Carmynn Blakely reached the Braille Challenge Finals for the fifth consecutive time this year. The Owensboro native and local student is one of only 50 finalists in this year’s event.
Host by the Braille Institute, the challenge is a one-of-a-kind academic competition for blind and visually impaired students. It motivates students grades 1-12 to hone and practice their braille literacy skills.
Competitors are tested on fundamental braille skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and charts and graphs.
Finalists are placed into five categories based on their age. The top 10 best scores in each category qualify for finals from the regional competitions that took place all around North America earlier in 2021.
Finals are traditionally held in Los Angeles. However, this year’s finals testing and surrounding events will be conducted remotely.
Closing ceremonies are set for July 30 and will be live-streamed on Braille Institute’s YouTube Channel here.
Closing ceremonies will include the announcement of the winners, guest speakers, and other entertainment, including a keynote speech from Dr. Craig Meador, President of American Printing House for the Blind.
“Everyone in our Braille Challenge family has stepped up with hard work and ingenuity during the pandemic to pivot the delivery of the program and keep spreading the importance of braille literacy around the world,” said Sergio Oliva, Vice President, Programs and Services, Braille Institute. “We can’t wait to experience another Braille Challenge Finals with all of our Braille Challenge family this Summer.”
