Nouvelles et annonces

Braille Literacy Canada Honours Karen (Kae) Brophey with the 2026 President’s Award

Jun 18, 2026

June 18, 2026 – President Daphne Hitchcock, on behalf of the board of Braille Literacy Canada (BLC), presented the 2026 President’s Award to Karen (Kae) Brophy at the Annual General Meeting held on June 6, 2026. Established in 2018 and awarded annually, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to braille literacy in Canada.

Kae has been a strong advocate of braille, who has worked diligently to develop programming which specifically benefits young learners and their families.

Kae worked at CNIB for 40 years. She began her career in the CNIB Library, Braille Department. When she moved to the braille transcription department, Kae’s braille knowledge grew, and she continued to champion braille as her career evolved. Kae was an integral part of the creation and roll-out of many braille-centric resources and programs aimed at promoting literacy for readers who are blind or with low vision including:

  • Organizing the annual Creative Writing Contest, formerly known as the CNIB Braille Accuracy and Literary Contest which began in 1997.
  • “Where’s My Ball”, a program that provided families with a tactile print/braille book and promoted activities and resources to help young learners develop skills in tactile exploration, while introducing braille format.
  • Braille Club at the Hub,
  • Ontario Braille Challenge
  • National Book Club for adult readers and Accessibility of the TD Summer Reading Club.
  • Braille Writers Retreat at Camp Jo

Kae has also contributed to many successful community collaborations, including World Braille Days events.

Kae retired in December 2025 as the Program Lead for Braille Literacy - CNIB Next Generation.

“Over the years that I have known Kae, I have been impressed with her innovative program ideas, her boundless enthusiasm and unwavering passion for braille literacy,” states BLC past-president, Daphne Hitchcock.

BLC is honoured to recognize Kae for her years of dedication to braille literacy, contributions to national programming and provision of educational opportunities for youth who are blind or with low vision.