Content Development and Design
Recommendations, Standards, and Guidelines
The NIMAS, as endorsed by the Department of Education, identifies DAISY DTBook XML document type as the official mark-up to be used in the preparation of files. The NIMAS technical specification identifies the required book constructs that, when present in the print edition, must be present in an electronic version. XML files that validate against DTBook and contain the minimum subset defined in the NIMAS specification are the foundation necessary for further content creation by authorized entities. Other files that must be included with XML-based content files are described in the NIMAS Technical Specification. Preparers of NIMAS-conformant files are strongly encouraged to use full DAISY mark-up whenever possible.
For practical information about NIMAS mark-up and the development of NIMAS-conformant files, see Creating NIMAS Files. For more information about the history of NIMAS and NIMAS-conformant file development, see History and Core Technologies.
As NIMAS also will, the specifications for the Digital Talking Book (DTB) continue to evolve with changing technology and other open standards, such as those from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The DTB standard also takes the Open eBook Publication Structure Specification from the International Digital Publishing Forum into account.
There are a number of other recommendations that may prove of interest to those who are concerned with developing accessible information. For those interested in web accessibility, see the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). To read a brief overview of web accessibility, see the WAI's QuickTips.
Guidance that focuses on accessible learning technologies includes—
Advanced Distributed Learning: SCORM
IMS Global Learning Consortium provides guidelines for developing accessible learning applications and an accessibility specification
Schools Interoperability Framework AssociationProduction and Tools
The DAISY Consortium has established the DTB SourceForge Initiative, which includes style sheets and other information useful to content creators. Content developers are encouraged to contribute resources to the community of those concerned with accessible rich content via this SourceForge initiative. Visit the DSIDTB Home Page for more information.
One tool that can be downloaded from SourceForge is the DAISY 3 (ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2005) validator, known as ZedVal. At this time, ZedVal focuses on validating audio content, but further development of the tool is expected. Even as it exists today, ZedVal performs some validation of NIMAS content.
XML Editors and Validation
Since the NIMAS consists of XML elements, typical XML editing and validation tools may be used, alongside the NIMAS Document Type Definition (DTD), in order to create valid NIMAS content. Selecting an XML editor requires some consideration and research. Is an XML editor with a WYSIWYG user interface preferable, or is an all-purpose editor that will give total control of the final output a better choice? Many articles assessing selection criteria and presenting comparisons may be found by searching the Internet. When reviewing these items, it is especially important to note the publication date since software is frequently updated, or, in some cases, may no longer be maintained or available. Here is a selection of documents that may prove helpful when considering options:
Choosing an XML editor
WDVL XML Software Guide: XML and XSL Editors
XML Editors from O'Reilly
XML Editors posted on XML.comA brief list of companies that sell potentially useful tools is provided for your information. Some of these tools are available as freeware, while others are available for purchase.
Cooktop
Syntext Serna
Topologi
upcast
XMetaL
XMLSpy
XML Pro v2DAISY Production Tools
The American Printing House for the Blind's Book Wizard Producer is software that permits production of DAISY DTBs using the DAISY/NISO Z39.86-2002 format. APH's beta software page provides a download of the latest version and information about the listserv for the Book Wizard Producer. Studio Recorder, also from the American Printing House for the Blind, may be helpful in digital audio production projects, including DAISY production. One of its valuable features is that it is designed to be fully accessible to users who are blind or visually impaired. It was designed for use in creating digital audio books (not musical works) and offers features specific to DTB creation. It may be used in conjunction with the Book Wizard Producer to offer a flexible production package.
The Danish National Library for the Blind (DBB) offers its Structured Text Document Editor (STD Editor) and the Synthetic Talking eBook Generator (STEB Generator). The STD Editor software enables a user with little or no skills in mark-up languages to produce XML and HTML documents that are valid DAISY 2.02 and/or ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002. The STEB Generator allows users to rapidly generate DTBs using synthetic speech. The STEB Generator uses an XML file as a source. For more information about either of these products, see http://www.dbb.dk/Software/.
Dolphin Audio Publishing's EasePublisher allows users to create DAISY 2.02 and DAISY 3 (DAISY/NISO Z39.86-2005) content from a variety of input sources. This product has an extensive set of features permitting human narration, text-to-speech conversion, and full audio synchronization with text. For inquiries from the United States regarding EasePublisher, please visit http://www.yourdolphin.com.
IRTI offers eClipseWriter 3.1. This product currently produces DAISY 2.02 and 3 content and supports the creation of NIMAS-conformant files and outputs. It can convert content in various electronic text formats to synchronized text and audio using an included text-to-speech engine. The software is designed to be fully accessible. IRTI expects to support future standards as they evolve.
Phoneticom, located in Sweden, offers a server-based service/product (using its DAISY Generator) that permits conversion of content into DAISY 2.02 and DAISY 3 (DAISY/NISO Z39.86-2005) content. This service uses text-to-speech software to create a fileset for distribution. For more information, please contact daisy@phoneticom.com.
Plextor sells the Plextalk PTR1 and its accompanying Plextalk Recording Software. This product bundle creates content as a DTB in DAISY 2.02 format. The Plextor Recording Software can also convert a text file to audio using synthetic speech.
Telex Communications, Inc. offers software and hardware to support DAISY production, including analog to digital audio conversion.
"DTBMaker is a set of perl scripts which can be used to produce DAISY DTBs. DTBMaker was developed for the Wyoming Medical Center and is free (released under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE)" from DTBmaker. The new DTBMaker 2.6 works with Mac OSX and supports DAISY 2.02, DAISY/NISO 2002, and DAISY/NISO 2005. DTBMaker Windows supports DAISY 2.02 only.
NIMAS Conversion Tool
The NIMAS Conversion Tool converts NIMAS-conformant XML filesets into leveled XML files and/or into leveled HTML files that can be opened and viewed in a browser. Leveled XML segments may be useful to Braille transcribers who prefer to work with segments smaller than a single file of a complete work. Note that results may not be completely predictable since levels used (coded into XML source files) by a publisher or a contractor will determine the number and size of segments. Users without access to the NIMAC may test the conversion tool using files available on the NIMAS Exemplars page.
Other Tools
Adobe SVG Viewer
Download Adobe’s SVG Viewer 3.03 to view images in SVG format with a browser.Braille Production Software and Services
One of the promises of the NIMAS is that content will be more easily transformed from NIMAS-conformant files into Braille. Some software is being modified to support conversion into Braille; however, for those with limited experience with Braille, working with a Braille production company is recommended to ensure high-quality results. There are many Braille embossers on the market, but content production and Braille transcription are our focuses here.
Software that may be able to assist with Braille transformation includes—
Braille2000
Duxbury Braille Translator
Duxbury Systems MegaDots 2.3A number of companies may be prepared to support Braille production. A selected list of both commercial and nonprofit companies includes—
American Printing House for the Blind offers a variety of products, including embossed files, large print, audio cassettes, tactile graphics, etc.
Braille Institute of America offers Braille transcription, embossed files, and tactile graphics.
Bookshare.org offers creation and delivery of .brf files (rather than embossed files).
gh offers five different formats of Braille, such as NEMETH.
National Braille Press offers Braille transcription, embossed files, Braille and print together, etc.
TechAdapt offers three different formats of braille, tactile graphics, and takes on any size job.
Making Math and Science AccessibleDesign Science and gh are both involved in efforts to determine the best methods for making math and science electronic texts accessible. MathML, a W3C recommendation, will undoubtedly be at least a part of the proposed solutions.
Accessible PDF Development and Reading
Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) is pervasive in the publishing industry and on the World Wide Web (WWW). Making PDF accessible and/or converting it to other document types to facilitate accessibility is critical to those who seek to ensure accessibility. Enterprise Content Management (ECM) has established a working group—PDF/UA, Universal Accessibility Committee—that focuses on issues related to PDF accessibility. Information about this group may be found at http://www.aiim.org/standards.asp?ID=27861.
Making Adobe PDF Content Accessible
Tagging PDF content is the key to making it accessible. Tagged PDF documents can be created from XML, and, once created, they may be used to create more reliable XML output for transformation into other electronic file formats.
A number of tools and services are available for use in the production of accessible PDF documents. One option for locating products and services to support PDF accessibility is to search the "Buy Accessible" database located on the Section 508.gov web site. Adobe Systems, Inc. provides how-to information and tools to support creation of accessible PDF files. Helpful guidance from Adobe may be found by exploring the following pages:
access.adobe.com
Adobe's Create accessible content page
Online conversion tools for Adobe PDF documentsIf you are using Acrobat 7, the Adobe Acrobat 7.0 family and accessibility page may be particularly helpful. If you are using Acrobat 6.0, the Acrobat solutions for accessibility page focuses on version 6.0.
Reading PDF Documents
Several versions of Adobe's Reader may be downloaded from Acrobat's Reader download page. It may be helpful to install the latest version of Adobe's reading software and enable its accessibility features in order to get a sense of how a PDF document will be presented when assistive technology is used.
Scanning and reading products available from both Freedom Scientific and Kurzweil Educational Systems have the ability to convert text-based or image-based PDF documents to content that may be read aloud.
Two products specifically designed to support reading of PDF documents using text-to-speech are—
Premier's PDF Magic 4.0
Texthelp Systems' PDFAloudSelected Articles about PDF Accessibility
Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM) has covered some important concepts related to the creation and reading of accessible PDF documents. PDF Accessibility provides discussion about why PDF accessibility is important for all people with disabilities. Accessibility Features in Adobe Reader 7 was published in February 2005 and offers an overview of features found in version 7.
An article from the National Federation of the Blind's publication, Voice of the Nation's Blind, PDF Survival Guide, presents tips and tricks for accessing Adobe PDF documents, with particular attention paid to the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Scanning
The availability of content created with NIMAS-conformant files should alleviate much of the need to scan content in order to make it accessible. While NIMAS content is being developed, however, scanning may remain necessary. Below are a few resources that may help those who need to scan documents to begin to make them accessible.
There are many available articles that offer tips to ensure the best outcomes when scanning. Here are three beginners' pieces:
How to Effectively Scan a Book, from the eSight Careers Network
Optical Character Recognition Systems, from AFB's Career Connect
A few scanning tips, by Wayne FultonSpecialized hardware and software scanning products are available and include—
COLLiGO: Book Crafter, Scan N Talk, and ReadText
Freedom Scientific: Openbook software, SARA, Scanning and Reading Appliance, and WYNN Literacy Software
Kurzweil Educational Systems: Kurzweil 1000, Kurzweil 3000 for Windows, and Kurzweil 3000 for MacintoshMainstream commercial software scanning products include—
ABBYY's FineReader
ScanSoft's OmniPage
Bookshare.org provides a service that permits qualified individuals or institutions to legally download scanned texts. Volunteers scan content for contribution to the community. Volunteers also share best practices for preparing content to be posted on the site.
