Putting Their Braille Skills to the Test: Nation's Top Blind Students Compete
in Unique Academic Competition
LOS ANGELES, June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 20, the top
blind students from across the United States and Canada put their knowledge of
the braille code to the test in the only national academic competition for
blind students in the country -- The National Braille Challenge(R).
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Sponsored by Braille Institute of America(R), the competition serves to
encourage blind children of all ages to fine-tune their braille skills, which
are essential to their success in the sighted world. The 9th Annual National
Braille Challenge(R) took place on Saturday, June 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3
p.m., at Braille Institute's headquarters, located at 741 North Vermont
Avenue, in Los Angeles. The participants, ages 6 to 19, competed in
challenging categories that required them to transcribe, type and read braille
using a device called a Perkins Brailler. Each category was designed to test
their braille skills in several areas--reading comprehension, braille
spelling, chart and graph reading, proofreading and braille speed and
accuracy--all of which they need to master in order to keep up with their
sighted peers.
"We know that employment numbers for blind people are significantly lower than
those of sighted people in the same age group," said Nancy Niebrugge, director
of the Braille Challenge(R). "But 90 percent of blind people who are gainfully
employed are braille readers, and that's very telling. It's essential that
blind children learn to read braille at an early age."
This year's competition featured a diverse group of high achievers -- from
athletes to musicians to junior activists. Most were born blind, others lost
their sight due to cancer or viral infections, but they all share a tenacity
that drives them to succeed in spite of their disability. They are the top 60,
chosen from among more than 650 students throughout the country during a round
of preliminary testing. Following the competition an awards ceremony will be
held at the Universal Hilton Hotel, from 6 to 9 p.m. The first- through
third-place winners in each age group will receive a savings bond, ranging in
value from $500 for the youngest group to $5,000 for the oldest. Legendary
voice-over actor Jim Cummings, who has lent his voice to characters such as
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, will present the awards. In addition to these
prizes, Freedom Scientific has donated the latest in adaptive equipment for
the winners -- a pocket PC with a braille display called a PacMate, valued at
nearly $4000. KNBC4-TV will also sponsor the Braille Superstar Award for
Excellence in Reading Comprehension. Although the stakes are high, The
National Braille Challenge(R) serves to bridge the gap between a unique group
of students from across the country.
"The great thing about The Braille Challenge(R), is that it gives us the
opportunity to celebrate braille literacy in a unique way," said Niebrugge.
Most of the participants are the only blind students in their school. They go
through their entire lives being the exception. This competition gives them
the opportunity to build camaraderie among kids who have shared similar life
experiences."
If you would like additional information on the National Braille Challenge(R),
please contact Courtney Goines, director of Marketing and PR, at (323)
663-1111, Ext. 3176. The Braille Challenge(R) Finals Competition was made
possible in part through the generosity of Freedom Scientific, Walter Lantz
Foundation, dot.dat.inc, Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, and Dot and Rick
Nelson.
SOURCE Braille Institute of America
Courtney Goines, Director of Marketing and PR, Braille Institute of America,
+1-323-663-1111, ext. 3176
