Student Testimonials

The Braille Challenge® is a wonderful way for blind students to meet and make new friends. It also provides parents the opportunity to network and build a coalition of support for their children. Here you can read some of the comments from past Braille Challenge participants and their families.

Caitlin Lynch–Long Island, NY, Age:17
Braille Challenge® Participant–2005/2006

"The Braille Challenge® empowers blind children to learn and is a program that should be spread throughout this country. I know what an effect it had on me, and I'm so glad that other students will be granted the opportunity to participate on a broader scale. Thank you for your time and for undertaking such a worthwhile cause. I can honestly say that The Braille Challenge® is something no blind child forgets."

–Caitlin Lynch

William Trist–Father of Sophie Trist–Mandeville, Louisiana, Age: 10
Braille Challenge® Participant–2006/2007

"I couldn’t wait to write this letter. I not only wanted to thank you for this past weekend but also to let you know about the tremendous impact that The National Braille Challenge® had on me. My daughter Sophie Trist was a first time competitor this year. The opportunities to see my daughter socialize and interact with her blind peers have been rare and this event was a great opportunity for her (and us) to meet other blind kids her age. The fact that Sophie did so well in the competition was obviously a big highlight for us but her performance was not the largest impact. For me as the parent of a blind child to see the incredible accomplishments and bright futures of the older contestants was very big deal. I have come to realize that Sophie can do almost whatever she puts her mind to but to see it in reality in these older children really hit home. As for my daughter, I had no idea of how advanced her Braille skills were. I was always a proud dad but now I feel like beating my chest and telling everyone I know about her accomplishments!"

–William Trist

Brenda Hick–Mother of Brandee Hick–South Jordan, Utah, Age: 7
Braille Challenge® Participant–2007

"We just wanted to let you know how much we LOVED The Braille Challenge®. It was our first year and what an experience! I loved how the tables were set up at the Friday night welcome event. It really gave the kids a chance to meet each other."

–Brenda Hick

Mac Potts–Junior Varsity Category, Kalama, Washington, Age:17
Braille Challenge® 1st Place Junior Varsity Winner 2007

"The Braille Challenge® was one of the most exciting events I have been a part of! I loved talking with people who were not only my age, but mature and smart. The competition was fun…I especially liked the proofreading section. The most challenging part of the contest is the speed and accuracy category, but it has always been a section that I enjoyed. As for my PAC Mate, I have just taken it out of the box and I’m looking forward to using it. I can’t wait until next year’s Braille Challenge®."

–Mac Potts

Annabelle Costanzo–Freshman Category, Polk City, Iowa, Age: 11
Braille Challenge® 1st Place Freshman Winner 2007/ 2nd Place Sophomore Winner 2008

"I want to thank Braille Institute for the amazing experience I had participating in the 2007 Braille Challenge®. I had a wonderful time meeting all the other kids. The entire weekend was so much fun. Thank you for the wonderful prizes! I especially loved the PAC Mate. It was an experience I will never forget."

–Annabelle Costanzo