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

We love seeing resources like this making the outdoors more inclusive, and we hope more states follow Iowa’s lead in highlighting accessible spaces.

Experts Warn Preventable Deaths Will Persist Without Improved NHS bioengineer.org/experts-warn... #a11y

If you have a newsletter on Substack, you should be adding alt text to the images you add to your newsletter so that you don't exclude blind, partially sighted and neurodivergent people who use screen reader software. support.substack.com/hc/en-us/art...

Join us on Thursday, September 25 at 4:30pm PT for our next Career Insights workshop, featuring a conversation with blind nurse Jason Calhoun about his adjustment to vision loss and his experience in the medical field. Register today to save your spot: bit.ly/3K9JVrm #VisionLoss #Accessibility

As we age, we need more light for daily tasks. People living with low vision may require up to five times more light. Simple lighting changes can make everyday tasks like reading, cooking, and getting around safer and easier.

For people just getting introduced to accessibility concepts, the number of resources can be overwhelming for people who don't know where to start. These 10 tips from Lireo Designs can be a good way to introduce your team to the basics. www.lireo.com/10-ways-to-i...

You can download books directly to your phone or computer, wherever you are. The BARD program allows you to get braille and audio titles from the National Library Service at no cost and with no waitlists.

Based on her own experiences as a wheelchair user, 17-year-old entrepreneur Daisy Hoe has developed an app that will allow users with #disabilities to find and review #accessible locations around New Zealand. #BlindNewWorld (Story via RNZ ⬇️)

We love seeing more brands embrace accessible packaging!

#MyBlindStory: Poet Matthew Harris has hearing and #VisionLoss due to #UsherSyndrome - which made it difficult to keep in touch with his community. Then he discovered free, #accessible communication from iCanConnect. Read his story on #BlindNewWorld ⬇️

This National Service Dog Month, we celebrate the partnership between service dogs and the people whose lives they make better every day. From guiding safely through daily life to providing life-saving alerts, their work is invaluable.

Every child with CVI sees the world in their own way. And no two children are alike. But when you notice your child's patterns, you can help make their world clearer and more engaging with simple changes. Here are some signs and tips to help you:

Researchers at Cornell University built a braille display that uses micro‑explosions to actuate dots. The device is water and dirt‑resistant and can show multiple lines of braille. interestingengineering.com/innovation/e... #Braille #AssistiveTech #A11y #Innovation

From the soccer field to the tennis court, our eyes are always on the ball, but are they protected? This Sports Eye Safety Month, we’re sharing simple, practical tips to keep athletes of all ages safe while doing what they love.

“I’m #blind as hell and I’m still a fashionista." 🔥 #VisuallyImpaired models walked the runway at the Beautiful Lives Fashion Show, an event celebrating all the ways people can experience clothing. #BlindNewWorld (Story via @disabilityscoop.bsky.social ⬇️)

We agree! Audiobooks are a great option for busy schedules. We’re glad you’ve found a format that you enjoy.

I was ecstatic to see braille books on my library’s featured shelves today!! Taught my kiddo about what braille is 🙂

Imagine a library where every book is ready in the format you need: large print, braille, or audio.  That’s the Braille Institute Library.  Today, on National Read a Book Day, we’re celebrating the joy of accessible reading for all.

Your body changes as you get older, and so do your eyes. Some changes are normal, while others need quick attention. Here are four common age-related vision conditions and what you can do about them.

Ready to find your next read? Join us on Tuesday, September 9 at 10am PT to learn how to access FREE accessible reading materials through BARD and BookShare. With these two apps, you can find 150,000 professionally read audiobooks and over one million e-books. Register today: bit.ly/4mSyvGn

Every child sees the world differently, but for children with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment, the difference is in the way their brain processes vision. CVI is the leading cause of visual impairment in children, yet it’s often missed or misunderstood.

The #Braille periodic table is such a cool project. #chemistry #ACSFall2025 #accessibility

Engineers at Cornell University are working on an "explosion-powered" screen that can simultaneously display multiple lines of #braille as well as complex graphics like emojis. 💥 #BlindNewWorld (Story via @intengineering.bsky.social ⬇️)

Such a thoughtful innovation making public spaces more accessible and empowering for people who are blind or visually impaired. We hope to see more spaces around the world take steps like this toward greater accessibility.

More than classes and consultations, we’re a community at Braille Institute. Volunteers, supporters, staff, and friends come together to ensure that anyone facing vision loss can access life-changing resources completely free of charge. And you can help, too.

Most braille embossers cost thousands. Andrew Xu and Ethan Hu built one for about $200, and they’re giving the plans away for free. Their design won top science fair honors and came with a heartfelt donation to support our work. Read more here: www.brailleinstitute.org/story/a-boss...

There is so much the average person doesn’t know about braille and as a proud braille reader, I want to share! #Braille #BookTok #HarryPotter #FunFact

In Rainbow on Mars, #blind artist and scholar Devon Healey conveys her experience with #blindness through a "beautiful, intricately choreographed dance that I'm engaged in with myself and with the world around me." 🌈 🩰 #BlindNewWorld (Story via CBC ⬇️)

Did you know vision is a learned skill that develops in the brain, not just the eyes? Join our free CEU-eligible online workshop with Dr. Shannon Beres to explore how neural networks shape perception, and what happens when they’re disrupted.

From the newest assistive tech to warm connections, there’s so much to explore at Braille Institute San Diego’s Open House on September 11. Join us for free demos, exciting prizes, and refreshments as we share how vision rehabilitation can open new possibilities.

In our next Career Insights workshop, social worker Jeremy Hill will share how his lived experience with blindness and gift for helping others led him to his career. Join us on Thursday, August 28 at 4.00pm PT to learn more about this career path! Register today: bit.ly/3Jqxt6a

Life with vision loss is still filled with possibilities. At Braille Institute, our adult services offer group classes, one-on-one consultations, and a welcoming community that understands your journey. Want to join us? Here are some of our offerings:

Bravo to #InclusiveTheater! 👏 Another Sight, a production presented in total darkness by Teatro Cego at @edfringe.bsky.social, relies on sounds, smells and touch to tell their story to patrons - both sighted and #blind. #BlindNewWorld (Story via @theguardian.com ⬇️)

Consultant Emma Hodges promotes #accessibility in the wine industry with programs that incorporate training, advisory work and #inclusive communications. But her advice can work in any workplace - including yours! 🍷 #BlindNewWorld (Story via The Buyer ⬇️)

Thank you for the shoutout. Accessibility and community go hand in hand, and we’re grateful for everyone who helps make reading more inclusive.

Contact lenses can bring convenience, but only when used with care. This Contact Lens Health Week, here's your reminder to wash your hands before handling lenses, replace them on schedule, and use only recommended cleaning solutions. Your eyes deserve the best care!

Children don’t always know how to explain what they’re seeing, or struggling to see. That’s why it’s up to us to stay informed and take care of their eyes. In honor of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, here’s a guide to help you protect their eyes.

Writing can be sweet—just ask Braille Challenge Writing Workshops authors Alondra, EmmaGrace, Rufaydeh, and Eleanor. We hope that their writing advice and insights inspire you to get to your keyboard or brailler and start writing, too!

Looking for a cause to support before the year ends? We help people living with visual impairments access free programs and support to live full, independent lives. Our 2025 Annual Fund Drive goal is $75,000, and with your help, we can get there. Give today: www.brailleinstitute.org/give-now

Want an incredibly useful freebie? We’ve got one for you! Download your free copy of our new Atkinson Hyperlegible Next today. When you use this award-winning font, you can ensure your communications will be accessible to everyone. www.brailleinstitute.org/freefont/ #FreeFont #AccessibleDesign

The @brailleinstitute.bsky.social Community Hero Awards spotlight innovators like Meta, @bemyeyes.bsky.social & Tilt Beauty for driving independence through inclusive tech. Learn more:

One of the most promising uses for AI is its potential to make everyday life more #accessible and #inclusive for people with #disabilities. #BlindNewWorld (Story via @wbur.org ⬇️)

Such a simple step that makes a big difference for accessibility. Thanks for sharing this tip!

Hyperlink text should make sense when read out of context. Screen reader users can navigate from link to link, and can listen to links in a list. When navigating this way, only the link is read. So "click here" or "read more" won't make sense.

We may call it a library, but it's so much more than that. We provide people a space to connect, discover what they love, and explore their interests. Our Library offers:

Living with vision loss doesn’t mean giving up cooking. Here are some accessible tips and tricks to make cooking easier than ever before:

August is National Eye Exam Month, and a perfect reminder to take care of your eyes and get an eye exam scheduled. If you're still in doubt, here are 4 key reasons to schedule an eye exam this month:

Let's chat about writing romance with @brailleinstitute.bsky.social on August 7 at 10 AM PT. Here is the registration link: maryrobinettekowal.com/events/virtu.... Please share with your friends. All are welcome.

Manual testing with a screen reader will help you catch and fix accessibility issues that can't be identified by automated tests. Sara Soueidan has a great guide on various screen readers and how to set them up on your computer. www.sarasoueidan.com/blog/testing...