The Nemeth Code

red star
Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts

PDF, BRF
Change Log PDF, BRF
Revised April 2018
Posted August 19, 2018

This method of switching between the Nemeth Code and Unified English Braille has been developed to ensure the continued viability of the use of the Nemeth Code for mathematics. The necessity for this adaptation, which is similar to the current use of switching to computer braille code for email addresses and the like, stems from two basic issues:

1) In current Nemeth code transcriptions, the nonmathematical text that surrounds the mathematics is based on English Braille, American Edition (EBAE), which is being replaced by Unified English Braille (UEB). If the surrounding text were to continue to be in EBAE, then, in order to use Nemeth Code, braille users and producers would need to be familiar with two sets of rules for contractions, capitalization, emphasis, punctuation, spacing, and so on. Such a requirement would be especially burdensome in the long term to future braille users and producers who learn braille according to UEB symbols and rules and would then need to learn old rules that have been replaced.

2) As the use of electronic means to read and write in both print and braille proliferates, the need for accurate translation both from print to braille and from braille to print becomes an increasingly critical consideration. An unambiguous switching method eliminates code conflicts and makes it possible for accurate translation in either direction to occur, so that mathematics can be communicated between print users and braille users using Nemeth Code.

Send a message to BANA's Nemeth Code Technical Committee

red star
Graphing Calculator Guidelines

Approved April 2018

PDF, BRF

BANA's Nemeth Code Technical Committee has worked diligently to develop this new publication Graphing Calculator Guidelines. It is based on the Nemeth Code and its updates as well as on the Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts. BANA welcomes feedback from users of this publication.

Send a message to BANA's Nemeth Code Technical Committee

red star
Provisional Guidance for Chemistry Notation Using Nemeth in UEB Contexts

PDF update 05/29/2018, BRF

The BANA Chemistry Committee developed this provisional guidance for transcribing chemistry using Nemeth in UEB contexts. BANA welcomes feedback from users of this publication.

Send a message to BANA's Ad Hoc Committee on Chemistry

Codebooks and Updates

The publications listed below provide a means of transcribing technical materials. Copies of these publications are available for purchase in hardcopy print and braille from either American Printing House for the Blind or National Braille Association as indicated below.

Nemeth Code

Hardcopy

Nemeth Code for Mathematics & Science Notation, 1972 Revision. APH; Braille: 5-87430-00; Print Edition: 7-87430-00

Downloads

Chemistry Code

Hardcopy

Braille Code for Chemical Notation, 1997. APH; Braille: 5-16900-00; Print: 7-16900-00

Downloads

Chemistry Code (a zipped archive of the files) BRF

Nemeth Updates

Application of the Formats Guidelines to Nemeth Transcriptions update as PDF or BRF

Addendum 1 to the Nemeth Code for Mathematics & Science Notation, 1972 Revision: Ancient Numeration Systems.
APH; Braille: 5-68654-00; Print: 7-68654-00

Nemeth Updates 2015

  • Rule VIII §54: Spacing for abbreviations within cancellation indicators
    File types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2014

  • Orientation §4c: Notice of the use of Tactile Graphics Guidelines 2010
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Rule IV §26: Use of ELI in uncontracted braille
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Rule XVII §119: Spacing with function names
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Rule XIX §134: Use of multipurpose indicators with operation signs
    File types: PDF, BRF,
  • Rule XXII §162: Per mille symbol
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Rule XXIV §184: Numeric indicator with enlarged grouping signs
    File types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2013

  • Orientation 4c: Spacing of copyright, trademark, and registered symbols
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Rule XIV §86c: Short form of directly under
    File types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2012

  • Rule XXV, sec 191: Wording change for list format
    File types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2011

  • Rule XXV §191a(v) and §191b(vi) Use of blank line before directions
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Tables and Keying §187
    File types: PDF, BRF
  • Replacement §187
    File types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2010

  • Letter/number or Number/letter abbreviations
    File types: PDF, BRF>
  • Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin - New rule
    File Types: PDF, BRF

Nemeth Updates 2007

Related Documents

Learning the Nemeth Braille Code: A Manual for Teachers and Students, 1987.
APH; Braille: 5-68653-00; Print: 7-68653-00

Learning the Nemeth Braille Code (BRF edition)

Nemeth Reference Sheets by Thora Dumont and Janet Malone.
National Braille Press