MathML
MathML is an XML language that is used to make mathematical expressions and scientific notation accessible. It is optional for NIMAS, however the US Department of Education has strongly encouraged SEAs and LEAs to require MathML when they include NIMAS language in their print book adoption contracts.
Have questions about MathML? Visit our MathML Resources page or email us at nimac[at]aph.org for more assistance. We are happy to help!
The “No MathML” Download Option
This short video provides a very brief introduction to MathML and explains how to download files from the NIMAC without MathML if your software is unable to use this code.
You can also download the Powerpoint (available in English or Spanish) to keep for future reference!
NIMAS and MathML in Braille 2000
This presentation covers how you can utilize MathML tagging in NIMAS files to help in translating math content in your BrailleBlaster and Braille 2000 files.
You can also download the Powerpoint to keep for future reference!
Tools for Working with NIMAS
NIMAS requires conversion before use by students. AMPs use a variety of commercial and proprietary software to produce accessible formats using NIMAS source files.
Braille Translation Software
In the first half of 2022, the NIMAC was pleased to offer two free online courses to support braille transcribers who work with NIMAS files. These courses are archived here.
Braille2000 is a “comprehensive tool for producing braille.” Their website offers support documentation as well as a training video library.
BrailleBlaster is a free braille transcription program that works directly with NIMAS files to produce braille books.
You can find several introductory training videos for BrailleBlaster linked below. All of the training videos include Spanish subtitles.
- Introduction to BrailleBlaster
- Basic Math with BrailleBlaster
- Find and Replace in BrailleBlaster
- Spatial Math in BrailleBlaster
- Tables in BrailleBlaster
Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) “supports over 170 languages in either uncontracted or contracted…braille.” Duxbury NimPro “prepares NIMAS documents (and all DAISY format documents) for braille translation by DBT.”
EPUB Conversion Tool
The DAISY Pipeline is a free tool that can be used to convert NIMAS to EPUB. NIMAS is a subset of DAISY 3 (DTBook), and the Pipeline script is called “DTBook to EPUB 3.” The Pipeline uses this script to convert a NIMAS file to a student-ready EPUB file.
Licensing Information: All software products maintained by the DAISY Consortium are available under a business-friendly license (LGPL), to stimulate collaboration between organizations and to maximize reuse and integration in other contexts, including commercial software.
Other Tools
Techadapt retired its website in 2021 and the Techadapt Accessible Media Center software is no longer posted for download. If you are in need of software to convert NIMAS into RTF or DAISY, please contact the NIMAC for further assistance.