One of NBP’s goals in 2017 was to create more engagement with braille readers around the world. One way we’ve been doing this is through braille-themed contests. Back in March, we held our first ever photo contest: “Braille Around the World”. We wanted to see where our readers like to enjoy their braille books. During the process, we got a call from Susan Fisher at Hadley School for the Blind, who described how some of her adult braille students were very excited about the contest.

“I was excited to learn about the braille photo contest as it offered my students the opportunity to share their exciting and unique stories. Braille means independence and literacy. The braille photo contest allowed the students to promote braille from their own perspective. I’m so pleased that two of my students entered the contest and did such a fine job.

As a braille instructor at the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I run a one-hour phone ‘chat’ group that meets once each week. During our discussions, students offer tips and tricks, as well as share their joy and frustration, while learning to read and write braille. I shared the information about the braille photo contest with the group so that they could tell others of their braille accomplishments in a fun and creative way.

Sue Brasel's submission

Sue Brasel entered the contest for ‘the fun of it.’ Sue likes to challenge herself and wanted to see if she could write a poem showing off the town where she lives. Sue points out that the photo of her reading braille next to the creek in her town shows her using her sense of touch while reading braille as well as her senses of smell and hearing.

Clarice Cocco's submission

Clarice Cocco was motivated to enter the contest to show others how she marks her crochet hooks. Clarice knows that braille has given her the ability to organize and be independent. With braille, Clarice is now able to enjoy life using her sense of touch. Clarice feels it is important to find things she can do without asking for assistance. With braille marks on her crocheting hooks, she can now do just that!”

This story and many others inspired NBP to continue doing contests through our social media outlets. NBP has announced that we will be hosting our first Poetry Contest for all ages! The contest runs through October 31, 2017. Learn more at the following link: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/newsmedia/index.html?id=oYRhw4kW