Estelle B. Williamson Braille Literacy Award

Funder: Friends of the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped

Williamson, a charter member and vibrant leader who was a tireless and dedicated advocate of literacy. Estelle lost her battle with cancer on October 24, 2000.

Purpose

Advance Braille literacy for awardees and others through financial support.

Eligible Applicants

• Students
• Current or future teachers
• Parents
• Braille learners and readers
• Instructors and transcribers

Eligible Use of Funds

Technology:

• Braille writers & embossers
• Electronic Braille notetakers
• Refreshable Braille keyboard or displays

Education:

• Introduction to Braille reading and writing
• Advanced Braille training
• University level education
• Braille courses

Other:

• Braille instructional materials, tools and textbooks
• Braille equipment, books and materials
• Braille service or program participation (e.g., Braille Challenge, Braille Summer program, Braille class tuition)

Contact Information

Awards Committee Chair: Barbara Cheadle

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form at https://friendsmdlbpd.org/award-application/

Required Information

Nominator Information:

• Indicate if you are nominating yourself or someone else
• Your name and contact information (address, phone)
• Your relationship to nominee (Parent, Teacher, Other)

Nominee Information:

• Name
• Address
• Email
• Phone
• Category (select one):
  • Teacher
  • Teacher Aide
  • Teacher-in-Training
  • Braille Transcriber
  • Braille Transcriber-in-Training
  • Blind Student (under 18)
  • Blind Student (18 or older)
  • Other

Award Request:

• Amount requested (maximum $5,000)
• Description of how award will be used
• Description of how award will benefit and/or assist in support of Braille literacy

Submission Format

• Online form submission
• JavaScript must be enabled in browser to complete form