President
Cynthia Laurent
Minnesota
I'm honored to serve in the capacity of President because I believe in this community. I want to do all I can to share my love and knowledge of braille in a way that ultimately impacts braille readers. By way of helping our membership to better understand the intricacies of braille codes and their importance, we aim to help transcribers grow and develop their skills. Our work to directly serve those in the braille community has a very real impact in the lives of the many people who rely on accessible materials.
Continue to get involved. Serve on a committee. Share your knowledge with others. I invite you to join us and be a part of this wonderful community.
Executive Director
Christopher Clemens
New York
When I first joined the National Braille Association in 2011, braille—and the process of transcription—was still new to me. I had volunteered with NBA a few years earlier, but it wasn’t until I began working with the organization every day that I truly came to understand the immense talent, precision, and dedication required of a transcriber.
Though I’ve spent my entire career in nonprofit work, NBA has offered me a unique perspective on the deep sense of commitment and community that defines those who produce accessible media. Now, as Executive Director, I strive to mirror that same commitment and sense of purpose to my work in supporting our members, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
My goal for the future is to help NBA continue to grow and evolve with a changing industry—always finding new ways to support those who need it most.
My hope for the future is that you will join us and be part of our vital work.
LEADERSHIP
The members of the NBA Board of Directors and members of Skills Committees are all volunteers who are committed to supporting the organization and its mission. They participate in:
The Board invites members who are interested in serving to contact either the Skills Committee Chair or any member of the Board of Directors.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT - Cindi Laurent (Minnesota)
PRESIDENT ELECT - Kathleen Cantrell (New York)
VICE PRESIDENT - Kyle DeJute (Kentucky)
SECRETARY - Cindy Olmstead (Michigan)
TREASURER - Jana Hertz (California)
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT - Patrick Janson (Ohio)
ELECTED MEMBER FROM THE BOARD - Betty Marshall (Alberta, Canada)
DIRECTORS
Jan Carroll (Kentucky)
Michael Gunner (Ohio)
Anna Werner (Minnesota)
James Williams (Indiana)
Donald Winiecki (Idaho)
SKILLS
Braille Formats/Textbook: Chip Mize, GA, 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. Also develops and implements the self-study NBA Braille Formats Study Guide and conducts the examination leading to certification as a braille textbook transcriber.
Computer-Assisted Transcription: Kyle DeJute, KY, 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.
Music Braille: Anna Werner, MN, 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.
Nemeth Code for Math and Science: Michael Gunner, OH, Chair
Makes available to transcribers and to instructors of braille transcribing, interpretations and examples based on the Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, the Nemeth-based Chemistry Code, and the Guidance documents from BANA for using these codes within UEB contexts, including special formats and code switches.
Tactile Graphics: Sally Hart, KY, Chair
Makes available information concerning the equipment and techniques required for the production of tactile graphics, and keeps tactile graphics producers informed of good practice and new developments in the field.
Unified English Braille Literary: Jan Carroll, KY, Chair
Makes available to transcribers, and to instructors of braille transcribing, interpretations and examples based on the rules of Unified English Braille.
Unified English Braille Technical Material: James Williams, IN, Chair
Makes available to transcribers and to instructors of braille transcribing, interpretations and examples based on the rules of Unified English Braille and on the UEB-based Guidelines for Technical Material.
World Languages Braille: Donald Winiecki, ID, 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 languages other than English.
ADMINISTRATIVE
NBA’s Representative to the BANA Board of Directors: Diane Spence, TX
Accessibility Committee: Tom Babinszki, OH, Chair
Advocates for, develops, and implements accessibility standards and practices that ensure NBA’s programs, services, and operations are inclusive of all individuals.
Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures: Cindi Laurent, 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.
Bulletin Editor: Betty Marshall, Canada, Chair
Is responsible for the production of the Bulletin – NBA’s quarterly membership publication, produced digitally and in print and braille. 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.
Meetings: Kathleen Cantrell, NY, Chair
Identifies sites for NBA professional development conferences, establishes local contacts, if available, and coordinates the details of the meetings.
Nominating: Patrick Janson, OH, 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.
Online Learning: Chris Clemens, NY, Chair
Plans, implements and evaluates high-quality educational offerings that are delivered via webinar.
Prison Braille: Patrick Janson, OH, Chair
Makes available information and resources for administrators and corrections officials of prison braille programs. Providing advocacy, inclusion, communication, knowledge, and experience in starting up and operating a prison braille program, and information sharing/gathering as it affects the incarcerated men and women braille transcribers.
Publications: Betty Marshall, Canada, Chair
Examines for content, format, and style any educational materials such as guidelines, manuals, and lessons developed for publication.
Skills Coordinator: Cindy Olmstead, MI, Chair
Coordinates the activities of the skills committees.
Transcriber and Educator Services: Jana Hertz, CA, Chair
Provides education and timely information to volunteer groups and educators of persons who are visually impaired.