NFB BELL® Academy Registration 

  • Program Information
  • Student Information 
  • Participation Release
  • Expectations & Submit
  • Complete

The NFB BELL® Academy provides children with Braille and nonvisual skills instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities. The NFB BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL)—is a nationwide summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want. There are NFB BELL Academy programs offered both in person and virtually.  

Please complete the following form to register for the NFB BELL Academy. The registration process may take approximately 20-30 minutes. You may wish to have your student’s IEP or latest progress report to assist you in answering the questions related to your student’s knowledge of Braille and other nonvisual skills. If registering for an in-person program you will also need your student’s medical insurance information, list of medications and emergency contact information. All of the information requested is necessary to run fun, educational, and safe programs for our students, so thank you for taking the time to fill it out completely. We need to get to know you and your family to prepare for an excellent experience. For questions, please contact us a [email protected] or at 410-659-9314, extension 2418.  

Please choose which format you prefer for your child. Multiple programs may be selected. Here is additional information to help you make a selection.

In-Person Program


NFB BELL Academy in-person programs provide activities in a day program or residential setting, depending on location. In addition to Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Day programs typically run Monday through Friday for six hours each day for two weeks. Residential programs usually run for one week. Please note that the facilitators of the NFB BELL Academy in your area may opt to collect additional information about your student before accepting your student into their NFB BELL program. Registration processes differ for each program, please contact your state coordinator with any questions you have about the process. Program information about each participating state is available at https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy

In-Home Edition


Our NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition program is a virtual program that will take place for three weeks, July 24 through August 11, 2023, using the Zoom platform. Sessions will occur for one hour, Monday through Friday for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. You have the option to attend from 11:00 a.m.-noon or 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. eastern time. It is expected that students will attend one session daily (morning or evening) for the entirety of the three-week program. Each student will receive the materials to complete all lessons and an NFB long white cane. An optional daily Social Hour will be offered for one hour at 3:00 p.m. eastern time. Our Social Hour will be a place to gather on Zoom for casual conversation, games, exercise, and more!
Please select the program type you wish to attend:*  *
Please select the in-person program(s) you wish to attend:  - Optional
- Optional