Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Braille Challenge
This past Saturday, the Braille Institute celebrated a significant milestone in its dedication to blind and visually impaired students by announcing the winners of the 2025 Braille Challenge Finals, held at the University of Southern California. With this being the 25th anniversary of the event, it was a momentous occasion for both the competitors and supporters of braille literacy.
The Braille Challenge has earned its place as the only academic competition of its kind for students in grades 1 through 12 who are blind or visually impaired. Over its quarter-century existence, more than 22,000 students have taken part, showcasing not just their skills in braille but also expressing their determination and passion for learning.
This year, around 1,300 students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland participated in regional events leading up to the finals, with the top 50 competitors vying for awards based on their exceptional talents.
The Importance of Braille Literacy
The Braille Challenge was instituted to underscore the necessity of braille literacy in unlocking educational and professional opportunities. According to research from the National Federation of the Blind, only 16% of visually impaired adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In contrast, a striking 90% of employed individuals with visual impairments are proficient in braille. This statistic clearly illustrates how acquiring braille literacy can empower students toward achieving higher education and securing meaningful employment in their future.
Jim (Dimitri) Kales, CEO of the Braille Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Braille literacy opens doors to independence, higher education, and employment. During our milestone year, we are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of these students, who inspire us all with their determination and dedication."
The Competition Structure
Participants were categorized into five levels, from Apprentice to Varsity, and were tested on a range of skills including reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and working with tactile charts and graphs. These skills are essential for lifelong learning and support the development of the critical thinking necessary for academic success.
2025 Braille Challenge Winners
First Place
- - Apprentice: Kennedy C. from Georgia
- - Freshman: Luise S. from Virginia
- - Sophomore: Anne Y. from Ohio
- - Junior Varsity: Salome C. from Missouri
- - Varsity: Makenzie L. from Ohio
Second Place
- - Apprentice: Charity B. from Louisiana
- - Freshman: Elizabeth C. from Minnesota
- - Sophomore: Isaiah G. from Saskatchewan, Canada
- - Junior Varsity: Caleigh C. from Georgia
- - Varsity: EmmaGrace O. from Texas
Third Place
- - Apprentice: Aria M. from Iowa
- - Freshman: Colton R. from Minnesota
- - Sophomore: Luke F. from North Carolina
- - Junior Varsity: Layla H. from North Carolina
- - Varsity: Christopher M. from Georgia
Special Awards
- - Excellence in Spelling: Elizabeth C. from Minnesota
- - Excellence in Reading: Colton R. from Minnesota
- - Harley Fetterman Award for Excellence in Charts and Graphs: Makenzie L. from Ohio
Looking Ahead
For those interested in learning more about the Braille Challenge, hosting regional events, or sponsoring the program, additional information can be found on their website at
www.braillechallenge.org. The Braille Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of individuals with vision loss, is on a mission to serve over 200,000 people annually in the next five years through its diverse range of programs and services.
With the changes in digital innovation and partnerships, the Braille Institute continues to expand its reach and support, making braille literacy accessible and ensuring that individuals with low vision can pursue fulfilling life experiences.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Braille Challenge Finals wrapped up, it showcased the remarkable spirit and accomplishments of young individuals who are not just competing but paving the way for a future where braille literacy leads to better opportunities and independence for all.