By Krystal Guillory
On Saturday, February 11th, the Louisiana Center for the Blind hosted the 2023 North Louisiana Regional Braille Challenge. Contestants competed in academic contests which included spelling, reading comprehension, charts and graphs, speed and accuracy, and proofreading. All tests are timed at 25 minutes each, and students must be able to read and write braille manually using a Perkins Braillewriter. Passion Augustus, a 7th grade student at RJHS, said “It’s like the LEAP but more fun.”
In addition to the tests, students were also afforded the opportunity to make braille themed crafts, create king cake donuts, use orientation and mobility skills to travel to a local eatery, and perform in a talent show. Students sang, recited poems, performed gymnastic routines, and told jokes. Nancy Horst, mom to Kayleigh, said “Braille Challenge is a great opportunity for kids to come together from all areas to test themselves in different skills. The opportunity to meet other students, read and write braille, travel to lunch using their canes, and participate in a talent show makes for a great day.”
The students’ tests were sent to Baton Rouge, where they will be scored along with other braille students throughout the state. Results will be announced on Monday, February 27th. “Braille is literacy for blind children and adults,” said Pam Allen, LCB’s Executive Director. “Special thanks to all those who made this wonderfully meaningful event possible.”
Best of luck to Destiny Monk, Kayleigh Horst, Passion Augustus, Jordan Young, Chasity Martin, and Amarion Rushing.
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The Louisiana Center for the Blind is a training center and community of blind and low vision people, proudly affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind.
We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage and challenge each student—and they come to understand their potential as they build the skills and confidence to live the life they want. Because when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
