Braille Challenge
A fun and friendly competition for students to show off their braille skills, meet new people, and participate in the day’s activities!
About the Event
The Northern California Regional Braille Challenge is an annual competition and literacy event designed to promote and celebrate the skills of students who are blind or visually impaired, focusing on their mastery of braille. It’s part of the National Braille Challenge, a nation wide contest organized by the Braille Institute of America, which aims to encourage youth who use braille as an essential tool for literacy. Braille Challenge competition is hosted by Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in partnership with California School for the Blind and SF LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The Braille Challenge is the ONLY academic competition, worldwide, of its kind in for students in grades 1 to 12 who are blind or visually impaired.
DATE AND TIME
Saturday, March 1, 2025
8:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION
Vista Center
101 North Bascom Ave, San Jose, California
Registration
The goal of the event is to inspire students to strengthen and enhance their braille reading and writing skills, essential foundations for academic achievement and future career success.
Donate
Sponsorship
With 75-years of non-profit work serving thousands of people, Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education, and training.
$2,500
- Printed Program Mention
- Event Signage & Podium Mention
- Website Logo & Link
- Social Media Mention
- (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Promotional Event Email Mention
- Logo On Event T-Shirts
$1,000
- Printed Program Mention
- Event Signage & Podium Mention
- Website Logo & Link
$500
- Printed Program Mention
Download Sponsor Packet
About the Braille Challenge
This event highlights the importance of braille literacy, emphasizing that braille remains a critical tool for literacy.
Competition Details
- Student Contestants
Students who are blind or visually impaired from Northern California, grades 1 – 12 compete in various levels of braille proficiency based on their age and grade level. The event also serves families, educators, braille transcribers. - Student Contestants Assignments
Student Contestants are given timed assignments in five categories:- Reading Comprehension
- Spelling
- Speed and Accuracy
- Proofreading
- Charts and Graphs.
- Judges
Proctors oversee the tests and the Judges score - Parents and Community
Parents and community members receive educational enrichments while the students are competing. - Organizers
Braille Challenge is hosted by Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in partnership with California School for the Blind and SF LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Student Benefits
- Braille Skills
Recognize excellence in braille, including reading comprehension, speed, accuracy, spelling, and proofreading. - Encourage Social and Educational Engagement
Foster a sense of community among students, educators, and families while encouraging social interaction with educational growth. - Build Confidence and Independence
Offer competitive challenges and a supportive environment, empowering students to take pride in their skills, and enhancing confidence and independence.