The Braille Institute of America is a nonprofit organization founded in 1919 by J. Robert Atkinson, who created Braille embossing machines and established a Braille library for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Originally named the Universal Braille Press, it became the Braille Institute of America in 1929. The organization has a rich history of advocacy and has played a significant role in promoting legislation that supports the visually impaired community.

The Braille Institute is dedicated to empowering people with vision loss to lead independent lives. It operates mainly in Southern California and offers a range of services, including a library with over 1.2 million Braille texts and audio recordings. The Institute provides education and training programs focused on skills for independent living, such as Braille literacy and technology training. Additionally, it advocates for awareness and legislation that benefits individuals with visual impairments, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support.