At our annual convention this summer in Orlando, we'll be giving away gently-used, braille books to students, teachers, parents, and even adult braille learners. Whereas sighted children can easily browse their local library for reading material, blind students often wait weeks or pay extra for braille materials.

Sponsored by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, the annual event aims to create a rotating library of books among blind students. The most in-demand works are those for young kids, including so-called "twin vision books" that feature both print and braille.

"Children are so hungry for their very own books," fair coordinator Krystal Guillory said. "Despite generous donations of books, most of our books for young children are gone in less than an hour." 

Books can be shipped for free via the United States Postal Service. Just handwrite, stamp or affix a label to the upper right hand corner of the box stating "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND," and address the package to:

2017 Braille Book Fair
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

On behalf of the hundreds of children, teenagers, and adults who will leave with an arm-load of books this summer, thank you for supporting braille literacy!