Braille Institute offers programs for blind and visually impaired youth, both nationally, and here in Southern California. Click the links below for more information how to get your child involved!
Braille Challenge
The Braille Challenge® is an academic competition designed to motivate braille literacy in blind and visually impaired students. The purpose is to emphasize their study of braille, while rewarding their success with fun-filled, but challenging, local and national events. Any visually impaired student who reads braille is eligible to participate in the preliminary Braille Challenge events, which are held from January through the end of March throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Celebrating 20 years of braille literacy, the Braille Challenge National Finals is a remote event in 2020. Click here for more information!
Cane Quest
Cane Quest is a challenging orientation and mobility contest for students in grades 3-12. There are several Cane Quest regional events across the country that your child can compete in! Visit the Cane Quest regional events page to learn more about the event.
If you are an Orientation and Mobility Specialist and would like to help support this program and earn CEUs, please contact the appropriate regional coordinator or download and complete the O&M volunteer application form provided.
Special Collection
Free Braille Books & Storybook Kits!
The Braille Special Collection program is designed to increase braille literacy and foster a love of reading by providing blind and visually impaired children with FREE braille books and storybook kits throughout the year. The books are completely free of charge for any blind/visually impaired child or VI teacher by signing up for the Special Collection. Click to learn more and see the latest catalog!
Child Development
Our Child Development Program offers free early intervention services designed to educate families about the developmental needs of children and families who are blind and visually impaired. Our trained Child Development Consultants work with parents and family, as well as medical and educational professionals, to respond to the needs of these infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Any child living in the Southern California area —from birth to age 6 — who is blind or visually impaired is eligible for Child Services.
Youth Program
Braille Institute’s Youth Program aims to create a solid foundation among school-age youth (ages 7 to 19) by working with educators and parents through workshops led by our Child Development Program, to set realistic goals based on each student’s ability. Our curriculum supports the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Summer Reading Program
Braille Institute’s Summer Reading Program offers children and teens of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a fun and friendly challenge. Designed to encourage braille literacy and prevent the “summer slide” in reading achievement, participants read as much as they can during the summer months to strengthen their classroom confidence and have fun.