National Braille Press and the "ReadBooks" Program

Since 2003 the National Braille Press has provided at no cost a thorough and inviting collection of early Braille literacy materials for young children with low vision/Blindness and their families. The following information is provided directly from their site:

National Braille Press, along with Seedlings Braille Books for Children, is distributing attractive braille book bags to families with blind and visually impaired children, ages birth to seven, across the country. The distribution process is a collaborative effort with educators and early intervention professionals.

Materials can be requested by families directly and were designed for use in the home.

Each bag contains:

1. An age-appropriate print/braille book for three age groups: birth-3, 4-5, and 6-7 in English or Spanish;
2. A braille primer for sighted parents entitled Just Enough to Know Better;
3. A colorful print/braille place mat;
4. Print/braille bookmarks;
5. Because Books Matter, a guide for parents on why and how to read books with their young blind child;
6. A gift coupon redeemable for another print/braille book or braille/large print playing cards;
7. Print/braille magnetic letters.

Participants (professional) in the program agree to:

• Identify children who are potential braille readers, birth to seven, and their families;
• Personally deliver the book bags or supply us with the mailing address for identified families in their state;
• Help us to evaluate and improve the program.
• For further information, please visit: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/readbooks/index.html

Another exceptional Resource!
The Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Vision Impairments

Based out of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institue, Deborah Hatton's superb work in this area includes family friendly training packets in communication and emergent literacy. Just click on the link above to view the site and obtain valuable resources.