International #BrailleChallenge2019 Finals!

Photo shows the opening ceremony of the Braille Challenge finals with students sitting on a stage in front of an audience.

Image shows a student on stage to receive a second place award at the Braille Challenge

On Saturday, June 22 the 19th annual International Braille Challenge Finals were held in Los Angeles. This year's event coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Braille Institute - the organization and team behind this incredible event. Each year, the top ten finalists in each contest category from Apprentice to Varsity are invited to Los Angeles to compete.

The finals kicked off on Friday with a fun welcome event for families at the Braille Institute that included a rock wall that several finalists climbed over and over again. The competition on Saturday was held again this year on the campus of the University of Southern California.

Of the top 50 finalists invited to the Finals, five were from Canada - including two from our British Columbia Regional Braille Challenge! Maggie W. from Victoria, BC placed second in the Sophomore category! Congratulations, Maggie! All finalists are winners and should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

Posted by Adam Wilton on 24 Jun 2019

0 comments Unified English Braille, Community Partners

About the author

Adam Wilton

I have been fortunate to learn and grow with students with visual impairments since 2007, working as a teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and most recently as the Program Manager of PRCVI and ARC-BC. I completed a PhD in Special Education at the University of British Columbia in 2017 where my research focused on the administrative determinants of workloads for itinerant TSVIs.

One of my favourite aspects of my current role is delivering outreach support to my colleagues and their students from across British Columbia. I've been fortunate to have many exciting adventures in schools and communities across the province and I hope you enjoy following along through #outreaching!

When I'm not on the road, I enjoy learning to play the violin, collecting antique books, and spending time surrounded by trees.