Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc

Australian Braille Authority (ABA)

Terms of Reference

September, 1992

Name of Committee

Australian Braille Authority, abbreviated as ABA.

Aims and Objectives

Refer ABA Statement of Objectives

Structure

The ABA shall consist of a:

  1. National body, hereinafter referred to as The National Committee, and
  2. Subcommittee in each State and Territory of Australia, which shall be known collectively as State and Territory ABA subcommittees

The National Committee

  1. The National Committee shall meet at least twice a year, as part of the meetings of the Round Table on Reading Materials for People with Print Disabilities
  2. The National Committee shall elect an Executive
  3. The National Committee may establish Standing and Ad Hoc Subcommittees. Standing Subcommittees may include:
    1. Technical Codes Subcommittees, and
    2. Proficiency Certificates Subcommittee

Each Standing Subcommittee shall include at least one member of the National Committee.

Each Standing Subcommittee shall have the power to co-opt people with relevant expertise.

Membership of The National Committee

  1. The membership of the National Committee shall be as outlined in Clause 20(8)(a) and 20(8)(b) of the Rules of Association. That is:
    • "20 (8) (a) Members of a sub-committee of the Round Table shall consist of member organisations and each member involved in the activity of the sub-committee is entitled to one voting delegate. Observers may be allowed to attend sub-committee meetings"
    • "20 (8) (b) Australian Braille Authority shall consist of one delegate from each member organisation involved in production, teaching or the use of braille and a delegate from each functioning State and Territory ABA Committee"
  2. Members of the National Committee shall be able to demonstrate proficiency in braille, for example, through the attainment of the ABA Braille Proficiency Certificate. Members shall be prepared to demonstrate expertise in braille if required to do so

Executive

  1. The Executive shall consist of the following:
    1. Chairperson
    2. Vice-Chairperson
    3. Secretary/Treasurer; and
    4. Immediate Past Chairperson
  2. At least half the Executive shall be touch-readers of braille who are blind
  3. Each member of the Executive shall hold office until the conclusion of the second Annual General Meeting of the Round Table following the date of the member's election. The Secretary/Treasurer is eligible for re-election to the same position for the following term of office

Duties of Executive

The Chairperson shall:

  1. be responsible for overseeing the operation of the Australian Braille Authority, including the chairing of all meetings of the National Committee
  2. liaise with State and Territory ABA Subcommittees, as well as any other organisation, as requested by the National Committee
  3. be an ex officio member of any National Subcommittees set up by the National Committee
  4. have only one vote
  5. Prepare a report of the proceedings of each National meeting for the Round Table, and other such reports as required

The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in all the above and shall chair any meetings where the Chairperson is not available.

The Secretary/Treasurer shall:

  1. be responsible for all correspondence
  2. be responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the National Committee
  3. perform other secretarial duties as requested by the National Committee
  4. be responsible for dealing with all financial matters of the Australian Braille Authority

Duties of Members of the National Committee

Members of the National Committee shall be:

  1. willing to serve on Subcommittees set up by the National Committee
  2. members of the National Committee shall be active members of their appropriate State or Territory ABA Subcommittee

Voting

In the event of an equality of votes at a meeting of the National Committee:

  1. If the question is one which requires an answer either in the affirmative or in the negative, then the question shall be resolved so as to preserve the status quo
  2. In any other event, voting shall continue until the question is resolved

State and Territory ABA Subcommittees

Membership
  1. Each State and Territory ABA Subcommittee shall be constituted as provided for in Clause 20(8)(c) of the Round Table Rules of Association, that is:
    • "20 (8) (c) ABA State and Territory Committees shall consist of delegates from member organisations of the Round Table involved in production, teaching or use of braille. These committees shall have the power to co-opt additional members with braille expertise. Co-opted members shall have voting rights at ABA meetings."
  2. Each member of a State or Territory ABA Subcommittee shall be entitled to one vote
Functions

Each State and Territory ABA Subcommittee shall:

  1. Develop its own Rules of Operation, which shall be submitted to the National Committee for approval
  2. Endeavour to meet at least 3 times a year
  3. Elect its own Convenor
  4. Promote the aims and objectives of the National Committee
  5. Elect a representative to serve on the National Committee, who shall present a report of the Subcommittee's activities at each meeting of the National Committee
  6. Encourage consumer representation and participation in all activities
  7. Have the right of recall if their elected National delegate does not fulfil their obligations at a level which the Subcommittee believes is satisfactory

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