Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 4h

More than a mobility tool, the white cane is a symbol of freedom and independence.

On White Cane Day today, we celebrate the independence and resilience of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Learn more about the White Cane here: www.brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-d...

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 5h

Accessible tech can increase independence for people living with visual impairments.

Join our ‘Getting Around Safely with Meta Smart Glasses’ workshop to explore how wearable tech can support safe, independent travel.

Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm PT

Register: bit.ly/45X5OBx

Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 2d

We can't wait! 🫀

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 2d

We're so excited to have you!

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Reposted by Braille Institute

🌈 Hailey Piper 🌈 @haileypiperfights.bsky.social · 4d

Tomorrow is NYCC for me, but the next day (Monday) I'll be speaking with @brailleinstitute.bsky.social about my 2024 vampire novel ALL THE HEARTS YOU EAT 🫀🤩

www.brailleinstitute.org/find-service...

Virtual author reading
Hailey Piper
Monday, October 13
10am to 11am Pacific (that's 1pm to 2pm Eastern)
Microsoft Teams
All the Hearts You Eat
Join a virtual reading and conversation with Bram Stoker Award-winning author Hailey Piper
"Sharp but tender, delicate but bloody, tragic but triumphant, All the Hearts You Eat will curl cat claws into your chest and take hold of your heart. This is Stephen King's It for a new generation." - Delilah S. Dawson, author of Bloom

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 2d

Don’t let safety issues give you a scare this Halloween.

Join our workshop to learn how to plan safer routes, select comfy costumes, and make trick-or-treating enjoyable for everyone.

Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm PT

Register here: bit.ly/3ITKaXh

Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 25d

AI-powered smart glasses weren't invented for #accessibility - but they've become a powerful navigation tool for #blind and #VisuallyImpaired folks.

But some experts worry that privacy is the cost of independence. 👓 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via CBC ⬇️)

How Canadians with vision loss are turning to AI glasses to regain their independence | CBC Radio

Canadians with vision loss are adapting AI-powered glasses for daily life, finding freedom in the technology — and challenges in its risks.

www.cbc.ca

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 6d

#DidYouKnow that only 10% of TV ads worldwide are #accessible to #blind viewers? 📺

The Alt by Default initiative aims to make #accessibility standard by integrating #AudioDescription into all commercials. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via Little Black Book ⬇️)

McCann Launches ‘Alt by Default’ to Make Accessibility the New Standard in Advertising | LBBOnline

Little Black Book, Ahead of World Sight Day, the initiative champions audio description in TV ads, starting with Jammie Dodgers, to ensure visually impaired audiences are included and inspired by the ...

lbbonline.com

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 5d

Aaron C., a husband, father, and former business owner living in Texas, turned to our free remote classes after losing his sight last year.

Now, he’s learning new things while finding connections in our community.

At Braille Institute, we can help no matter where you are!

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

From those early days to the establishment of White Cane Safety Day in 1964, the white cane has stood for safety, awareness, and respect.

Learn more about the history and importance of the white cane on our website: www.brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-d...

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

The white cane is a symbol of equality and independence, as much as it is a mobility tool.

Born in the 1930s out of necessity, it was first recognized by law in Illinois to protect pedestrians with vision loss.

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 8d

We can't wait to have you, @haileypiperfights.bsky.social, @rachelhowzell.bsky.social, @erikatwurth.bsky.social, @anovelescape.bsky.social, @benaaronovitch.bsky.social!

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 8d

Get into the eerie autumn spirit with a FREE author series brought to you by Braille Institute Library!

Join authors Hailey Piper, Sami Ellis, Rachel Howzell Hall, Erika T. Wurth, Kelsea Yu, and Ben Aaronovitch for virtual readings and interview sessions.

Register online today! bit.ly/4nK2ilI

Graphic with information for Braille Institute Library's October Author Series, featuring All The Hearts You Eat by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Hailey Piper on Monday, October 13 10.00 to 11.00am PT; Dead Girls Walking by debut novelist Sami Ellis on Friday, October 17 10.00 to 11.00am PT; These Toxic Things by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall on Monday, October 20 3.00 to 4.00pm PT either online or at our Los Angeles Library.

Graphic with information for Braille Institute Library's October Author Series, featuring The Haunting of Room 904 by urban Native speculative writer Erika T. Wurth on Thursday, October 23 10.00 to 11.am PT; It's Only a Game by Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author Kelsea Yu on Monday, October 27 10.00 to 11.00am PT; Rivers of London (Midnight Riot) by Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch on Friday, October 31 11.00am to 12.00pm PT.

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 16d

A must-read #MyBlindStory x #MyPerkinsBrailler collab about the power of #braille!

Christina and her childhood #brailler were reunited after decades apart - the same tool that helped her read and write in school now supports her work at the NWGA Center for Independent Living #BlindNewWorld

From the classroom to the corner office: reuniting with my Perkins Brailler – BlindNewWorld

Christina mourned the loss of her beloved Perkins Brailler - until a chance encounter years later brought it back to her.

blindnewworld.org

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 9d

#Accessibilitymatters It’s so encouraging to see major retailers like Target working on solutions that improve the shopping experience for blind and low-vision customers.

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 15d

Despite its corporate-level DEI rollback, Target is focusing on in-store #accessibility for #disabled customers, including self-checkout designed to better serve customers who are #blind or #LowVision. 🎯 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @disabilityscoop.bsky.social ⬇️)

Target Works To Boost Accessibility At Stores

In a first-of-its-kind move, Target says it is making self-checkout more accessible to people with disabilities at locations nationwide.

www.disabilityscoop.com

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 13d

Beep beep - #GuideDogs coming through!

Four pups-in-training took a sightseeing bus tour through the city of Oxford, getting them accustomed to the movement and sounds of public transport.🦮 🚌 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @yahoonewsuk.bsky.social ⬇️)

Guide dog puppies ride open-top bus through Oxford city centre

Four puppies have been given their first taste of riding the bus as they continue their journey to becoming qualified guide dogs.

uk.news.yahoo.com

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 12d

It is so exciting to see an exhibit celebrating the impact of people with disabilities.

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 23d

"Design and #Disability," a new exhibit at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, explores how people with #disabilities have contributed to innovations in design and culture over the past eight decades. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @smithsonianmag.bsky.social ⬇️)

From Fashion to Fidget Spinners, This London Exhibition Celebrates Disabled Design, Innovation and Joy

"Design and Disability" features 170 objects created by disabled artists, designers, photographers, inventors and more

www.smithsonianmag.com

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 21d

Charlie, an 18-year-old horse in Ireland, has been nominated for BBC's Make A Difference Award in recognition of his gentle ability to help #disabled riders ease into the excitement of horseback riding. 🐎 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via BBC ⬇️)

BBC Make A Difference Awards: Charlie the horse helps disabled riders

Charlie the horse has been at the heart of Newtownards Riding for the Disabled Association for over seven years.

www.bbc.com

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 12d

Your safety matters, and we’re here to help you protect it.

Join our free Better Balance for Fall Prevention workshop, where we'll share simple, effective ways to lower your risk of falls.

Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 1 – 2:30 pm PT

Register here: brailleinstitute.org

Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d

October is Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Month! All month long, we're celebrating O&M as a way to build confidence and independence.

Join us for FREE workshops on improving balance, Halloween safety, and wearable tools like Meta glasses.

Get involved: brailleinstitute.org/orientation-mobility-month

Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 14d

In 2025, sixteen-year-old Mae placed in the top 50 out of Braille Challenge participants worldwide.

But just four years ago, they couldn't read.

A Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) diagnosis and braille changed everything.

Read Mae's story in our latest blog post: bit.ly/46GjTn3

Mae smiles as they lean over and type on their blue Perkins brailler. They wear white over the ear headphones and dark sunglasses. A quote from Mae at the bottom of the image reads, "People with CVI should have the same options that blind people have to get to try new tools, be part of a community, and be supported to access the world the best way that they can."

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 28d

14-year-old Khara Reign is changing her community's perception of #blind athletes - her first high school cross-country race was also the first time many had seen a #VisuallyImpaired runner at the start line. 🏃🏿💨 #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @shinemycrown.com ⬇️)

14-Year-Old Visually Impaired Khara Reign Runs Her First Cross Country Race: ‘Being Blind Isn’t the Hard Part’

Khara Reign is already breaking barriers on the cross-country course by challenging assumptions about what blind athletes can achieve.

shinemycrown.com

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Reposted by Braille Institute

BlindNewWorld @blindnewworld.bsky.social · 20d

STEM students at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, created 3D-printed #braille signs to make spaces more #accessible and navigable for a #blind classmate. #BlindNewWorld

(Story via @wdrbnews.bsky.social ⬇️)

Central High students 3D-print braille signs to help blind classmate — and earn college credit

Inside the halls of historic Central High School, one student's struggle sparked a project that turned compassion into innovation.

www.wdrb.com

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Reposted by Braille Institute

WP Accessibility Day @wpaccessibility.day · 20d

Speaker Spotlight: Sandy Shin (@brailleinstitute.bsky.social)

Sandy Shin shares insights from the Braille Institute website redesign, focused on creating an inclusive experience.

Session time: October 15, 2025, at 19:00 UTC
Learn more: 2025.wpaccessibility.day/people/sandy...

#WPAD2025 #WPA11yDay

Sandy Shin - WordPress Accessibility Day 2025

Sandy Shin is an accomplished marketing and communication professional with over 30 years of experience. She has worked for highly recognized corporations and higher education institutions including…

2025.wpaccessibility.day

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Braille Institute @brailleinstitute.bsky.social · 16d

When Aerin Glazer launched Tilt Beauty, she made sure people with visual impairments could use her products.

Inspired by her grandfather’s vision loss and her time in our programs, Aerin founded Tilt Beauty.

Read more in our 2025 Impact Report: www.brailleinstitute.org/give/impact-...