Donald Winiecki
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Thank you for your question Michelle!
You have already found the most relevant guidelines in GSTG.
Beyond that, this would normally be an agency decision as most of the time maps are instrumental in showing the student where things occurred and/or happened, or simply where things are in the world as related to instructional content in a book.
When it comes to implementing any agency decisions, even when there are many items to be included, we would key the items and list them in their respective position on the maps themselves. See GSTG 5.7 through 5.9 for more specifics about formatting keys.
Hope this helps!
Hi Lynna!
American Printing House is organizing the production and sale of the supplement mentioned in GSTG 2022.
The supplement has multiple examples of tactile graphics produced using many different methods. Staff members at APH have indicated that the job is logistically much more complex than it might seem and we are still waiting for it. As of today, we have no timeline estimating when it will be available.
I hope this helps!
Robert, thank you for your questions!
This is a tricky issue and you have certainly focused on important factors so far. Here is the advice from our tactile graphics (TG) experts:
First, yes. Guidelines & Standards for Tactile Graphics (GSTG) 5.8.1.2 only applies to keys and not to labels in the actual TG. We know this because the title of that section in the GSTG is "5.8.1 Keying Techniques ..."
Second, we would not add the grade 1 indicator (dots 56) to the labels starting with lowercase a-d because in the TGs you show us, the lowercase letters are not standing along. They are not standing alone because the letter is in contact with the two-cell degree sign.
For future reference, when there is limited space for inserting labels, Guidelines for Technical Material (GTM) 4.4.2 allow: "When labelling angles, the degree sign could be omitted. Include a transcriber's note."
Also following GTM 4.4.2, "[w]hen labelling points, lines etc. with single letters, these can be consistently shown as two cells by omitting the grade 1 indicator for all capital letters and including it for all lowercase letters including a, i and o.
However, in your current examples this will not be necessary because you have lots of space for the labels.
Thank you for your question!
Our TG experts are unified in support of transcriber-added labels or notes when they add clarity. In fact, GSTG 5.3.6 reads "When there is no heading to the print illustration, it is permissible to add a heading in braille for clarity. It is necessary to add transcriber's note indicators to this heading."
There are several different considerations for labels and headings in TGs. In the following paragraphs, we describe those differences and provide advice on how they are handled.
If the contents of your transcriber-addition will be applicable to multiple TGs in a document, it will be appropriate to add it on the Transcriber's Notes page in the front matter or before a series of graphs. The note could be something as simple as:
"In Cartesian graphs, quadrants are identified as follows: Upper right (Quadrant I); Upper left (Quadrant II); Lower left (Quadrant III); Lower right (Quadrant IV)."
If transcriber-added word labels or keys are added to a diagram itself, they are not enclosed in transcriber's note indicators. A note stating this should be added to the Transcriber's Notes page (GSTG 3.1.4).
If the transcriber-assigned words are headings (outside of the diagram) instead of labels or keys (inside the diagram), it is necessary to add transcriber's note indicators to the added heading (GSTG 5.3.6).
We also want to note GSTG 7.3.7 because it seems especially relevant in your case. GSTG 7.3.7 reads as follows:
"Retain features that could be used as a point of reference even though they may not be labeled in print. Transcriber assigned labels should not be enclosed in transcriber note indicators."
The four quadrants in a full Cartesian graph would qualify as "features" mentioned in GSTG 7.3.7, and so labels for the four quadrants can be added if they would aid the reader. No transcriber's note indicators are used when we add labels.
We hope this helps!
Thank you for the question Kyle!Our experts have a wide range of feedback. I will synopsize their comments below.First, yes, you're right. Making things as simple as possible for early readers is a major consideration. From this, we would want to limit the range of line types that we provide to early learners, with a preference for solid lines. If there is a reason for differentiation, dashed lines would be the second type.If dashed lines are used, our experts recommend following GSTG 3.4.3.3 so that the length of each dash is 1/4" to 3/8" (6mm to 1cm), separated by spaces approximately one-half the length of the dash.If dashed lines are to be reproduced using the embossing method, testing should be done with the specific embossers to be used because curved lines might not be as clear as desired for early learners.Following GSTG 11.4.2, the design of the graphic for readers in kindergarten through grade 2 should include no more than three different line types, three different area textures, and three different point symbols. Graphics for grade 3 (and above) should have no more than five of each kind of symbol.Consider adding labels or descriptive tactile notations to assist the reader with orientation.We hope this helps!Thank you for the question!
The preferred location for tactile graphics is at the left margin.
Only if there is sufficient space on the line to include the full width of the tactile graphic following an identifier is this an option. This option saves some vertical space on the page.
If there is insufficient space on a line to accommodate the exercise identifier and the diagram, the tactile graphic should be placed at the left margin and below the identifier.
We hope this helps!
Thank you for your questions!
Our experts on the NBA Tactile Graphics committee offer the following:
Near the beginning of GSTG Unit 6 (page 6-2), we find the following statements:
"When no technical notation is present on the tactile graphic (e.g., only unmodified numbers and/or letters as defined in the Nemeth Code), the tactile graphic should be prepared in UEB."
and
"In general, regardless of the braille code used, the numeric indicator should be omitted when depicting measuring tools, number lines, and multiple-quadrant Cartesian graphs."
These tell us that a ruler with unmodified numbers and/or letters (using the definition for 'technical notation' from the Nemeth Code) should use UEB and not Nemeth.
Additionally, in GSTG 6.5.1, we find the following: "All number lines transcribed in Nemeth within UEB contexts must be enclosed within Nemeth Code switch indicators even though numbers may not be modified."
This means that, yes, number lines are treated differently than rulers _unless_ modified numbers and/or letters (as defined in the Nemeth Code) are present.
Following GSTG 6.10, in addition to that, "Numeric indicators are not shown with numbers on actual braille rulers, protractors, and calipers regardless of whether
the measurement tools are transcribed in UEB or Nemeth Code."To your last question, respectfully, we are unable to provide detail as to why BANA made these decisions.
Please let us know if this provides a clear and actionable set of responses to your questions! 🙂
Thanks APHers, for your question!
From your friendly TG experts on the NBA Tactile Graphics committee, we have the following:
Yes, a ruler with only whole numbers should always be transcribed in UEB, even in a UEB-in-Nemeth-Context document.
And yes, retain use of numeric indicator for cylinders, beakers, and measuring cups. In our reading, this is consistent with the chart on page 6-3 of GSTG.
GSTG 6.5.1 indicates that "All number lines transcribed in Nemeth within UEB contexts must be enclosed within Nemeth Code switch indicators even though numbers may not be modified. This applies whether they are drawn or created using braille symbols."
Number lines are covered in GSTG under 6.5. However, rulers are covered under Measurement tools in 6.10. Because it is not specifically addressed which code must be used for Rulers (unlike in number lines) use the following basic guidelines.
UNIT 6, p 6-2: When no technical notation is present on the tactile graphic
(e.g., only unmodified numbers and/or letters as defined in the Nemeth Code), the tactile graphic should be prepared in UEB.UNIT 6, §6.5.1, 3rd paragraph: All number lines transcribed in Nemeth within UEB contexts must be enclosed within Nemeth Code switch indicators even though numbers may not be modified. This applies whether they are drawn or created using braille symbols.
Let us know if this provides a clear and actionable response to your questions. 🙂
Hi Melody!
You ask two very good questions.
Your first question asks about preferences of tactile readers. One of the members of our Tactile Graphics committee is a very highly experienced tactile reader. This is what they have to say:
As a braille reader, my preference may vary regarding production method, depending on the type of diagram being reproduced. My first preference is graphics produced on a braille embosser, but enhanced with added collage elements, such as raised dots and added lines. I do think that microcapsule paper is good for preparing maps and some science diagrams.
Your second question asks about software and embossers for tactiles. We would like to refer you to the "Computer Aided Transcription" Ask an Expert forum with this question. They will have much broader experience across both braille production and tactiles production than we can offer here.
Hope this helps!
Thank you Kyle,
The baseline of each graph is treated like a number line. Following the table "Use and Omission of Numeric Indicator" on page 6-3 of GSTG 2022, we see that no numeric symbols are to be used on number lines so your assessment is correct.
The only part we see that will require the numeric indicator is the label for part (b) Height = 1/3.
We hope this helps!
Thanks for the question Marty!
Assuming that the back side of a TG (even page) is the last page of the volume, one would not apply either a print or braille page number. This assumes that “The End” will fit on the page with the tactile.
In the case where we are not at the end of a volume agencies may treat it somewhat differently. For example, if a graphic is on a100, the back shows b100, and the next odd page would be c100.
Grounding for these in GSTG and BF follows:
Since this question pertains to the page numbering of tactile graphics pages, we refer to GSTG Unit 5, Section 5.12.1 for interpoint braille, where on pages 5-24 and 5-25 the images show the preferred method of page numbering.
However, as you might acknowledge there not simply one answer that applies to all situations.
In particular, if the TG has a key page it would normally be bound facing a graphic, which may result in the need for an extra blank page. In addition, if there are multiple key pages, GSTG §5.12.4 shows images to indicate the page numbering for a single-sided volume (see page 5-27). See also page 5-30 for complex diagrams with multiple parts and key pages.
We also want to point out that in Braille Formats: Principles of Print-to-Braille, Appendix E.1.1 states that these are recommendations only, with the intent of providing a consistent approach. This allows agencies to set their own standards. (And our experts acknowledge that agencies do differ in their approach.)
All of that comes together to indicate that we should follow guidance in GSTG and BF if at all possible. If agencies decide to deviate from this, it should be done with consistency.
Hi Martin!
Now that we have GSTG 2022, we will shift our focus on answering your question to that new version. You can find GSTG 2022 on BANA's website at the following link.
In GSTG 2022, the applicable guideline to answer your question is 5.3.3.
- When a tactile graphic extends beyond one braille page, do not repeat the title on subsequent pages. In some instances, when there are multi-page keys following a graphic, it is acceptable to add descriptive text to “Key:” (e.g., “Key to Political Map:”).
- EXCEPTION: Headings on multi-page orientation and mobility maps should be repeated on all pages. (See Example 3-5: Prince Andrew High Main Floor.)
The EXCEPTION noted in 5.3.3 is elaborated upon in GSTG 2022 8.5.1. Note that this exception ONLY applies to multi-page orientation and mobility maps: "A map that includes large print visual features along with braille labels and tactile symbols may serve the needs of the low-vision traveler as well as sighted helpers who may be asked for assistance. Headings on multi-page orientation and mobility maps should be repeated on all pages, unlike headings on tactile graphics for textbooks."
Importantly, two examples provided in GSTG 2022 (i.e., Example 3-5: Prince Andrew High Main Floor and Example 7-4 Bus Routes) are examples of an O&M map. While that is indicated on the points pages that apply to those examples, if we miss that we might wonder why GSTG provides contradictory examples. In fact, there is no contradiction, it's just that these two examples illustrate the exception.
GSTG 2022 5.3.3 was instituted following a change in Braille Formats 4.3.10, which states, "Centered, cell-5, and cell-7 headings are not repeated when the text that applies to them is continued on the following page."
Hope this helps!
Michael,
Your question presented NBA's experts in tactile graphics with quite a challenge!
In GSTG 2022, section 5.2 provides us with an order in which information is to be presented to readers. The order of information is:
Heading, Caption, T-note, Key, Graphic, Source.So, from 5.2 we are told that source information is to be placed after the TG itself.
Next, because you are addressing TGs within a braille volume and not in a supplement, for more information about how to format the source citation, we look to Braille Formats for guidance.
BF section 9.5 addresses "Source Citations and Permission to Copy." 9.5.1b is the important part for your issue!
9.5.1b: "Location of the source citation is in the fifth cell to the right of the beginning of the previous line. At least one line of the source citation must be on the same page as the material to which it applies."
There is no guideline indicating that a blank line should be placed before the source material, but we conclude that this would be advisable if it can be made to work with BF 9.5.1.
In other words,
- add a blank line before the source citation for a TG if you can ensure at least one line of the citation will occur on the same page as the TG to which it applies.
- If you can't keep at least one line of the citation on the same page as the TG, then omit the blank line.
As above, keep margins for the source citation five cells to the right of the beginning of the previous line.
Overall, our TG experts indicate that consistency in application is of primary importance. The blank line between a TG and source citation is advisable but not required. Whatever you do, keep consistent so that readers experience consistency throughout your transcription.
We hope this answers all of your questions!
