Braille and Large Print Resource Center
The Arizona Instructional Resource Center (AIRC) at the Foundation for Blind Children is the largest braille and large print catalog. Our library was designated by the Arizona Department of Education as the official state media center and library for all students in the State of Arizona who are blind or have a visual impairment.
The AIRC provides adapted materials to its student clientele to help facilitate learning in the classroom, whether it be braille or large print text and workbooks, recreational reading materials, or other adapted instructional materials. In addition to books, we provide other tools such as maps, rulers, games, braille writers, special paper, to name just a few. Every effort is made to serve each student with the materials they may need in the classroom, in mainstreamed or other instructional settings. There is an annual library service fee per student for textbook provision, billed to the student’s school district. One set of equipment per student is provided at no cost to the district.
Library Forms
Whether looking for Release or placing a Request, the following forms will get you the materials or information you need from our braille and large print library.
APH Parent Consent form English
Student Registration
The Federal Quota Program is an annual census of blind and low vision students, as outlined in U.S. Code Title 20, Chapter 6. This yearly count determines the per-student funding available for the purchase of educational materials for blind and low vision students. In Arizona, the census is managed by the Arizona Instructional Resource Center (AIRC) at the Foundation for Blind Children in partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Each January, special education directors, Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), and other qualified staff must confirm enrollment for every student who meets the criteria for blindness or low vision.
Braille and Large Print Instructional Resources
“…Without the books our transcribers provide, a blind student is invisible in a classroom. Most teachers don’t understand how to meet their needs, so they are given an easy A and passed along. Our library provides these underestimated students with literacy and the same opportunities given to their sighted peers.”
Braille on Demand
Braille on Demand is a custom transcription service for students with visual impairments in grades K-12 that provides quick turnaround braille conversion of quizzes, worksheets, tests, handouts, articles, newsletters, forms and PowerPoint presentations. This program benefits students in Arizona who do not have access to a full-time braille transcriptionist.
FEATURES:
- 48-hour transcription turnaround time (up to 10 pages.)
- Use of experienced, certified braille transcribers.
- State-of-the-art electronic braille embosser provided for output.
- Students have equal access to classroom educational materials in the same timeframe as sighted peers.
Braille on Demand
Braille on Demand is a custom transcription service for students with visual impairments in grades K-12 that provides quick turnaround Braille conversion of quizzes, worksheets, tests, handouts, articles, newsletters, forms and PowerPoint presentations. This program benefits students in Arizona who do not have access to a full-time braille transcriptionist.
FEATURES:
- 48-hour transcription turnaround time (up to 10 pages.)
- Use of experienced, certified Braille transcribers.
- State-of-the-art electronic Braille embosser provided for output.
- Students have equal access to classroom educational materials in the same timeframe as sighted peers.
FBC’s Prison Braille Program
Did you know? The braille and large print library at FBC is committed to its community care projects, in which it provides braille courses to inmates of several state prisons, and, in return, receives assistance with its braille production.
In 1995, the AIRC implemented a Perkins Brailler Repair Service which is run in cooperation with a very committed group of inmates in the Douglas, AZ Men’s Prison, which now accepts orders nationwide. The mutual support is beneficial to both the AIRC and the inmates, who are appreciative of a new chance to prove themselves as productive citizens.
FBC’s Prison Braille Program
Did you know? The braille and large print library is committed to its community care projects, in which it provides braille courses to inmates of several state prisons, and, in return, receives assistance with its braille production.
In 1995, the AIRC implemented a Perkins Brailler Repair Service which is run in cooperation with a very committed group of inmates in the Douglas, AZ Men’s Prison, which now accepts orders nationwide. The mutual support is beneficial to both the AIRC and the inmates, who are appreciative of a new chance to prove themselves as productive citizens.
Braille classes for individuals are also available upon request.