Visually impaired Newmarket student Keaton Hamilton is one of 50 finalists in the 2020 Braille Challenge Finals, a unique North America-wide, two-stage Braille literacy competition for students in grades 1 to 12 who are blind or visually impaired that motivates them to hone their braille literacy skills.
The program parallels with the importance and educational purpose of a spelling bee for sighted children.
Braille is a reading and writing method that breaks language into a code of raised dots. In the competition, students transcribe and read braille using a device called a Perkins Brailler. Their speed and accuracy, comprehension, ability to decode charts and graphs in braille, and spelling are all tested.
Earlier in 2020, competitors were tested on fundamental braille skills and those who finished with the 10 best scores in each category qualified for the finals. The finalists are placed in five different age categories.
The top 50 will progress to the July finals competition, to be carried out in the student’s hometown this time around due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In pre-pandemic days, finalists were brought to the Los Angeles headquarters of the non-profit Braille Institute.
Nine-year-old Keaton, who enjoys judo, hockey, skiing and swimming, is one of only three Canadian finalists to crack the top 50 in the annual competition.
The local competitor said he would like to be a brand ambassador for assistive technology company, HumanWare, when he grows up. The global corporation manufactures products for people who are blind or have low vision.
The closing ceremonies will be broadcast from Los Angeles in late July via live stream, and will include the announcement of the winners, guest speakers and other entertainment.
“This year, rather than having students and families come to us, we’re taking Braille Challenge Finals directly to them,” said Sergio Oliva, Braille Institute's associate vice-president, national and youth programs. “The digital experience we created captures the essence of the two-day event and celebration, and effectively champions braille literacy.”
“We couldn’t be more ecstatic to host Braille Challenge Finals and this year we are doing everything associated with the program through the lens of our new motto which is, ‘Keep Calm and Braille On’,” Oliva added.
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