Arlington brother and sister qualify for Braille Challenge finals in LA
A young Arlington brother and sister who took first and second place in a regional Braille competition are heading to Los Angeles this month to compete in the finals.
Hannah, 11, and Daniel Gevers, 8, placed first and second, respectively, in their age groups in the New England Braille Challenge regionals contest put on by the Braille Institute in February.
Because they also placed in the top 10 in their age groups out of 800 kids across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, they have been invited to the finals in L.A., June 24 to 26.
“Pretty excited,” said Hannah, an aspiring author. “I’ve only won an award in the nationals once, but I have practiced a little more this time.”
The regionals competition was held virtually, with contestants at home using Perkins Braillers – machines that resemble typewriters to write Braille – and a proctor watching via video conference. The kids, in grades 1 through 12, are tested and scored in categories including spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading and charts and graphs.
“I love that I can read and write with it,” said Daniel of his love for Braille and the ability to enjoy fantasy books.
The Gevers siblings received their results in March and began planning their cross-country trip.
“We’re so proud. Hannah’s been [to the finals] a few times, so she sort of knows the drill,” said their mom Jolandi Gevers. “But Daniel, this is his first year. So, we’re really proud that he also got in. And it’s so nice that the two of them can do it together. They’re excited to go together.”
Jolandi said Braille opens up her children’s world, empowering them and enabling them to participate in the classroom as much as their classmates in Arlington Public Schools.
“Competitions like these just make such a big difference. It gets the kids to be excited, it gets them to celebrate what it is they can do and meet peers, people who do the same thing,” Jolandi said. “And they get excited to talk about Braille, and they get excited to talk about the things that they do differently.”
As the Gevers look forward to L.A., their community of Arlington is cheering them on and helping fund their trip, with nearly $2,500 raised through a GoFundMe account.
“I know the community cares for my kids, and I know they support them,” said Jolandi, who is excited to spread awareness about the blind community and their achievements. “They’re representing the town, they’re representing the schools, and that’s a big deal.”
“I am really grateful for all of the people who support me for the challenge,” Hannah added. “Thank you. I’m very happy to be in this position right now.”
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