Access to literacy materials is a fundamental right, and for blind and visually impaired children, braille is a critical tool for learning and development. A number of organisations offer programmes that provide free braille books and resources to support young readers. This article details the available programmes, their eligibility criteria, and how to access these materials, based exclusively on information from the provided source documents.
The organisations mentioned in the source materials are primarily based in the United States, but some have international reach or offer services that may be accessible to UK residents. It is important for interested parties in the UK to verify directly with each organisation regarding their specific eligibility rules and geographical restrictions.
Programmes Offering Free Braille Books
Several organisations are dedicated to providing free braille literature to children. The programmes vary in their target age groups, the types of books offered, and the application process.
The Braille Bindery
The Braille Bindery is a source for free braille children's books. The programme offers nearly 2,000 popular books for blind or low-vision children to read and keep. All books are in United English Braille (UEB) and are available in both contracted and uncontracted braille. Book selections can be made via the Book Lists page on their website. If a specific book is not available, they encourage users to contact them with requests, as they are happy to accommodate them. This programme appears to be a direct-to-consumer service where books are ordered and kept by the child.
APH’s Braille Tales Print/Braille Book Program
This programme, run by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), provides free print/braille books to children five and younger who are blind or low vision, or whose parent is blind or visually impaired. The programme delivers six books per year. Interested parties need to learn how to apply through the APH system. This is a structured annual programme targeting very young children and their families.
Seedlings Braille Books for Children
Seedlings is an organisation that offers a variety of braille resources. Their programme includes: * Print and braille preschool picture board books. * Beginning reader print and braille books. * Braille-only chapter books for children up to middle school reading level, covering many topics and including books in uncontracted braille. * "The Rose Project," which provides free World Book Encyclopedia articles in braille.
Additionally, Seedlings runs a "Children’s Braille Book Club" aimed at preschool and primary grade children. This club offers popular picture books with clear plastic sheets containing the braille translation. There is no fee to join the club, and members can purchase as few or as many books as they wish from over 650 titles available for braille readers aged 0-14. While the book club itself is a purchase programme, Seedlings also offers free resources like The Rose Project.
Braille Institute of America, Inc.
The Braille Institute publishes "Expectations," a free braille volume containing stories for elementary school age children, plus some scratch-and-sniff pages. This book is sent out once a year around Christmastime. The institute also runs the "Special Collection" programme, which is designed to promote braille literacy by providing free braille storybook kits to blind and visually impaired children.
Eligibility for the Special Collection: Any visually impaired child living in the United States or Canada is eligible. The books are designed for children under six. Parents, educators, and paraprofessionals are encouraged to subscribe to receive the books.
Ordering Limits: Participants may order two storybook kits per cycle.
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
This organisation offers a free braille calendar and a weekly newspaper for deafblind individuals. All services are free. They also sell the "On the Way to Literacy" books, which include print and braille with tactile illustrations. They are a source for many other braille children’s books and early learning materials. To access their free braille calendar and newspaper, contact must be made in writing for an application.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
The NLS offers a wide variety of braille books on loan. They encourage interested parties to call their regional library or call NLS directly for more information and an application. NLS has compiled a directory, available free of charge in large print and braille formats, which lists volunteer groups and individuals who transcribe and record books and other reading materials for blind readers. This service focuses on loaned materials rather than books to keep.
Key Considerations for UK Consumers
When reviewing these programmes, UK-based consumers should note several critical points:
Geographic Restrictions: Several programmes, such as the Braille Institute's Special Collection, explicitly state eligibility for residents of the United States and Canada. UK residents should contact these organisations directly to inquire about international shipping or if there are partner organisations in the UK that distribute their materials.
Age Eligibility: Programmes are often targeted at specific age groups. For example, APH’s Braille Tales is for children five and under, while Seedlings’ book club serves ages 0-14. Ensure the child meets the age criteria before applying.
Application Processes: Methods for obtaining free materials vary. Some, like The Braille Bindery, allow direct selection from a book list. Others, like the American Action Fund or NLS, require a formal written application or a phone call to initiate the process. APH’s programme requires learning how to apply, suggesting an online or documented procedure.
Types of Materials: The offerings range from complete books to book clubs (which may involve purchases), annual publications, and loaned materials. It is important to understand what is being provided—a book to keep, a kit for a cycle, or a loaned item.
Source Reliability: The information presented is based on the provided source documents, which include official organisational pages and resource lists. For the most current details on eligibility, shipping, and application procedures, it is essential to visit the official websites or contact the organisations directly, as programme details can change.
Conclusion
A variety of organisations provide free braille books and resources to support the literacy of blind and visually impaired children. Programmes range from direct-to-consumer book distribution and annual book sets to specialised book clubs and loaned library services. While many of these organisations are based in the United States, they offer resources that may be accessible to UK families, though direct verification of international eligibility is necessary. The key steps for accessing these materials involve identifying the appropriate programme based on the child's age and needs, understanding the application requirements, and contacting the relevant organisation to confirm availability and procedures.