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 2021. 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 2021 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Winner: Elizabeth (Lizzy) Muhammad-Park
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 2021 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship is Elizabeth (Lizzy) Muhammad-Park of Maryland where she will be attending college working toward her goal of becoming a foreign service officer. Lizzy says, "People may underestimate you and they will doubt you. But don't let people tell you who you are. You tell them who you are. Better yet, show them!"
