National Braille Press is pleased to announce the Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize
for Innovation as mentioned in the Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius biography. Louis
Braille was an innovator—and this award seeks to identify a similar pacesetter and
inspire future innovators. Potentially, the award process could inspire new strategic
directions for National Braille Press and its mission.
AWARD -- $20,000 PRIZE
The Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation will be awarded to an
individual or group of individuals who contribute to innovation in the field of tactile
literacy for blind people. The Prize can be granted for a new educational method; a new
tactile literacy product; or a new technological advance. In any of these areas, the
innovation must demonstrate some aspect of tactile literacy. Tactile literacy refers to any
product, method, or service that has the effect of increasing access to information through
the sense of touch. Braille itself is an example of tactile literacy but eligible innovations
are not limited to braille. They may include the creation of tactile graphics, other tactile
reading codes, and any other tactile innovation that promotes literacy. The $20,000 prize
is provided through support from The Gibney Family Foundation and National Braille
Press.
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals, or groups of individuals, are encouraged to apply from anywhere in the
world. The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation may be awarded for a completed
project or proposed ingenuity, which, in the opinion of the judges, may have the potential
for achieving the following criteria.
CRITERIA
A priority for awarding the Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is to foster and
reward innovation in the field of literacy for blind people. Other criteria to be
considered:
Applications that improve educational opportunities for people who are blind
Innovations that foster independent access to information
Creative outcomes that can be applied globally
Discoveries that educate the world at large about barriers to information access
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications and nominations will be reviewed by the Louis Braille Touch of Genius
Prize for Innovation Adjudication Committee, comprising experts from various,
relevant fields. All decisions relating to the selection of Prize Winners are final, and will
be at the sole discretion of the Adjudication Committee.
Touch of Genius Prize – page 1
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications will be accepted from individuals, groups of individuals, or someone
advocating on behalf of either. Completed applications must include the following:
1. Signed application form. If the application is being submitted by a third party,
the form must be signed by both the applicant and the individual or leading
representative of the group of individuals who are being nominated.
2. A Word document, limited to 600 words or less, that outlines a) the project or
innovation and b) how it exhibits innovation. Innovation is defined, in general
terms, as a remarkable improvement or discovery that has a direct impact on
tactile literacy for blind people and meets the Prize criteria.
3. Supporting materials, no more than ten pages, including:
a. A detailed marketing plan, both for potential and fully realized projects.
b. Measurements of success and impact on the industry for a completed
project or developed product.
c. Other materials that could be helpful to the judges.
4. Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, professors, or any other
professional in a position to comment on the innovation. Letters of
recommendation should be mailed to National Braille Press by the author.
5. A prototype may be submitted with the application, or may be subsequently
requested to supplement the application.
It is preferred that applications be submitted electronically, followed by a signed hard
copy. Completed applications must be received by August 15, 2007.
All applications and materials become the property of National Braille Press.
We request that applications are sent both electronically and in print.
Send your application and all supporting materials to:
Email: GeniusPrize@nbp.org
Mail to: Touch of Genius Prize
National Braille Press
88 St. Stephen Street
Boston, MA 02115
QUESTIONS?
Please visit our website at www.nbp.org or contact Stephanie King, Administrator of the
Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation at 617-266-6160, ext. 47.
Touch of Genius Prize – page 2
APPLICATION
Applicant’s Name ________________________________________________________
Title ___________________________________________________________________
Affiliation ______________________________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________________________________
City/State ____________________________ Country ______________ Zip ________
Telephone _____________________ Email ___________________________________
Please briefly describe the nature of your project (Please limit to 100 words or less):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Applicants, and nominating third parties, should be aware of the ramifications of
potentially disclosing new ideas to the general public.
Please check one of the following:
___ I am applying for this award as an individual. One signature required.
___ I am applying for a group of individuals. One signature required.
___ I am applying on behalf of a third party, the nominee is aware of the
application. Both signatures are required.
If selected:
___ I am willing to present my material at an event sponsored by National
Braille Press on October 26, 2007.
___ I give National Braille Press permission to reproduce my application for
promotional purposes and/or use on their website.
___ I am willing to serve on next year’s adjudication committee, if asked.
___ I will provide my social security number in order for National Braille
Press to issue a Form 1099.
Signature of applicant ____________________________________ Date ___________
Signature of nominee _____________________________________ Date ___________
Touch of Genius Prize – page 3
RECOMMENDATION
Applicant’s Name _______________________________________________________
Recommender’s Name ___________________________________________________
Title/Affiliation _________________________________________________________
Street Address__________________________________________________________
City/State _____________________________Country _____________ Zip ________
Telephone _____________________ Email ___________________________________
Please briefly describe the nominee’s project or innovation (Please limit to 500
words or less):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The above-named nominee is a candidate for the Louis Braille Touch of Genius
Prize for Innovation. Your recommendation should include this form as well as
letter to the adjudication committee. The letter should include specifics about the
related accomplishments of the nominee and comments on the impact that his/her
project or innovation may have on literacy in blind people.
This recommendation, and its supporting documents, will be carefully considered.
Signature ______________________________________________ Date ___________
Touch of Genius Prize – page 4