Mathematics Braille (Nemeth Code) Proofreading

Course Information

Course Overview

Under a contract with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS), the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute offers a course in mathematics (Nemeth Code) braille proofreading. This course qualifies successful applicants to proofread mathematics and science materials in braille. Students receive a Library of Congress certificate in mathematics braille proofreading upon successful completion of the course. There is no tuition charge. Necessary instruction materials are provided free of charge by the NFB Jernigan Institute. Those already certified in mathematics transcribing may test to be certified without enrolling in the course.

Eligibility requirements

  • United States citizenship or residency
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Knowledgeable in recommended braille formats for textbooks and technical materials

Prerequisite

One of the following:

  • Library of Congress certification in mathematics braille transcription with at least two years experience following certification as a math transcriber to take the Nemeth proofreading test
  • At least six months experience as a literary braille proofreader to enroll in the mathematics (Nemeth Code) proofreading course

Equipment required 

A 40-cell slate, a braillewriter, or a computer using a six-key direct input and/or translation software program. Some sources of slates and braillewriters include:

National Federation of the Blind, Independence Market
200 East Wells Street
      at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206

Howe Press
Watertown, MA 02472

Braille paper (11 x 11' inches) is required. Some sources are:

National Federation of the Blind, Independence Market 
200 East Wells Street
      at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206

Howe Press
Watertown, MA 02472

American Thermoform
1758 Brackett Street
La Verne, CA 91750

How the course works

Literary proofreaders wishing to take the mathematics (Nemeth Code) proofreading course will receive instructional materials directly from the NFB Jernigan Institute. There are three ways to receive instruction:

Local Classes

In some areas local braille transcribing groups include mathematics braille code transcribers who have been certified by the Library of Congress. Classes taught by certified transcribers are one way to receive instruction.

Local Instructors

In cases where there are not enough students to form a class, a transcriber certified for mathematics braille may be able to instruct a single student.

Correspondence    

Students unable to find a local class or instructor may take the course by correspondence with the NFB Jernigan Institute. A local instructor or the NFB Jernigan Institute will evaluate lessons, depending upon how you receive instruction. Telephone correspondence and consultation is available. Please call Jennifer Dunnam at (612) 767-5658.

When submitting exercises, a line length of 40 cells is to be used, regardless of method of production. Students are encouraged to submit their exercises on a regular basis (at least monthly) and may submit only one lesson at a time.

Certification Test

Final certification tests are sent upon request from the NFB Jernigan Institute and are evaluated by the NFB Jernigan Institute. When requesting the test, students who have taken the course locally must include a letter from their Library of Congress-certified mathematics braille instructor attesting that the student has successfully completed the course. Candidates scoring 80 points or above will receive a Library of Congress certificate in proofreading.

How to enroll

Applicants can enroll in the course in two ways.

  • Complete the application online.
  •  Mail a complete print application (Word doc) to:
            National Federation of the Blind
            Braille Certification Training Program
            200 East Wells Street
                  at Jernigan Place
            Baltimore, MD 21230

Whether intending to take the course with a local teacher or through correspondence, prospective students must submit this application form before the course begins.

More Information

For more information, please email our Braille certification training program at [email protected] or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2510.