LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Braille
Institute has introduced the "Community Hero Award" to honor
organizations that significantly motivate children who are blind
and visually impaired to focus on braille literacy. Rachel
Antoine, Director of National Programs, states, "This award
spotlights organizations that demonstrate support of braille
literacy and its crucial role in the educational and long-term
success of blind and visually impaired children."
This is the inaugural year for the Community Hero Awards, which
will be incorporated into Braille Institute's renowned Braille
Challenge Finals Awards Ceremony. The event will be hosted and
livestreamed on June 22 at the
University of Southern California
(USC) campus. Braille Challenge is the
only academic competition of its kind for blind and visually
impaired kids in grades 1-12 from the
United States, Canada, the
United Kingdom, and Australia.
The 2024 Community Hero Awardees were nominated based on
recommendations from more than 100 Braille Institute staff members
across three key categories: corporate, government, and nonprofit.
A carefully selected committee of internal and external
stakeholders reviewed and evaluated contributions based on
well-defined criteria. Congratulations to these esteemed
organizations who are leading the way.
About the Awardees
Mattel (Corporate Awardee) has been recognized for
its commendable portrayal of individuals with disabilities,
exemplified by the Helen Keller doll. This realistic and positive
representation plays a crucial role in combating the stigma many
individuals face. Additionally, the integration of braille into
games like UNO promotes inclusivity during play.
Partners for Pediatric Vision (Non-Profit Awardee)
provides vital support services addressing the holistic needs of
children, extending beyond education. The organization's dedication
to assisting families in advocating for the needs of blind and
visually-impaired children both within and beyond the school
environment is commendable. Their mission strongly aligns with
Braille Institute's own philosophy of "no boundaries in sight."
National Library Service for the Blind and Print
Disabled (Government Awardee) has made invaluable
contributions to braille literacy. Their support of Braille
Institute's library services and their endorsement of braille as
fundamental to literacy are commendable and life-changing for many
individuals.
Additionally, Braille Institute extends gratitude to the 2024
Braille Challenge sponsors: Waymo (Gold Sponsor), City National
Bank and Life Light Educational Foundation (Silver Sponsors), Bank
of America, Delta Gamma, Lime,
Sensee, and Vispero (Bronze Sponsors).
Organizations interested in getting involved in Braille
Challenge through nominations or sponsorships may reach out to
Brian Sheridan, Director of
Institutional Giving, at bwsheridan@brailleinstitute.org.
About Braille Institute
Braille Institute, a
non-profit organization, has been positively transforming the lives
of those with vision loss for more than 100 years. Programs and
classes are provided to more than 20,000 children, youth, and
adults each year. All programs are free of charge due to the
generous support of donors.
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SOURCE Braille Institute of America