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.
Braille Reading for All Ages
In our Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, children and adults across the U.S. compete to read the most Braille pages alongside other participants in similar contest categories. This year's contest will begin in December 2022.
2023 Free Braille Books Announced
Every year, we break new ground by offering fresh and interesting titles and series that are sometimes overlooked in the Braille community.
Dragon Masters
Access the book series from Scholastic written by Tracey West about the adventures of a variety of eight-year-old boys and girls who are teamed up with dragons.
The 2022 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Winner: Colin Wong
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 2022 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship is Colin Wong of Washington where he will be attending college working toward his goal of becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Researcher. Colin says, "While I have not met Dr. Kenneth Jernigan personally, his influence on me cannot be understated. It is an honor and I am humbled to accept an award in his name. His influence in my life has not only influenced my professional career but also my personal career. I started going to Louisiana Tech University, the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and I serve on the National Blindness Professional Certification Board, each of whom involve the Structured Discovery methodology that Dr. Jernigan created. Without his influence in the area of adult rehabilitation and blindness, I can honestly say I would not have a career or a passion in order to shape the next generation of blind individuals."
