Updated as of June 11, 2024.
Join us as we spotlight some free materials and resources available from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
Free Materials
The NFB offers a variety of other programs and resources. Both programs are great for people who are just starting to read Braille or use a white cane.
Free long white canes
NFB’s Free White Cane Program provides a straight, fiberglass white cane at no cost. Blind/low vision individuals may request one cane as often as once every six months using the Free White Cane Program online application.
Free slates and styluses
Through its Free Slate and Stylus Program, the NFB will send “a plastic, four-line, twenty-eight cell slate along with a saddle stylus to those that need them. That includes those that are blind and low vision who know Braille or want to learn Braille.” Request a free slate and stylus by completing the Free Slate and Stylus online application. Individuals may request a new slate and stylus as often as once per year.
Other Resources
There are many resources offered on the NFB website at no cost. These include:
Free braille books
- Braille Books Program offers one free braille-only book per month; check out current titles being sent out on the web page. Enroll in the program using the Braille Books Program online application.
- Share Braille: an online book-trading site. Books are free, and so is shipping (via Free Matter for the Blind). Browse available books on the Share Braille Browse web page.
Accessible technology information
- Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center offers a wealth of accessibility resources focused on blind/low vision individuals in higher education (after high school). This resource also contains advocacy tools, including those related to third-party service providers.
- International Braille and Technology Center (IBTC) provides no-cost information and guidance about accessible assistive technology devices. If you are in Baltimore, consider making an appointment to tour the IBTC for a hands-on opportunity to check out many devices by calling the IBTC 410-659-9314, option 5 or emailing them to make an appointment.
- The Accessibility Switchboard provides information and advocacy resources.
- Note: The Accessibility Switchboard website is currently “not secure.”
- The website shares: “We are in the process of redesigning the Accessibility Switchboard. This process includes updating the resources available. If you have questions about accessibility resources, please contact us at access@nfb.org. We appreciate your patience at this time.”
- Description from the website: “Connecting industry and consumers to solutions for technology accessibility, and the benefits of organization-wide approaches to accessibility. Developed by the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, with support from the Maryland Department of Disabilities.”
Curricular resources
- Nemeth Code Curriculum (contains curricular materials to support learning Nemeth Code math as well as a Nemeth Code Symbol Library reference tool)
- NFB EQ Curriculum
- Offers 32.5 hours of curricular materials to support STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)
- Nonvisual Election Technology Training Curriculum – an important resource every year!
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.