What is Dots for Tots?
What Does It Include?
How Does It Work?
Who Is Eligible?
How do I sign up?

DOTS FOR TOTS is a series of multisensory storybooks designed specifically for visually impaired preschoolers as part of both our Special Collection and Partners in Literacy Programs. Each kit combines print and basic braille so parents can help their blind children begin their journey into reading.

DOTS FOR TOTS was developed in consultation with our Child Development professionals and evaluated in the field by parents, teachers and librarians who work with blind preschoolers.

A popular picture book with uncontracted braille overlays (grade 1)

A descriptive audiotape of the story

Hard-plastic toys that represent characters or objects in the story

Two new DOTS kits will be offered each catalog season. When you are enrolled in the Special Collection Program you have the option of selecting one DOTS kit instead of the three braille-only book selections. If you are a Partners in Literacy subscriber, one DOTS FOR TOTS kit is the equivalent of three braille-only book orders.

Any visually impaired child who is living in the United States or Canada and is between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible for the Braille Special Collection Program.

To sign up for the Braille Special Collection, click here, or send us e-mail at: ums@brailleinstitute.org

Include the full name of the child and/or student, the child's age, home address, telephone number, and e-mail if one is available.