Project INSPIRE NextGen at the University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation has received funding from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind to continue expanding educational opportunities and resources for students who are blind or have low vision.
The funding will support Project INSPIRE NextGen initiatives over the next 18 months, including revisions and expansions to seven previously developed professional development courses. The updated braille math courses for educators will include new activities and assignments utilizing the NERCVE Brailler 2.0 and will be offered during spring 2027 and fall 2027. The project team also will host office hours and webinars in conjunction with the courses.
In addition, the funding will support the development and virtual delivery of “Graphing in a Box” for middle school braille readers in grades 5-8 during fall 2026 and fall 2027, as well as the fourth annual Mathlete Competition for braille readers in grades 6-12 planned for spring 2027.
The Project INSPIRE NextGen website will continue to be hosted through the Paths to Literacy team at the Perkins School for the Blind.
Project INSPIRE NextGen encourages the community to follow its work on Facebook and LinkedIn or sign up for notifications about upcoming courses and events.
The Project INSPIRE NextGen team includes:
- Dr. Tina Herzberg, Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Program
- Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, Consultant, Vision for Independence LLC
- Sara Larkin, Statewide Math Consultant, Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Susan Osterhaus, Statewide Math Consultant, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Find more information on Project INSPIRE on their website.
The Lavelle Fund bridge grant was awarded through the USC Upstate Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
About Project INSPIRE NextGen: Project INSPIRE NextGen at the University of South Carolina Upstate is dedicated to increasing access to STEM education for students who are blind or have low vision and read braille. Through professional development courses, student programming, and accessible educational resources, Project INSPIRE NextGen supports teachers, families and students nationwide in building skills in braille math and science. The initiative develops innovative tools and learning opportunities designed to expand STEM accessibility and student success.
About the Lavelle Fund for the Blind: The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting programs that assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Fund focuses on initiatives that promote education, employment, and independence for people with visual impairments.