Perkins Library

03/12/2026

Although progress may seem slow at times, there are still reasons to celebrate the advancements being made in assistive technology for veterans. Read more: https://bit.ly/4qL10Yt

Explore how new mobility and prosthetic technology is improving independence for veterans — from VA-supported research to innovations shaping care in 2026.

03/11/2026

For our next Perkins Library Without Walls, singer, songwriter, disability advocate, and Perkins alum, Ellis Hall will join filmmaker Raouf Zaki of RA Vision Productions, Inc. to discuss a short documentary which explores Ellis’s life, music, and journey with blindness.

🗓️ Tuesday, March 17, 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
📍 Perkins Library Tele-Fun Zoom room

To register for Perkins Library Without Walls, call 617-972-7852 and follow the prompts.

03/10/2026

Karoline Pakenaite from the UK has been training for the past three years to become the first person to climb Mount Everest. 🏔️ Join us in rooting for her when she takes on this challenge in May! Read more: https://bbc.in/3MOzqv8

Karolina Pakenaite, 29, has Usher syndrome which causes progressive hearing and sight loss.

03/09/2026

You may have noticed the Paralympic symbol (the "Agitos") and the MilanoCortina2026 Paralympic mascot, Milo! But do you know what they signify? 🏅

The Paralympic Agitos ("I move" in Latin) launched in 2004 as a modernization of the previous Paralympic symbol. The comprise three swooshes, each a different color (red, blue, and green) to represent the most common colors used in national flags around the world. The thin point of each swoosh starts near a central point, representing the gathering of athletes. The forward momentum of the design signifies Paralympic athletes' drive to keep moving and never give up.

Milo is a brown stoat, an animal known for speed, agility, and adaptability, all qualities of Paralympic athletes. Born with one leg, he uses his long tail to aid himself with mobility. Milo is named after the host city of Milan and his mascot sister, Tina, is named after the host town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

What is your favorite Paralympic sport? 🥇 🥈 🥉

03/08/2026

Audicon has introduced new hearing aids that incorporate modern technology into a more discreet design to increase effectiveness and convenience for users. 🦻 Read more: https://bit.ly/4qYnJQX

Audicon unveiled its Ceretone hearing aids at CES 2026, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, app controls, and rechargeable batteries. The Beacon and Core One Pro models target younger users with smartphone-like features and discreet designs that challenge traditional hearing aid aesthetics.

03/07/2026

Advancements in wearable technology allow people with disabilities to interact with the world more seamlessly as slimmer designs, AI integrations, and more cost-efficient materials are introduced. Read more: https://bit.ly/45e6LFU

Wearable technology for disabilities is reshaping accessibility through AI, health tracking, and smart wearables that support independence.

03/06/2026

Meet the kids (at heart) who make sure Perkins Library runs smoothly! 👶

03/05/2026

Thank you for highlighting Perkins! 💙

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Perkins School for the Blind, a full member of BANA since 2015.

Perkins helps children, youth and adults with , blindness and low vision find their place in the world. Since 1951, Perkins has been the proud manufacturer of the with over 400,000 units being used around the globe. Perkins advances by teaching and producing braille, and supporting braille readers through its accessible lending library. Wendy Buckley, Assistive Technology Teacher Specialist, represents Perkins on the BANA Board as Vice Chair.

“Perkins believes access to braille instruction, training, and materials is a human right for all individuals who need to have the opportunity to use braille for learning, employment and independent living. Braille literacy provides its users with a level playing field and equal access to reading and information. Congratulations to BANA for 50 years of extraordinary work, development of braille codes, and the creation of tools for students, teachers, and transcribers to make braille more readily available where it is needed.”
-David Barth, President & CEO, Perkins

Image: Perkins logo

03/05/2026

The Winter 2026 Paralympics start on Friday, March 6. 🏅 And they are expected to be more accessible than ever before! NBC TV properties and digital platforms, such as Peacock and the NBC Sports app, will offer increased accessibility options like closed captions, audio description, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and screen reader support. https://bit.ly/4aVAaIp

Will you be tuning in to Paralympics coverage beginning with the opening ceremony on
March 6? What sports are you most looking forward to?

NBC and Peacock to Lead NBCU’s Coverage of the 2026 Winter Paralympics from Northern Italy

03/04/2026

Is it "there," "their," or "they're"? ✍️ Don't let these frequently mixed-up homophones trip you up, especially not on National Grammar Day!

Since some words sound so similar, audio alone is not always enough to properly convey information to blind and low vision people. 💬 This is just one more reason that is so important for accessibility of information!

Note: Examples are displayed in contracted (aka "shorthand") braille.

03/03/2026

Erik Weihenmayer made history by becoming the first blind climber to reach the top of Mount Everest, but he didn't let that be the peak of his achievements. 🏔️ Read the incredible story: https://bit.ly/46IViyG

In a world that equates "seeing" with "believing," one man proved that vision has nothing to do with eyes. Erik Weihenmayer didn't just climb Mount Everest blind; he climbed the highest peak on every continent, teaching the world that the summit is not a place—it is a mindset

03/02/2026

For March's reading challenge, read a book featuring an unlikely friendship, such as Remarkably Bright Creatures, James, or To Kill a Mockingbird! Our reader advisors are just a call away with even more ideas. 📚

Submit your books to Massachusetts Center for the Book by the end of each month to be entered for prizes! Sign up for the challenge today: https://mareadingchallenge.org/