Celebrating literacy and success for children who are blind

At a time when the unemployment rate for working age blind people is at 74% Braille literacy has proven to be one of the highest predictors of success in later life for blind students. It's estimated that about eighty-five percent of blind and visually impaired people who are employed are Braille readers (National Federation of the Blind). To celebrate and promote braille literacy and accessibility, the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, along with Volunteer Services for the Visually Handicapped, will host its 6th Annual Braille Games on Friday, March 7th at the Badger Association from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Conducted in partnership with the Milwaukee and outlying area school districts, this intergenerational competition will join experienced, Braille literate adults with children who are just learning Braille.

People who are blind must be taught adaptive skills such as Braille in order to communicate and maximize their independence. The challenge for the public school system to adequately meet specialized needs of children with vision loss is significant due to the lack of resources needed to reinforce Braille.

Jennifer Ottowitz, Badger Association Communications Rehabilitation Instructor, teaches adults Braille, along with other adaptive communication skills. “If you can imagine not being able to read or write, that's the impact that not knowing Braille has on people who are blind or visually impaired.” Ottowitz states, “Learning Braille is crucial for someone’s freedom; it opens all the same doors for people who are blind as learning to read does for those who are sighted. Braille Olympics strengthens the individual's skills through creative, recreational competition. During this event celebrating Braille and Braille literacy, six teams of adults and children will compete in activities. The Dr. Samuel S. and Anne W. Blankstein Family Fund graciously sponsored this year’s event.

The Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired has been committed to serving southeastern Wisconsin for nearly a century by promoting personal development, career growth and community awareness through specialized services and programs for people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information on the Badger Association’s Rehabilitation Services please call 414-615-0121.