THE BERNA SPECHT
Braille Literacy Award
Purpose:
Where as The Alabama Council of the Blind promotes Braille as the recognized form of literacy for the blind it is imperative that the blind have the tools necessary to read and write Braille. Through the awarding of The Berna Specht Braille Literacy Award we can make it possible for many Blind Alabamians to have these tools. This award will promote Braille Literacy by providing the tools necessary to aide in written communications.
Funding:
The funding will come from the scholarship fund, earmarked donations, and fundraising by the scholarship committee.
Awards:
There shall be three awards each year: one student from The Alabama School for the Blind, one student from a public school, and one adult. However, these awards may not be given every year, if no applications are received, if no recipient is deemed eligible, or funding is not available. Additional awards may be added, such as the addition of a college student, if recommended by the scholarship committee.
Qualifications:
Each applicant must submit at least a one page essay on how they will use the Braille Writer. Only one Braille Writer will be awarded per-family. A recipient may only receive this award once. A permission for use of name must accompany essay. (Where applicant is a minor the name release must be signed by parent/guardian.)
Each year applications will be sent to the special education coordinators in the state, to The Alabama School for the Blind, Rehab Councilors/Teachers, be available to all chapters for disbursement and other locations where appropriate. Applications must be received no later than September 30th. with the awards being announced at the annual convention banquet.
Determination of Recipient:
It will be the duty of the scholarship committee to determine the winners each year to be reported to the Alabama Council of the Blind Board of Directors at the pre-convention board meeting.