International Council on English Braille

International Council on English Braille

The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) is an organization that coordinates and promotes the use of braille for the English language. It serves as a forum for discussion and collaboration among countries that use English braille, aiming to ensure consistency and standardization across different regions.

History

The ICEB was established in 1991 to address the need for a unified approach to English braille. Prior to its formation, various countries had developed their own braille codes, leading to inconsistencies and difficulties for braille users who traveled or accessed materials from different countries.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the ICEB include:

• Promoting the use of a standardized English braille code.
• Facilitating communication and cooperation among member countries.
• Supporting the development and dissemination of braille materials.
• Encouraging research and innovation in braille technology and education.

Unified English Braille

One of the significant achievements of the ICEB is the development and adoption of the Unified English Braille (UEB) code. UEB was designed to harmonize the various English braille codes into a single, comprehensive system. It incorporates features from literary, mathematical, and technical braille, making it versatile for a wide range of applications.

Membership

The ICEB is composed of member countries that use English as a primary language. Each member country is represented by a national braille authority or organization. Current member countries include:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United States

Activities

The ICEB organizes regular meetings and conferences to discuss developments in braille and to address challenges faced by the braille community. It also publishes guidelines and resources to assist educators, transcribers, and braille users.

Impact

The work of the ICEB has significantly impacted the accessibility of information for blind and visually impaired individuals. By promoting a standardized braille code, the ICEB has facilitated the production of braille materials and improved the ease of learning and using braille across different countries.