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Bridges Resource Library

Free Materials and Resources from the National Federation of the Blind

Updated as of February 4, 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

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.
  • Accessibility Switchboard provides information and advocacy resources. 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

Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information

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.

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