The Braille Institute of America (BIA) has been a beacon of hope and support for the visually impaired community in Southern California for over a century. Founded in 1919 by J. Robert Atkinson, the institute has grown from a small press into a comprehensive nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with low vision. This article delves into the history and evolution of the BIA, highlighting its key milestones and contributions.
The Founding Years
The Braille Institute of America was established in 1919, thanks to the efforts of J. Robert Atkinson, a cowboy from Montana who lost his sight in 1912. Atkinson learned to read braille and transcribed 250 books dictated to him by his family. His dedication caught the attention of philanthropists Mary and John Longyear, who donated $25,000 to help Atkinson found the Universal Braille Press in Los Angeles. By 1924, Atkinson had completed the printing of the 21 volumes of the braille King James Version of the Bible, marking a significant achievement in braille publishing.
In 1931, Atkinson's lobbying efforts led to the passage of the Pratt-Smoot Act, which allocated $100,000 for the printing and distribution of raised-print media through the Library of Congress Services for the Blind. This legislative success helped the Universal Braille Press evolve into the Braille Institute of America, expanding its reach and impact.
Expansion and Growth
The Braille Institute continued to grow, joining the National Library System in 1934 and printing the first braille Webster's Dictionary in 1938. These milestones underscored the institute's commitment to braille literacy and accessibility. In 1971, the BIA opened its first regional center in Anaheim, California, further extending its services to the visually impaired community.
The institute's publishing arm, "The Braille Special Collection," produces free children's books in braille, fostering an early love of reading and promoting braille literacy. This initiative reflects the BIA's dedication to serving children, youth, and adults, helping them adapt to life with low vision and achieve fulfilling, independent lives.
Modern Achievements
In 2000, the Braille Institute launched the Braille Challenge, an annual competition for visually impaired youth that celebrates braille literacy. This event has become a cornerstone of the institute's efforts to promote education and empowerment among young people with visual impairments.
In 2019, the BIA collaborated with Applied Design Works to release Atkinson Hyperlegible, a free typeface designed to be optimally legible for people with low vision. Named after J. Robert Atkinson, this typeface exemplifies the institute's ongoing commitment to innovation and accessibility.
Today, the Braille Institute of America continues to provide free services funded almost entirely by private donations, with seven regional centers and outreach programs at over 200 locations throughout Southern California. Its legacy of service and dedication to the visually impaired community remains as strong as ever.
