Interpreting 2022 TG Guidelines, Rulers and Nemeth Code

Thank you for your questions!

Our experts on the NBA Tactile Graphics committee offer the following:

Near the beginning of GSTG Unit 6 (page 6-2), we find the following statements:

"When no technical notation is present on the tactile graphic (e.g., only unmodified numbers and/or letters as defined in the Nemeth Code), the tactile graphic should be prepared in UEB."

and

"In general, regardless of the braille code used, the numeric indicator should be omitted when depicting measuring tools, number lines, and multiple-quadrant Cartesian graphs."

These tell us that a ruler with unmodified numbers and/or letters (using the definition for 'technical notation' from the Nemeth Code) should use UEB and not Nemeth.

Additionally, in GSTG 6.5.1, we find the following: "All number lines transcribed in Nemeth within UEB contexts must be enclosed within Nemeth Code switch indicators even though numbers may not be modified."

This means that, yes, number lines are treated differently than rulers _unless_ modified numbers and/or letters (as defined in the Nemeth Code) are present.

Following GSTG 6.10, in addition to that, "Numeric indicators are not shown with numbers on actual braille rulers, protractors, and calipers regardless of whether
the measurement tools are transcribed in UEB or Nemeth Code."

To your last question, respectfully, we are unable to provide detail as to why BANA made these decisions.

Please let us know if this provides a clear and actionable set of responses to your questions!  🙂