National Braille Press Announces $20K Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation

BOSTON, Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- National Braille Press (NBP) announced today, that it is now accepting applications for its 2013 Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation that will reward the recipient with up to $20,000. In keeping with NBP's mission, projects submitted this year must be focused on software or application development that demonstrates an aspect of tactile literacy for blind people and promotes braille literacy or access to information.  Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2014.

Provided through support from The Gibney Family Foundation, up to $20,000 will be granted to an individual, group of individuals or a company who has developed an innovative and accessible product in one of the following categories: 

• Professional software & apps
• Educational software & apps
• Gaming software or apps that promote tactile & braille learning or
• Braille or tactile-related hardware

"The Touch of Genius Prize is one way that National Braille Press can spotlight innovative projects being undertaken to help blind and visually impaired individuals," said Brian MacDonald, President of National Braille Press.  "Louis Braille was an innovator—and this award seeks to identify and inspire future innovation so that braille and tactile literacy will stay relevant in the digital age."

The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation may be awarded to a completed project or a concept in the functional prototype stage that shows viability and will improve opportunities for blind people worldwide. Submissions can be stand-alone products or part of a larger curriculum, program or hardware package.

Submissions for this year's contest, including an application form, an essay on project innovation, two letters of recommendation and other supporting materials must be received by NBP by January 9, 2014. For more information, and to download the application form, visit www.touchofgeniusprize.org or feel free to contact Kimberly Ballard at [email protected] or 617-266-6160 x437.

ABOUT NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS 
A non-profit braille publisher, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. National Braille Press is the premier braille publisher in the US that specializes in producing original braille works written by blind authors expressly for blind people. www.nbp.org 

SOURCE National Braille Press

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