Braille Challenge Logo for 2023 theme, the Braille Journey

November 1, 2022

Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired will host the annual Ohio Regional Braille Challenge Competition for blind and visually impaired (BVI) youth in grades 1-12 on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, as part of the organizations weekend-long and inaugural Vision Over Sight event. Ohio Regional Braille Challenge is free and the event brings BVI students together from across the state together to continue building their mastery of braille reading and writing, and recognizes those that care for them, including parents and teachers.

This year’s theme, “Braille Journey” was inspired by Zachary Seiffert, who won a submission contest involving youth from across the region. A Jefferson, Ohio native, Zachary was born blind and he comes from a family of six siblings. Currently, he is a sophomore at Ohio State School for the Blind where he plays trombone in their marching band.

The annual competition celebrates BVI students in the areas of braille reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading and tactile charts and graphs. The Ohio Regional Braille Challenge is a part of the Braille Challenge, a national program of the Braille Institute.

“The Ohio Regional Braille Challenge is an event that focuses on not only the academic side of Braille such as proofreading, writing and comprehension, but it also shines a spotlight on the friendships and connections that participants make each year,” said Chris Faust, Clovernook Center CEO. “And after not being able to come together to meet, celebrate and compete with one another for the past few years, we are thrilled to bring the Braille Challenge back, in person, to Clovernook Center.”

To support students who are just starting to learn braille, Clovernook Center offers a Braille Explorers category for young learners to experience the fun of the competition, while participating in modified reading and writing activities to prepare them for competition in future years.

“Opportunities like the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge highlight the unique experiences that BVI students face daily, and it celebrates the accomplishments that allow them to succeed in school, life and their future careers,” said Ohio Regional Braille Challenge Event Chair Kathy DeLaura. “We are proud to welcome these deserving students from across the state to Clovernook Center, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

To register and request a permission form, visit our website at clovernook.org or contact Kathy DeLaura at kathy@pinchange.com or braillechallenge@clovernook.org, or call (513) 702-4878 and reference the Ohio Braille Challenge.

Following the Braille Challenge on Friday, February 24, 2023, Clovernook Center’s Youth Adaptive Sports and Leisure Program takes center stage as children who are blind or visually impaired and their families will have the opportunity to participate in a day of fun, recreational activities. A schedule of events will be released at a later date.

The weekend will conclude with the inaugural Vision Over Sight Dinner and Awards Celebration on Saturday, February 25, 2023, honoring visionaries and advocates for the blind and visually impaired community. The event will take place at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It will feature dinner, an awards celebration and both live and silent auctions to raise money for Clovernook Center’s mission and vision to ensure universal accessibility and inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision.

You may now purchase tickets to the Vision Over Sight Dinner and Awards Celebration on Saturday, February 25, here.

If you are interested in a sponsorship for any part of Vision Over Sight, please contact Curtis at RCurtis@clovernook.org.

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