Page 70 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

the United States. The competition became more accessible to Braille
readers across the U.S. and Canada by 2003 when 200 students from
twenty-eight states and four Canadian provinces entered regional
competitions. By 2016, the Braille Challenge would include 1,122
regional participants and produce fifty finalists competing in five
divisions: Apprentice, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Varsity, and
Varsity. The Braille Challenge rewards qualified students with fun-
filled, challenging, local and national events to promote braille skills.

Harley started competing regionally in 2006 when he proudly, with
much excitement and enthusiasm, qualified in his very first-time
effort as a national finalist. Every year continuously from 2010 to
2016, his Braille skills earned him National Finalist Awards.

Regional events are held each year between January and March.
The participants are registered into the event by their individual
teachers. Certified VI Instructors administer regional contests which
follow strict guidelines in time allowed and equipment used.
Completed tests are mailed to the Braille Institute for scoring. Every
student who completes a Preliminary Round Contest is acknowledged
with a certificate and a prize along with general feedback on their
performance.
The Braille Challenge includes several categories, each lasting fifty
minutes which measure Braille comprehension, speed, and accuracy.
Braille Spelling (Apprentice & Freshman) tests correctly spelled
vocabulary words with extra points given for correct contracted
versions of the words. Reading comprehension (all Divisions)
involves answering ten multiple-choice questions about a story
written in braille. Proofreading (all Divisions) involves reviewing a
series of Braille sentences and locating punctuation or spelling errors.
Contestants answer multiple-choice questions about correction
options. For Braille Speed and Accuracy (Sophomores, JV, and
Varsity), contestants listen to a tape-recorded story and must
transcribe it into braille. Judging is based on the number of correct
words with punctuation. Deductions are taken for incorrect words,
missing words, or extra words. Chart and Graph Reading
(Sophomore, JV, and Varsity) awards points on correctly answering
multiple-choice questions about tactual raised-line images called
tactual graphs.

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