2025 Braille Challenge Finalists Announced as Competition Marks 25-Year Milestone

50 children who are blind or visually impaired will participate in competition that tests and promotes braille literacy

LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Braille Institute proudly announces the 50 finalists who will compete in the 2025 Braille Challenge Finals, a milestone year marking 25 years of promoting braille literacy and academic excellence among blind and visually impaired youth. These exceptional students achieved the highest scores out of nearly 1,300 participants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.

Finalists represent twenty-two U.S. states and four Canadian provinces showcasing the growing reach of Braille Challenge. The complete list of finalists is available on the Braille Institute website.

FINALISTS LIST

Celebrating a Legacy of Literacy
Now in its 25th year, Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind, designed to encourage students in grades 1–12 to strengthen critical braille literacy skills. Participants are tested in reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and interpreting tactile charts and graphs. Research consistently shows that braille literacy is a key factor in long-term success for blind and visually impaired students, strongly correlating with higher education achievement and employment.

Over the last 25 years, nearly 22,000 students have participated in Braille Challenge. The program has expanded globally with 66 regional challenge events that host competitions and support local youth. A recent survey of Braille Challenge alumni revealed that 80% have gone on to pursue higher education at a four-year university—underscoring the program's lasting impact on academic and career outcomes.

"This year's Finals are not only a celebration of our talented students but also a testament to 25 years of transformative impact," said Rachel Antoine, Director of National Programs and Youth Services at Braille Institute. "Braille Challenge is more than a competition—it's a movement that shapes futures, builds confidence, and creates lifelong friendships."

Finals Weekend at USC
The 2025 Braille Challenge Finals will take place June 26-29 on the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles. The weekend will include student testing, a welcome reception, family workshops, a Braille Challenge documentary screening, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony will be held at 6:30 PM (PDT) on June 28 and will be livestreamed on Braille Institute's YouTube Channel. The evening will feature special guests, student recognition, and keynote speaker Anthony Ferraro, a blind athlete, musician, motivational speaker, and social media influencer who has inspired millions with his journey of resilience and positivity. Braille Challenge alumna Amelia Diaz, who participated in the very first Braille Challenge, will also return to inspire students with her story. This year's Teacher of the Year, Audrey Graves, will be honored for her excellence in braille instruction.

Visit Braille Challenge for more information and announcements.

About Braille Institute

Braille Institute is a non-profit that has been positively transforming the lives of those with vision loss for more than 100 years. Braille Institute helps more than 25,000 adults, youth, and children annually, through a broad range of educational, social, and recreational services. All programs are free of charge and only made possible by the generous support of donors, volunteers, and staff.

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SOURCE Braille Institute of America