Group Virtual Proctoring of the Maryland Regional Braille Challenge on Saturday, February 6th. Student must have phone/tablet/computer with video capabilities and internet connection. Contests will be delivered to students. One family or household member must be present during testing. You must download the permission form before editing and if you are using a screen reader you must tab approximately 14 times before you will hear the download command. If you would like to participate and have a barrier(s) please contact: Jackie Otwell at 410-444-500 Ext. 1488 or jacquelineo@mdschblind.org with any questions or concerns. See Calendar of Events for more information Register Here for the 2021 Maryland Regional Braille Challenge

Dot 2: NFB BELL Exploration Program. This is a non-competitive program in which students in K-5 will participate in beginning Braille activities. Participants are typically just learning the alphabet and some contractions. Students will be shipped hands on materials and virtual instruction. Contact: Conchita Hernandez at conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov . Register Here for BELL Exploration

Dot 3: Little Dots: Early Childhood program in which children ages 2-5 participate in Braille related activities with their families. Students will be shipped materials in advance.

10:00 – 11:00 am

Come play and learn with your child!

Parents and children are invited to participate in a special webinar for young children, “Little Dots” Braille challenge! Learn about how to incorporate early tactile and early Braille activities into your everyday activities. Each family will receive a packet of fun materials to use during the webinar along with resources for parents. Each family will need to access the internet using their home device. Video access is preferred.

Playtime: Learn about toys that have tactile marks and Braille. Then let’s get out our bubble wrap paper and “pop” with our little fingers to build up hand strength.

Learning time: Learn about some early concepts that your child will need to understand Braille. Make your child’s first name on a card with special “bump dots”. You can then use this card somewhere in the home to label your child’s area. Next activity will be about spatial positions, as each child will have a pretend “apartment” – where there special friends will live and go visit others as we learn about where “dots” live.

Arts ‘n Crafts: Having tactile experiences is very important to develop early Braille skills. We will play with modeling clay and squeeze, push, and roll”. Then parents will make their name or child’s first initial with stones in the clay as a keepsake.

Snack time: What can parents do to encourage early Braille even during snack time? Make a snack with your child that incorporates dot numbers

Story time: Participating in a read-aloud with an adult is the most important activity for developing an understanding and enjoyment of reading. Adapt a book with Braille stickers so your child can practice Braille while enjoying a story.

We hope you will enjoys your time with “Little Dots!” Sign-up today!

Contact: Karen Frank at 410-444-5000 Ext. 1378 or karenf@mdschblind.org . Register Here for Little Dots!