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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute
@brailleinstitute.bsky.social
99 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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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 20h
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 · 20h
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 · 2d
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 · 2d
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 · 9d
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 · 2d
#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 · 8d
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 · 6d
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 · 5d
It is so exciting to see an exhibit celebrating the impact of people with disabilities.
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 16d
"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 · 15d
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 · 5d
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 · 7d
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 · 8d
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 · 21d
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 · 13d
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 · 13d
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 · 9d
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 · 12d
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 · 12d
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 · 12d
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 · 12d
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 · 12d
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 · 12d
“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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brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d
Ideas and innovation can change lives.

Join us as we host Ken Richardson and his grandsons for a free online Author Talk about his book ‘Sparking Innovation.’

Date: Tuesday, October 7
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am PT

Register here to join this exciting event: www.brailleinstitute.org/find-service...
Graphic with a white background with text that reads: “Join us for an author talk with Ken Richardson, longtime friend of the Braille Institute Library as he discusses his book ‘Sparking Innovation: How to Lead the World in Education and Research.’ Date: Tuesday, October 7 Time: 10:00 to 11:00 am PT. Join online via Microsoft team or Zoom! Visit our website to reserve your spot today!” To the right of the text is an image of Ken Richardson, his cat and the cover of his book.‘Sparking Innovation: How to Lead the World in Education and Research.’ In the bottom left corner on a bright blue ground is the Braille Institute logo.
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 16d
Who’s ready for a Cane Quest adventure?

This October, Cane Quest SoCal will be at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Date: Saturday, October 11

Time: 10 am – 2 pm

Students Pre-K through 12th grade with low to no vision can test their cane skills, and have fun doing it! Learn more and register: bit.ly/3I9Vdv5
A graphic with a bright purple background and yellow accents. Centered at the top is the Braille Institute logo. Below the logo is text that reads: “ This year, Cane Quest SoCal is at the Los Angeles Zoo! You’ll get to explore the zoo, practice Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills, and connect with friends in a fun and supportive environment. Date: Saturday, October 11. Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PT. ” Below the text is an image of Cane Quest participants outside the Los Angeles Zoo. Centered at the bottom is the Cane Quest logo.
brailleinstitute.bsky.social
Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 16d
We love seeing resources like this making the outdoors more inclusive, and we hope more states follow Iowa’s lead in highlighting accessible spaces.
blindnewworld.bsky.social
BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 20d
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has launched "Iowa's #Accessible Outdoors," a website that highlights the state's most #inclusive trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, overnight accommodations and more. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via CBS 2 in Iowa ⬇️)
Iowa DNR launches new webpage to highlight accessible outdoor locations statewide
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched a new webpage, "Iowa’s Accessible Outdoors," highlighting accessible locations across the state.The
cbs2iowa.com
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