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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute
@brailleinstitute.bsky.social
100 followers 59 following 400 posts
Empowering visually impaired people to live fulfilling lives since 1919. Learn more about us and find FREE resources at https://www.brailleinstitute.org/.
www.brailleinstitute.org
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 21d
AI-powered smart glasses weren't invented for #accessibility - but they've become a powerful navigation tool for #blind and #VisuallyImpaired folks.

But some experts worry that privacy is the cost of independence. 👓 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via CBC ⬇️)
How Canadians with vision loss are turning to AI glasses to regain their independence | CBC Radio
Canadians with vision loss are adapting AI-powered glasses for daily life, finding freedom in the technology — and challenges in its risks.
www.cbc.ca
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 1d
#DidYouKnow that only 10% of TV ads worldwide are #accessible to #blind viewers? 📺

The Alt by Default initiative aims to make #accessibility standard by integrating #AudioDescription into all commercials. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via Little Black Book ⬇️)
McCann Launches ‘Alt by Default’ to Make Accessibility the New Standard in Advertising | LBBOnline
Little Black Book, Ahead of World Sight Day, the initiative champions audio description in TV ads, starting with Jammie Dodgers, to ensure visually impaired audiences are included and inspired by the ...
lbbonline.com
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 21h
Aaron C., a husband, father, and former business owner living in Texas, turned to our free remote classes after losing his sight last year.

Now, he’s learning new things while finding connections in our community.

At Braille Institute, we can help no matter where you are!
A graphic featuring an image of Aaron C., a Braille Institute student from Texas. To the right of him on a light grey background in a light green outlined box a quote from him reads: “ ‘Through these classes, I am quickly gaining confidence in myself and, perhaps more importantly I am also gaining a sense of community.’ Aaron C., Braille Institute Student.” in the top left corner is the Braille Institute logo.
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 2d
From those early days to the establishment of White Cane Safety Day in 1964, the white cane has stood for safety, awareness, and respect.

Learn more about the history and importance of the white cane on our website: www.brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-d...
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 2d
The white cane is a symbol of equality and independence, as much as it is a mobility tool.

Born in the 1930s out of necessity, it was first recognized by law in Illinois to protect pedestrians with vision loss.
An old black and white photograph from the 1930’s of a man with a white cane outstretched as he crosses the street. In a white box with a yellow accent text reads: “ A simple cane, painted white changed the course of history from the first statewide White Cane Law in 1931 to the national movement that followed the white cane became a symbol of independence and equality.” In the bottom left corner is the Braille Institute logo.
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 4d
We can't wait to have you, @haileypiperfights.bsky.social, @rachelhowzell.bsky.social, @erikatwurth.bsky.social, @anovelescape.bsky.social, @benaaronovitch.bsky.social!
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 4d
Get into the eerie autumn spirit with a FREE author series brought to you by Braille Institute Library!

Join authors Hailey Piper, Sami Ellis, Rachel Howzell Hall, Erika T. Wurth, Kelsea Yu, and Ben Aaronovitch for virtual readings and interview sessions.

Register online today! bit.ly/4nK2ilI
Graphic with information for Braille Institute Library's October Author Series, featuring All The Hearts You Eat by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Hailey Piper on Monday, October 13 10.00 to 11.00am PT; Dead Girls Walking by debut novelist Sami Ellis on Friday, October 17 10.00 to 11.00am PT; These Toxic Things by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall on Monday, October 20 3.00 to 4.00pm PT either online or at our Los Angeles Library. Graphic with information for Braille Institute Library's October Author Series, featuring The Haunting of Room 904 by urban Native speculative writer Erika T. Wurth on Thursday, October 23 10.00 to 11.am PT; It's Only a Game by Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author Kelsea Yu on Monday, October 27 10.00 to 11.00am PT; Rivers of London (Midnight Riot) by Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch on Friday, October 31 11.00am to 12.00pm PT.
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 11d
A must-read #MyBlindStory x #MyPerkinsBrailler collab about the power of #braille!

Christina and her childhood #brailler were reunited after decades apart - the same tool that helped her read and write in school now supports her work at the NWGA Center for Independent Living #BlindNewWorld
From the classroom to the corner office: reuniting with my Perkins Brailler – BlindNewWorld
Christina mourned the loss of her beloved Perkins Brailler - until a chance encounter years later brought it back to her.
blindnewworld.org
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 4d
#Accessibilitymatters It’s so encouraging to see major retailers like Target working on solutions that improve the shopping experience for blind and low-vision customers.
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 10d
Despite its corporate-level DEI rollback, Target is focusing on in-store #accessibility for #disabled customers, including self-checkout designed to better serve customers who are #blind or #LowVision. 🎯 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @disabilityscoop.bsky.social ⬇️)
Target Works To Boost Accessibility At Stores
In a first-of-its-kind move, Target says it is making self-checkout more accessible to people with disabilities at locations nationwide.
www.disabilityscoop.com
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 8d
Beep beep - #GuideDogs coming through!

Four pups-in-training took a sightseeing bus tour through the city of Oxford, getting them accustomed to the movement and sounds of public transport.🦮 🚌 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @yahoonewsuk.bsky.social ⬇️)
Guide dog puppies ride open-top bus through Oxford city centre
Four puppies have been given their first taste of riding the bus as they continue their journey to becoming qualified guide dogs.
uk.news.yahoo.com
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 7d
It is so exciting to see an exhibit celebrating the impact of people with disabilities.
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 18d
"Design and #Disability," a new exhibit at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, explores how people with #disabilities have contributed to innovations in design and culture over the past eight decades. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @smithsonianmag.bsky.social ⬇️)
From Fashion to Fidget Spinners, This London Exhibition Celebrates Disabled Design, Innovation and Joy
"Design and Disability" features 170 objects created by disabled artists, designers, photographers, inventors and more
www.smithsonianmag.com
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 17d
Charlie, an 18-year-old horse in Ireland, has been nominated for BBC's Make A Difference Award in recognition of his gentle ability to help #disabled riders ease into the excitement of horseback riding. 🐎 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via BBC ⬇️)
BBC Make A Difference Awards: Charlie the horse helps disabled riders
Charlie the horse has been at the heart of Newtownards Riding for the Disabled Association for over seven years.
www.bbc.com
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 7d
Your safety matters, and we’re here to help you protect it.

Join our free Better Balance for Fall Prevention workshop, where we'll share simple, effective ways to lower your risk of falls.

Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 1 – 2:30 pm PT

Register here: brailleinstitute.org
Graphic with a light blue background in a white box text reads: “ Join our workshop, Better Balance for Fall Prevention, designed to help you prevent falls. Strengthen your stability and move through life with confidence. Date: Wednesday, October 8. Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm PT. Register via our website.” To the right of the text is an image of a woman performing a stretch in a chair. On the top left corner of the white box is a circle containing the Braille Institute logo.
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 9d
October is Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Month! All month long, we're celebrating O&M as a way to build confidence and independence.

Join us for FREE workshops on improving balance, Halloween safety, and wearable tools like Meta glasses.

Get involved: brailleinstitute.org/orientation-mobility-month
A graphic with a light grey background in a centered square frame is the image of a Braille Institute student and staff member smiling joyfully while walking together outside. Below the image text in a light green box reads: “ October is Orientation and Mobility Month!” Below the text is the Braille Institute logo
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 10d
In 2025, sixteen-year-old Mae placed in the top 50 out of Braille Challenge participants worldwide.

But just four years ago, they couldn't read.

A Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) diagnosis and braille changed everything.

Read Mae's story in our latest blog post: bit.ly/46GjTn3
Mae smiles as they lean over and type on their blue Perkins brailler. They wear white over the ear headphones and dark sunglasses. A quote from Mae at the bottom of the image reads, "People with CVI should have the same options that blind people have to get to try new tools, be part of a community, and be supported to access the world the best way that they can."
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 23d
14-year-old Khara Reign is changing her community's perception of #blind athletes - her first high school cross-country race was also the first time many had seen a #VisuallyImpaired runner at the start line. 🏃🏿💨 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @shinemycrown.com ⬇️)
14-Year-Old Visually Impaired Khara Reign Runs Her First Cross Country Race: ‘Being Blind Isn’t the Hard Part’
Khara Reign is already breaking barriers on the cross-country course by challenging assumptions about what blind athletes can achieve.
shinemycrown.com
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Reposted by Braille Institute
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 15d
STEM students at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, created 3D-printed #braille signs to make spaces more #accessible and navigable for a #blind classmate. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @wdrbnews.bsky.social ⬇️)
Central High students 3D-print braille signs to help blind classmate — and earn college credit
Inside the halls of historic Central High School, one student's struggle sparked a project that turned compassion into innovation.
www.wdrb.com
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Reposted by Braille Institute
wpaccessibility.day
WP Accessibility Day @wpaccessibility.day · 15d
Speaker Spotlight: Sandy Shin (@brailleinstitute.bsky.social)

Sandy Shin shares insights from the Braille Institute website redesign, focused on creating an inclusive experience.

Session time: October 15, 2025, at 19:00 UTC
Learn more: 2025.wpaccessibility.day/people/sandy...

#WPAD2025 #WPA11yDay
Sandy Shin - WordPress Accessibility Day 2025
Sandy Shin is an accomplished marketing and communication professional with over 30 years of experience. She has worked for highly recognized corporations and higher education institutions including…
2025.wpaccessibility.day
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 11d
When Aerin Glazer launched Tilt Beauty, she made sure people with visual impairments could use her products.

Inspired by her grandfather’s vision loss and her time in our programs, Aerin founded Tilt Beauty.

Read more in our 2025 Impact Report: www.brailleinstitute.org/give/impact-...
A graphic featuring an image of Aerin Glazer, founder of Tilt Beauty holding a 2025 Community Hero Award. To her right on a light grey background in a yellow outlined box a quote from her reads: “ ‘I always wanted to incorporate Braille Institute in our brand in a meaningful way and honor my connection to the visually impaired community.’ Aerin Glazer, Founder of Tilt Beauty” In the bottom right corner is the Braille Institute logo.
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
Floaters are common, but sudden changes can be serious; so, it's essential to stay proactive.

Learn more about your eye health and how we can help at brailleinstitute.org
Image 6: A graphic with a light grey background and light blue curved accents on the top and bottom. In the center text reads: “Floaters are common, but sudden changes can be serious; so, it's essential to stay proactive. Learn more about your eye health and how we can help at brailleinstitute.org” Centered at the bottom of the graphic is the Braille Institute logo
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
Other Things To Know

- They are usually harmless
- They can be diagnosed with a dilated eye exam
- They often need no treatment, but surgery/laser may help in severe cases.
- Regular eye exams can help you detect them early
Image 5: A graphic with a light grey background and light blue curved accents on the top and bottom. In the center text reads: “Other Things To Know. Floaters are usually harmless and they often need no treatment, but surgery/laser may help in severe cases. They can be diagnosed with a dilated eye exam. Regular eye exams can help you detect them early” Centered at the bottom of the graphic is the Braille Institute logo
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
When to Get Checked

Seek medical care if you notice:

- Sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- Shadow or curtain over vision
- Eye pain, redness, or major vision changes
Image 4: A graphic with a light grey background and light blue curved accents on the top and bottom. In the center text reads: “When to Get Checked. Seek medical care if you notice: Sudden increase in floaters, Flashes of light, Shadow or curtain over vision, Eye pain, redness, or major vision changes.” Centered at the bottom of the graphic is the Braille Institute logo
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
What Are The Common Causes of Floaters?

- Natural aging changes
- Posterior vitreous detachment (gel pulling away from the retina)
- Retinal tears/detachments
- Eye inflammation or infection
- Eye injury or trauma
- Diabetes complications
Image 3: A graphic with a light grey background and light blue curved accents on the top and bottom. In the center text reads: “What Are The Common Causes of Floaters? Natural aging changes, Posterior vitreous detachment (gel pulling away from retina), Retinal tears/detachments, Eye inflammation or infection, Eye injury or trauma, Diabetes complications” Centered at the bottom of the graphic is the Braille Institute logo
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
What Are Floaters?

Floaters are tiny spots, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes in your vision.

They are caused by clumps in the vitreous (the gel inside your eye) casting shadows on the retina, and are most visible against bright backgrounds.
Image 2: A graphic with a light grey background and light blue curved accents on the top and bottom. In the center text reads: “What Are Floaters? Floaters are tiny spots, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes in your vision. They are caused by clumps in the vitreous (the gel inside your eye) casting shadows on the retina, and are most visible against bright backgrounds.” Centered at the bottom of the graphic is the Braille Institute logo.
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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
“Why do I see spots floating around?” is one of the most common eye health questions people ask.

Floaters are usually harmless, but sudden changes like flashes of light or vision loss need medical attention.

Here's what you should know:
Image 1: A graphic with a light grey background. In a circular frame is an image of a man’s eye. Below the image is text that reads: “Floaters: What Are They & Should You Be Worried?” In the top left corner is the Braille Institute logo.
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