Braille Institute is where you get to be you. And, with others like you. Our youth programs for the visually impaired will help you make connections, inspire you to break boundaries, and work toward independence and growth.
We’ll help you hone daily living skills, explore career readiness and forge new friendships. In addition, you will also get to expand your interests and talents. Open to all with visual impairments, age 7 to 18. To enroll, contact us below or email youth@brailleinstitute.org
Check out our new Career Education Series!
In-Person Programs
Our Curriculum. Your Road to Empowerment.
The curriculum we follow supports you in building a strong foundation for your future. From virtual to in-person sessions, our Youth Team crafts a custom path with you, your family, and educators with empowerment as the goal.
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) covers nine vital areas:
- Assistive Technology
- Career Education
- Compensatory Skills
- Independent Living Skills
- Orientation and Mobility
- Recreation and Leisure
- Self-Determination
- Sensory Efficiency
- Social Interaction Skills
Hands-On Workshops
Hang out with old friends and meet new ones while learning skills to help you in your day to day life. Our programs follow a semester calendar, with each semester focusing on a key skill for you to master. Activities take place both on our campus and around town. Some activities we’ve done include:
- Cooking classes
- College tours
- Attending a professional sporting event – putting those O&M skills to the test!
We also have all-center events that take place at a central location. All-center events range from going to places like Knott’s Berry Farm, to learning outrigger canoeing, to participating in competitions like Cane Quest.
To register or get more information, please reach out to the Youth Programs Team at youth@brailleinstitute.org.
Did You Know?
We also teach children up to age 6
Teachers Dedicated to Your Success
We know the value of a youth’s success in school and the critical role special education teachers play. That’s why we offer supplemental activities as a complement to the very important work of those who have chosen to specialize in teaching the visually impaired. And, that’s why we honor a Teacher of the Year year after year.
Audrey Graves takes the spotlight as our 2025 Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille instruction. As a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), she opens doors to literacy and a life filled with promise, in-step with the mission of the entire Braille Institute team, who show their shared passion and dedication through the work they do every day with youth.
Special Programs
Braille Challenge
We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Braille Challenge in 2025 — our one-of-a-kind annual event that promotes braille literacy. With regional events in over 30 states and five countries which lead up to an exciting national finals contest, Braille Challenge is a youth program for the blind and visually impaired that motivates students to work on their braille skills, a key contributor to future success. See how you can get involved!
Cane Quest
Cane Quest is a challenging orientation and mobility contest for those in grades 3 to 12. There are several Cane Quest regional events
Library Services
Access and read books that are fun, enriching and educational. Thousands of titles available in braille, large print and audio book format – for free!
Dots for Tots
Braille Institute’s Dots for Tots program provides free braille storybook kits to blind and visually impaired children in the United States and Canada. The program’s goal is to encourage a love of reading and promote braille literacy.
You Can Help.
We’re able to provide our youth programs for the visually impaired and blind for FREE because of our donors. Find out how you can help.
Virtual Programs
You can also get involved and unleash your contemplative and creative side through our virtual programs. To learn more, email youth@brailleinstitute.org and we’ll get you connected!
Arts Appreciation
Join us to explore a wide range of topics surrounding arts and culture through guest speakers, group activities, and so much more.
Teen Talk
This program is for those ages 12 and up. Teen Talk is a safe space for you to discuss diverse topics – including mental health, tips for academic success and healthy relationships.
Topic Of The Week
Come be a part of the discussion, led by the Youth Team. It’s a time to have some fun and connect with new friends. Bring your creative ideas for games, lively debates, share about exciting experiences and much more!
Parent Workshops
Our workshops focus on connecting families with resources, building new skills to support your children, and socializing with other parents. Whether you’re looking to build your community or encourage your child in their journey to independence, join us for our virtual and in-person workshops.
Career Education Series
Braille Institute’s Youth Program invites blind and visually impaired professionals to share their stories about careers, goals, hobbies, and more. This series will provide attendees with diverse employment perspectives and broaden your career aspirations. Our goal is to exemplify Braille Institute’s mission of “no boundaries in sight.”
This series is open to everyone. We highly encourage students with visual impairments, ages 12 and up, to join us!
Workshop
Join us for a free, one-day accelerated workshop designed for parents of children with visual impairments, early intervention providers, teachers, and friends or family of braille readers who are interested in learning more about braille.
Youth Program Interest Form
*Indicates a required field.
