NCEO recently published, Considerations for States Providing Materials in Braille. This brief provides information on, and recommendations for, providing appropriate braille materials for students. In November 2012, the U.S. members of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) voted to adopt Unified English Braille Code (UEB), with implementation of the code to begin in January 2016. Prior to that, braille materials and assessments were provided through the English Braille American Edition (EBAE) “literary” code, and Nemeth Code for Mathematics & Science Notation (Nemeth). Now, math and science materials can be created in UEB only or in Nemeth that is embedded within UEB. The brief includes some recommendations for states to consider:

• States should be aware that both UEB and Nemeth are official codes for use in the U.S. for transcription of technical materials.
• Materials in EBAE should be phased out and new materials should no longer be produced in this code.
• States should support math instruction in UEB or in Nemeth Code based on the IEP team’s decision.
• States should provide math and science materials in both UEB and in Nemeth within UEB contexts as needed by students.
• States should ensure that braille assessments are available in the codes that are being taught to students.