Register for the Braille Reading Pals Program

Registration for the Fall 2009 Braille Reading Pals Program is now open. Parents or other caregivers of blind or visually impaired children can register for the Fall 2009 Braille Reading Pals Program online, by fax, or through the mail, August 18, 2009, through September 24, 2009.

Their fax number is (410) 659-5129 and mailing address is:

The program will run October 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009 and is designed to increase parents’ knowledge about Braille and the importance of early literacy experiences for their blind children. The program will also help parents promote early literacy skills, a love of reading, and a positive attitude about Braille through daily reading with their blind children over a two-month period.

Blind and low-vision children ages 0-7 and older children with developmental delays who are not yet reading are eligible for the program.

Each child in the program will receive a print-Braille storybook to keep, a Beanie Baby stuffed animal (the “Reading Pal”), and a sheet of Braille labels with their name in Braille for mom or dad to cut out and stick onto their favorite books. You'll also receive instructions and tips; a reading journal booklet and wall chart; and literature from the NFB and the National Braille Press about Braille, early literacy, and resources for buying or borrowing print-Braille storybooks. In addition, the parents of children ages 4 and older will receive literature about how to discuss and explain blindness to children.

Those who complete the program will get a certificate and a special prize provided by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). The prize is a tactile, print-Braille book that the parent and child can enjoy together.