In late December 2002, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) announced a change in terminology from what have been traditionally known as “grade 1” and “grade 2” braille. These categories will now be referred to as “uncontracted” and “contracted” braille respectively.
According to spokespersons for BANA, the change was made at the request of many in the blindness field. People often confuse grades of braille with first and second grades in elementary school. BANA believes that the change will describe the differences between the two systems more accurately, and will increase awareness and improve the overall understanding of how braille is learned, read, written and transcribed.
BANA urges all organizations, agencies, teacher training programs, braille production facilities, software developers, professionals in the field of blindness and braille readers to incorporate this terminology into writing, publications, presentations and general practice. The ultimate goal is to enhance understanding and more accurately reflect what braille is — a versatile and effective reading and writing system for people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired.