Yearly Archives: 2019

2019 ABA Annual Meeting wrap-up

Meeting participants seated at 2 tables in Braille HouseThe Australian Braille Authority meets annually, preceding the Round Table Conference on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities.

Reports were presented on the work of the Australian Braille Authority, international collaboration and the work of member organisations.  These are summarised in the 2019 ABA Chair’s Report by Jordie Howell.

chart with hiragana, romanji and brailleKathy Riessen announced the release of the ABA Guidelines on Foreign Language Material. These are a series of documents: The first introduces general rules for transcribing foreign language in a UEB context and the remaining documents each provide guidance for a different language. French, German, Italian, Spanish, Latin and Japanese have all been covered. The documents can be downloaded for free from our website in print or braille. Our thanks are extended to Kathy Riessen for leading this work and to the many braille transcribers, proofreaders, users and teachers who provided invaluable input.

Nigel Herring of Pentronics raised the issue of import of quality braille paper to Australia. New import restrictions are impractical for the small quantities of braille paper required in Australia, meaning that we now only have access to poor quality paper. Nigel will work with the Australian Braille Authority to submit a request for exemption for braille paper.

This year, the meeting was hosted by Braille House in Annerley, Queensland. After the conclusion of the main proceedings, we were treated to a tour of their facilities, including their children’s area, Moon collection and braille production facilities. Our thanks are extended to Braille House for their hospitality.

Historic handmade braille alphabet wall chart.

Congratulations Dorothy Hamilton

The Australian Braille Authority extends our congratulations to Dorothy Hamilton, who was named in the 2019 Australia Day Honours. Dorothy was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to music.

Blind from birth, Dorothy developed an early love of music. She was the first blind woman in the southern hemisphere to obtain a music degree. She then went on to fulfil her childhood ambition of teaching music to sighted students as at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, where she taught recorder, piano and choir.

In 1985, Dorothy was instrumental in establishing the internationally-renowned National Braille Camp. She has also taught blind students unable to attend the camp remotely, via phone.

Dorothy has represented Australia in international discussions of the braille music code.

Dorothy began her braille music transcription career as a proofreader for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. In the 1990s she took on the role of braille music transcription at Vision Australia using a computer and refreshable braille display.

At 91 years of age, Dorothy continues her music transcription work at Vision Australia and is a mentor and role model for many.

Dorothy Hamilton holding a wooden case with medal and plaque