The standard reference and instructional books for transcribing printed materials into Braille are currently available only in hardcopy print and Braille editions. A typical printed page contains descriptive text, examples, and the corresponding Braille in a simulated Braille font. As with most hardcopy reference materials, the books are bulky, hard to keep up-to-date, and difficult to search through, especially for blind readers.In this SBIR Phase I project we propose to develop a prototype version of the code book English Braille American Edition 1994 on CD-ROM and on a website. We will investigate the feasibility of using Microsoft's new HTML Help technology for Windows 98 and Windows NT to develop materials that can be accessed from both Windows and Macintosh computers. We propose to make a simulated Braille font available for free downloading from a web site in order to speed up the display of Braille character examples and simplify the authoring tasks for web site content providers.Summary of anticipated results and implications:Phase I will result in the development of a prototype CD-ROM that can be accessed in the same way from Windows and Macintosh computers. We expect the CD-ROM to be preferred by frequent users who want the speed and ease of access. Occasional users will be able to access the same material online on a web site. The prototype CD-ROM and website will be tested for usability and accessibility by both blind and sighted users.Phase II will create CD-ROM versions of additional code books such as Braille Formats: Principles of Print to Braille Transcription and other reference materials, subject to customer input and user feedback. Making these materials available on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web will make them more readily accessible to users. We expect the CD-ROM discs to become standard Braille references for Braille transcribers, proofreaders, and readers, and educational institutions and libraries in the U.S. and international markets.
