Originally named the American Brotherhood for the Blind, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults was established in 1919. Since that time, we have provided programs and services to the blind and deafblind mostly without cost and always with an emphasis on Braille. We inspire the fundamental importance of independence, Braille literacy, tactile fluency, and equality for the blind.
What's Happening?
Braille Readers Are Leaders
In our Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, children and adults across the United States compete to read the most Braille pages alongside other participants in similar contest categories. This year's contest will begin in December 2020. Join us!
Scholastic, Dragons, & Braille
Dragon Masters
Dragon Masters is a book series from Scholastic written by Tracey West. The series is about the adventures of a variety of eight-year-old boys and girls who are teamed up with dragons. In Book 16 of the series, Tessa is the Dragon Master to the Sound Dragon, Sono. Tessa is clever, brave, and blind. Access the BRF files for the whole series.
Our Newest Book
Braille Books Program
Through our 2021 Braille Books Program, we will distribute Braille copies of Sharon Draper's Sassy series as well as Karen English's Carver Chronicles series. At the end of the year we will also have Liz Cooper's Bluebell Skinks Wheelchair Kid and Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day.
The 2020 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Winner: Precious Perez
Valued at $12,000, the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship is the largest scholarship granted in the United States to a legally blind person. It is given annually to a legally blind student who exemplifies the fruits of Dr. Jernigan's teachings. Dr. Jernigan changed perceptions regarding the capabilities of the blind in this country and throughout the world.
The winner of the 2020 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship was Precious Perez of Massachusetts, an aspiring music educator. Precious looks forward to continuing to give back to others in the blind community. Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship winners have the opportunity to say a few words during the award ceremony. Precious accepted her award on February 8 during the National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Great Gathering-In.
