Published January 4, 2025 by Dr. Kirk Adams

As someone who lost their sight at age five and learned braille as a young child, I know firsthand the transformative power of braille literacy. The new BrailleDoodle represents an exciting innovation in making braille accessible, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages.

My journey with braille began at the Oregon State School for the Blind under the rigorous instruction of Mrs. Summers. She insisted I master proper hand techniques before even learning the code itself — a foundation that has served me well throughout my life. During multiple extended hospital stays between ages six and twelve, braille books became my window to the world, while confined to a hospital bed.

Today, braille remains central to my daily life. My briefcase carries a slate and stylus, my home houses multiple Perkins braillers, and my work setup includes an 80-character braille display. I even have a dedicated “braille room” containing my extensive collection, including all of the reference materials from my PhD studies.

During my tenure as President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind. Inc., I witnessed how braille proficiency enhanced workplace success among our 250 blind and deafblind employees. This led us to implement a braille training program, though I observed that those who learn braille as adults rarely achieve the speed and efficiency of early learners.

This is why the BrailleDoodle excites me so much. It’s an innovative, affordable tool that makes learning braille interactive and enjoyable. While sighted children are constantly surrounded by print — from cereal boxes to street signs — we must intentionally create “braille-rich” environments for blind children. The BrailleDoodle helps accomplish this in an engaging way.

I’m particularly proud to have connected Daniel Lubiner, the BrailleDoodle’s creator, with the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, which now serves as the distribution center — creating employment opportunities for blind individuals while expanding access to this valuable tool.

The BrailleDoodle’s dual-sided design for both braille learning and tactile drawing makes it uniquely versatile. As someone who uses braille constantly, I find myself reaching for it frequently — it’s surprisingly addictive!

My two-and-a-half-year-old grandson, Evan, who is sighted, loves to play with it too!

We must ensure every blind child has access to tools like the BrailleDoodle. Research consistently shows that braille literacy correlates strongly with educational achievement and employment success among blind individuals. The National Federation of the Blind reports that 90% of employed blind people are braille readers.

I encourage anyone interested in braille literacy to reach out to me at kirkadams@drkirkadams.com 📧️. Let’s work together to put BrailleDoodles in the hands of young learners and create the braille-rich environments our children deserve.

Because braille isn’t just a tool — it’s beautiful, it’s empowering, and it’s essential for full participation in education, employment, and life.

How to Order a BrailleDoodle and the Importance of Donations

If you’re inspired by the potential of the BrailleDoodle, and would like to bring one into your home, classroom, or community, ordering is simple. Priced at just $149, the BrailleDoodle is designed to be an affordable option for individuals, educators, and organizations committed to advancing braille literacy and tactile learning.

For those who want to make a broader impact, consider donating BrailleDoodles to schools, community centers, and non-profits serving blind or low-vision individuals. Here’s why your support matters:

Empowering Education: Many schools and families lack access to affordable tools that make learning braille engaging and interactive. Donating BrailleDoodles ensures that blind children have the opportunity to develop critical literacy skills early in life.
Fostering Employment Opportunities: Studies have consistently shown that braille literacy correlates with higher rates of employment among blind adults. By supporting braille education, you’re helping build pathways to future career success.
Supporting Creativity and STEM Learning: The BrailleDoodle’s tactile drawing side fosters creativity and opens doors to STEM subjects, empowering children to explore a range of academic and artistic pursuits.
Creating Inclusive Communities: Businesses and organizations can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity by providing BrailleDoodles to local schools or community programs. This act not only benefits blind children but also raises awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

To make a donation or sponsor BrailleDoodles for those in need, visit the TouchPad Pro Foundation’s donation page. Your contribution can directly enhance educational outcomes and inspire a lifelong love of learning for blind and low-vision children around the world.

Let’s work together to ensure that every blind child has the tools they need to succeed. By supporting the BrailleDoodle, you’re not just donating a device — you’re opening doors to independence, creativity, and opportunity.

Accessing Support and Resources for Your BrailleDoodle

For BrailleDoodle users seeking guidance, the TouchPad Pro Foundation offers comprehensive resources to enhance your experience:

Instructional Videos and Transcripts: Detailed tutorials are available to help you become familiar with your BrailleDoodle. These resources cover both the Braille Learning Side and the Doodle Side, providing step-by-step instructions for effective use.
DoodleTouch Covers Guidance: Learn how to utilize the included DoodleTouch Covers — stencil-like accessories that expand the device’s functionality for creating tactile images and practicing braille.
Braille Lessons: Access lessons designed to teach and reinforce braille literacy, suitable for learners at various skill levels.

These resources are accessible on the TouchPad Pro Foundation’s Directions and Lessons page.

If you encounter technical issues or have specific questions, the foundation’s support team is ready to assist. You can reach out via the contact form on their website or email Matthew at Matthew@TouchPadProFoundation.org 📧️.

By utilizing these support options, you can maximize the benefits of your BrailleDoodle, enhancing both braille literacy and tactile learning experiences.