Maryland Regional Braille Challenge 2026   Recently updated !

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Celebrating Braille Literacy Across MD and D.C.
Grand Awards Ceremony: March 7, 2026
Theme: “A Night at the Oscars!”

People gather around a table at an event, with informational materials and laptops on display. A “Maryland Regional Braille Challenge” banner hangs above. Balloons and drinks are visible, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
A group of children and adults gather around a table with drinks and colorful items at an indoor event, likely in a school gym, while a woman speaks and others observe. Some people wear masks and winter jackets.
A woman and a young girl play an educational hopping game using numbered papers inside colorful hoops arranged on the floor indoors. The woman appears to guide the girl as she hops from one hoop to another.
Children and adults gather around a small blue inflatable pool filled with toy fish in a play area. The setting resembles a classroom or daycare with a pretend grocery store in the background.
A person in a blue shirt and glasses holds out a jacket while interacting with someone in a bee mascot costume wearing a white lab coat at an indoor event with other people in the background.

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.

Register Here

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:

LevelGradesDetails
Apprentice1st–2ndBeginning braille learners taking their first step in competition.
Freshman3rd–4thBuilding core literacy and writing skills.
Sophomore5th–6thStrengthening comprehension and fluency.
Junior Varsity7th–9thRefining advanced reading and accuracy skills.
Varsity
10th–12th		Competing at the highest level of braille proficiency.
FundamentalsAll gradesFor 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.

Nominate a Teacher Here

Questions or Support

For more information, please contact Conchita at conchitah@mdschblind.org