook and Instructional Materials Solutions Forum, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 has new language defining access to instructional materials for children who are blind or visually impaired through the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). NIMAS guides the production and electronic distribution of digital versions of textbooks and other instructional materials from publishers so they can be more easily converted to special formats, including audio, braille, digital text, and large print.We are offering three separate training sessions on how to transcribe these new standard file types, all provided by experts in braille software development and braille transcribing. These sessions are designed to help people who currently transcribe instructional materials into braille learn more about the new updates associated with NIMAS and how to work with this new file format, specifically using these three braille translation software programs. Space is limited to 50 participants in each of the three sessions, so send in your registration today!
Braille2000 (Wednesday & Thursday) – two half-day sessions: $75
Duxbury (Wednesday) – one half-day session: $45
MegaDots (Thursday) – one half-day session: $45
Duxbury/MegaDots (Wednesday & Thursday) – two half-day sessions: $75
**Prices include training materials and refreshments during all sessions.**
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Hands-On Training for Braille Translation Software
with NIMAS UpdatesAFB NIMAS Workshop Trainers:
Braille2000: Robert Stepp, Computer Application Specialties Company
Duxbury & MegaDots: Susan Christensen, Braille Production & Software Specialist
Additional registration and prerequisite skills are required.
Each participant must complete additional workshop registration information
located on AFB’s web site. After registering with NBA, please go to:
www.afb.org/nimas.asp to complete the additional registration requirements.
Participants MUST:
• Be VERY familiar with the braille translation software program
featured in the session they attend
• Bring a laptop* (with CD-drive) with the following software pre-loaded:o Windows XP
o Word 2002 or 2003
o Braille software for your selected conference (available via a link
on the NBA website)• Be willing to share the information concerning skills and knowledge
learned at the AFB Training with other braille transcribers in their
community, school district or agency.
For program information, contact Mary Ann Siller at siller@afb.net
* If you do not have access to a laptop to bring to the training, you may rent one for $100.
Please indicate your need for a laptop on your registration form.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Some workshops are being conducted in two parts. Other workshops are limited
in the number of participants who can be accommodated. These workshops fill up quickly. Register early to guarantee your first choice. Be sure to select second choices in the event space in your first choice is not available. You may attend only one workshop per session and are entitled to only one copy of the handout for the workshop(s) for which you are registered. Not all workshops offer braille or large print handouts.SESSION I – Thursday, April 3, 2008, 2:00-4:30 P.M.
1. Educational Materials: Proofreading Textbooks
This workshop will include tips and techniques for braille proofreaders, transcribers, teachers, and paraprofessionals to ensure the production of error-free braille materials. Helpful hints that can be put to use immediately will be discussed. Audience participation is encouraged so bring your tips to share.
Leaders: Elaine Gary, CBT Braille Specialist, Region 4 Braille Services and Diane Spence, NBA President2. Tactile Graphics: Tiger Graphics, Part 1
The workshop will demonstrate simple methods for creating repeatable tactile graphics with a commercial vector-based graphic arts program such as CorelDRAW®. This methodology gives embossing control and capabilities that go beyond the recommended Microsoft Word® programs.The two-session course will cover fundamentals and advanced concepts including editing and preprinting for proofing using the ViewPlus Editing tools. We shall discuss the strengths and limitations of the Tiger system and the necessity of using a combination of traditional tactiles in conjunction with the Tiger tactile embosser.
As time allows, we shall talk about and show simple procedures and shortcuts in the following areas:
- Using specialized braille fonts that produce Nemeth and other specialized characters
- Scanning material
- Importing files
- Selecting types of drawings and choosing which ones to use
- Developing a usable clip art library
- Determining the exact placement of text and drawings
- Adding drawings to existing braille pages where space is already allotted
This workshop will be presented in two sessions. Participants must attend this session to attend Part 2.
Leader: Larry Schlotfeldt, Tactile Graphics Specialist, Guest presenter3. Music Braille: Getting Started with Music Braille
The first steps in learning to transcribe music into braille will be introduced and the NLS course of instruction will be described. There will be an introductory demonstration of the GOODFEEL™ translation software. The workshop is intended for transcribers who may be considering learning the music code, for students currently engaged in the course, and for transcribers, teachers, and resource providers who want to learn about the capabilities and limitations of GOODFEEL™.
Leader: Larry Smith, Chair, NBA Music Skills Committee
4. Computer-assisted Transcription: Advanced WORD Skills for Braille Transcribers, Teachers, and Paraprofessionals.
Training will be in the use of WORD 2003. Bring your laptops and work along using example files provided. Topics include: Tools and Options, Find and Replace, Macros, Task Panes, Clipboard and Keyboard Shortcuts.
Leader: Jan Carroll, Vice-Chair, NBA Computer-Assisted Transcription Committee5. Mathematics and Science Braille: Statistical Data Representation
Discussion will review many of the ways mathematical data is shown in textbooks and on daily worksheets and tests. Print and simbraille examples also include stem-and-leaf plots, box and whisker plots and dot/line plots. The proposed Tactile Graphics Guidelines are followed for the graphic presentations.
Leader: Mary Denault, Member, NBA Mathematics and Science Skills CommitteeSESSION II – Friday, April 4, 2008, 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
6. Vendor/Exhibitor: Connecting your Enabling Technologies Embosser to a Home Network
It seems these days that almost anyone who uses a computer for serious work like transcribing will own more than one computer and would like to connect them together to share their internet connection, printers and embossers. Many people also have laptops and would like to have secure wireless connectivity to have the same access as their desktop computers. All of this can be done for less than $100 in most situations. This workshop will demonstrate how to setup a home network and attach your Enabling Technologies embosser as a shared network device. We will also demonstrate network solutions that are available for our older embossers that do not have network port built-in.
Leader: Tony Schenk, President, Enabling Technologies7. Computer-assisted Transcription: Duxbury 101 for 10.6
An introduction to DBT 10.6 and the WORD BANA Template. Learn how to format documents using Microsoft WORD and the WORD BANA Template included with your DBT 10.6 software. Laptops are welcome in this session with the following preinstalled software: DBT 10.6 and WORD 2000, 2002, or 2003.
Leader: Jan Carroll, Vice-Chair NBA Computer-Assisted Transcription Committee8. Mathematics and Science Braille: Elementary Mathematics Part 1
This workshop will assist transcribers who are using the Nemeth Code to produce mathematics and technical material found in grades K-3. Math books at this grade level are heavily reliant on visual presentation. Suggestions for formatting and tactile graphics will be offered, using many examples from textbooks currently in use.
Leader: Dorothy Worthington, Chair, NBA Mathematics and Science Skills Committee9. Transcriber and Educator Services: What’s New in Braille Certification
Learn all the latest information about the courses for Library of Congress certification as a transcriber in literary, mathematics, or music braille. Topics will include: how the courses work, course requirements—what has changed and what has stayed the same, certification and the new BANA rules, tips for passing the courses, questions and discussion (your feedback). This workshop is appropriate for anyone with an interest in the transcribing and proofreading certification courses.
Leader: Jennifer Dunnam, Manager of Braille Programs, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute10. Tactile Graphics: Accelerated Production of Tactile Graphics Using Tactile Graphics Assistant Software
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the Tactile Graphics Assistant software and its accompanying workflow. This new technology enables the rapid translation of figures in math and science textbooks from a visual form to a tactile form. The web page http://tactilegraphics.cs.washington.edu describes the overall Tactile Graphics Project at the University of Washington. This workshop is appropriate for teachers and transcribers who are interested in learning more about the software.
Leaders: Richard Ladner, Dan Comden, University of Washington
SESSION III – Friday, April 4, 2008, 2:00-4:30 P.M.
11. Educational Materials: How to Traverse the Minefield Known as Language Arts
Language Arts books are some of the most challenging books we get to transcribe. This workshop will delve into many of the format issues involved: spelling, diacritics, sentence diagramming, editing and proofreading and glossaries. This workshop is especially helpful to those doing complicated Language Arts textbooks or those who want exposure to these concepts for future work.
Leader: Joanna Venneri, Member, NBA Educational Materials Committee12. Tactile Graphics: Tiger Graphics, Part 2
See description for workshop #2. Participants must attend workshop #2 to attend this workshop.
Leader: Larry Schlotfeldt, Tactile Graphics Specialist, Guest Presenter13. Music Braille: Strings and Drums
Some of the challenges of transcribing music for bowed string instruments and for percussion will be illustrated and discussed. Some of the materials for discussions will include sections of the NBA Handbook for Music Braille Transcribers that is currently out of print but that is being revised by the Music Committee. Participants are encouraged to bring examples for discussion. The workshop is intended for students in the music transcribing course and for music transcribers of all levels of experience.
Leader: Heidi Lehman, Music transcriber and Larry Smith, Chair, NBA Music Skills Committee14. Vendor/Exhibitor: Workshop Using BrailleNote mPower to Reinforce the Nemeth Code and Braille Format of Electronic Text
This “hands on” workshop for braille transcribers, educators and para-professionals will illustrate how Nemeth code can be created with Scientific Notebook and Duxbury and then transferred to the BrailleNote. An explanation of The Nemeth Tutorial for the BrailleNote, which aids in learning the Nemeth math code, will also be introduced. Examples on how to open braille and print documents, exploring the Layout Menu, and embossing documents will be covered.
Leaders: Dominic Gagliano, HumanWare; Dan Brown, HumanWare; Neal Kuniansky, Duxbury15. Mathematics and Science Braille: Elementary Mathematics, Part 2
Intended for Nemeth transcribers and school transcribers. The emphasis will be on transcribing math textbooks for grades 4-6. Formatting issues and tactile graphics challenges will be addressed.
Leader: Dorothy Worthington, Chair, NBA Mathematics and Science Skills CommitteeSESSION IV – Saturday, April 5, 2008, 9:00-11:45 A.M.
16. Educational Materials: Emphasis on Emphasis
THIS WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED (You will be scheduled for your 2nd choice)
Do you know the differences in transcribing the emphasis in poetic rhyme schemes? No? Then this session is for you. All the varieties of special typeface will be presented concentrating on both the times that it is retained and the times when it is omitted. Both new and experienced transcribers of textbooks can benefit from this workshop.
Leader: Joanna Venneri, Member, NBA Educational Materials Committee17. Transcriber & Educator Services: Discussion Group for Transcribers and Teachers
A panel of teachers will help transcribers get answers to questions about how students and teachers use braille textbooks and other transcribed materials. Also, teachers: come and get answers to your questions about what is in your student’s textbook and why a transcriber did it that way.
Leaders: Lucia Hasty, NBA President Elect; Betsy Burnham, Chair, NBA Transcribers and Educators Services Committee; Whitney Gregory, Chair, NBA Computer-Assisted Transcription Committee18. Literary Braille: 2007 Literary Braille Update: What's New, What's Not
Presenter will provide some background of the changes and show each change using a set of examples. Questions will be welcome. Participants will receive a copy of the literary portion of the 2007 update.
Leader: Martha Pamperin, Chair, BANA Literary Braille Technical Committee19. Transcriber & Educator Services: Braille As A Business
This Workshop is intended for those transcribers who have or are planning to start a transcribing service from home. We will discuss what has worked, what hasn’t and how to find the answers you need.
Leaders: Betsy Burnham, Chair, NBA Transcribers and Educators Services Committee and Diane Spence, Member, NBA Transcribers and Educators Committee20. Computer-assisted Transcription: Duxbury Translation Software Products and Partner Products:
Scientific Notebook, Quick TAC, and Dancing Dots … A beginner’s look at the use of these software applications and how they can be imported into Duxbury 10.6
Leader: Jan Carroll, Vice-Chair, NBA Computer-assisted Transcription CommitteeSESSION V – Saturday, April 5, 2008, 2:00-4:30 P.M.
21. Mathematics and Science Braille: Nemeth Format
A workshop intended to provide guidance on the various aspects of formatting a math text and working back-and-forth between the Nemeth Code and Braille Formats to present material in a logical and consistent manner. Appropriate for Nemeth transcribers at all levels of experience.
Leader: Dorothy Worthington, Chair, NBA Mathematics and Science Braille Committee22. Tactile Graphics: Tactile Graphics 101 for Collage and Tooling
This workshop is designed to teach the basics of how to begin preparing tactile graphics using collage and tooling methods. An overview of theory will precede actual hands on working using various tools and materials. Limit to 30 participants.
Leaders: Diane Spence, President, NBA, Member, BANA Technical Committee on Tactile Graphics and BANA/CBA Joint Committee on Tactile Graphics; Debbie Holliday, transcriber/graphic artist, Region 4 ESC; Irene Rojas, transcriber/graphic artist, Region 4 ESC Educational Materials23. Computer-assisted Transcription: Braille2000, Version 2.00
This session will explore the exciting new features of Version 2.00 that will be helpful even when not using a NIMAS file.
Leader: Bob Stepp, Member NBA Computer-assisted Transcription Committee24. Foreign Language: Frequent Fliers
This workshop will cover braille issues in transcribing foreign languages that frequently recur, such as special foreign language symbols (print and braille), language context, translation of pictures, and formatting rules that differ between Foreign Language Braille and Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription 1997.
Leader: Joanna E. Venneri, Chair, NBA Foreign Language Committee
