Celebrating Braille Literacy Across MD and D.C.
Grand Awards Ceremony: March 7, 2026
Theme: “A Night at the Oscars!”
About the Braille Challenge
The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or have low vision.
Created by the Braille Institute, the event celebrates and promotes braille literacy—an essential skill for academic success and future independence.
Each year, students from across Maryland and Washington, D.C., participate in regional competitions that test their skills in reading comprehension, spelling, proofreading, and speed and accuracy. Winners from each region move forward for national recognition.
Register for the Maryland Regional Braille Challenge
Ready to join the competition?
Register today and reserve your spot!
Parents and educators: registration also includes selecting your student’s level and location.
The deadline to register for the Braille Challenge is December 12
Regional Competition Schedule
At the Maryland School for the Blind (Baltimore Campus)
- January 20: Apprentice, Freshman
- January 21: Sophomore
- January 22: Junior Varsity, Varsity
- January 23: Fundamentals
Washington, D.C. — MLK Library
January 27 (All Levels)
901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Garrett County — Ruth Enlow Library
February 4 (All Levels)
6 North Second Street, Oakland, MD 21550
Ocean City — NFB Maryland Convention
February 14 (All Levels)
Ashore Resort and Beach Club, 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Competition Levels
Students can compete or participate in one of six levels based on grade or fluency:
| Level | Grades | Details |
| Apprentice | 1st–2nd | Beginning braille learners taking their first step in competition. |
| Freshman | 3rd–4th | Building core literacy and writing skills. |
| Sophomore | 5th–6th | Strengthening comprehension and fluency. |
| Junior Varsity | 7th–9th | Refining advanced reading and accuracy skills. |
| Varsity | 10th–12th | Competing at the highest level of braille proficiency. |
| Fundamentals | All grades | For students still developing braille fluency — filled with fun, skill-based activities! |
Awards Ceremony
We’ll wrap up this year’s regional events with a grand awards celebration on March 7, 2026.
Theme: “A Night at the Oscars!”
Join us for an evening of recognition, joy, and inspiration as we honor Maryland’s brightest braille readers.
Stay tuned for more details!
Nominate a Teacher: Excellence in Braille Instruction Award
Do you know an exceptional Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) who deserves recognition?
Nominate them for the Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction — part of the national Braille Challenge awards program.
Questions or Support
For more information, please contact Conchita at conchitah@mdschblind.org