technical input needed in the development of software to prepare mathematical Braille
text without difficulty.
The criteria used in developing this software were:
- The software should enable reproduction of visual format of the mathematical text on
the screen. For example, for typing triangle ABC, the shape triangle should preceed
the letters ABC. The same possibility should also be available on this software. - The codes used at the secondary level mathematics should be grouped under different
categories such as functions dealing with fractions, shapes, algebraic operations,
inequalities, etc., so that the transcriber knows where to locate the inserted figure,
shape, symbol, etc. - Conversion into Braille format should be made as simple as possible.
- The possibility of looking at the print and Braille text simultaneously for editing
purposes should be explored. - The software should be made Windows based and must be made compatible to work
with all types of Braille embossers. - The software should be made available for an affordable price.
Webel Mediatronics was asked to provide the upfront development costs. ICEVI would, in
turn discuss the possibility of using it for training purposes along with the mathematical
package when the above conditions were fully met.
This unforeseen work continued and within a period of 6 months, the ICEVI-WEBEL effort
resulted in the production of a software that facilitates production of Braille materials in
mathematics using Nemeth Braille code. A series of meetings were conducted with the
software engineers regarding the refinement of the package and its scope for improvement.
The use of this software for mathematics textbooks in various languages will reveal the
efficacy of the software, which will be modified over a period of time. Those wishing
further information and updates on this WIMATS Software (Webel-ICEVI Mathematics
Transcription Software) should direct inquires to the ICEVI Secretariat [email protected].
The Mathematical Package
This publication is a result of three years of research and development by a dedicated
project development team co-chaired by Dr. Mani and Ms. Plernchaivanich. However this