Toronto, Ont. – Crawford Technologies, provider of innovative document solutions that streamline, improve and manage customer communications, announced it is supporting Braille Literacy Canada’s drive to make its Edie Mourre Scholarship Program a permanent and self-sustaining annual scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support for those interested in teaching braille or seeking certification as a braille transcriber or proofreader. Crawford Technologies was the first company in Canada to donate to the fund, which was founded in 2008.

The scholarship program is awarded annually in memory of Edie Mourre. As a long-time employee of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Mourre was a strong advocate for braille. She also served as treasurer of the Canadian Braille Authority and as chair of its English Braille Standards Committee. She served on various code and formatting committees at the international level as well.

Crawford Technologies supports individuals who are blind, partially sighted and those with cognitive disabilities with solutions that make it possible to access all types of business documents with greater independence. Governments and corporations alike are using the company’s comprehensive range of solutions and services to deliver critical, compliant customer communications in braille, large print, audio, e-text and Accessible PDF and HTML in many languages.

“We are so grateful for Crawford Technologies’ dedicated and generous support of this important scholarship program,” said Natalie Martiniello, M.Sc, CVRT, president of Braille Literacy Canada. “It is because of consistent donors like Crawford Technologies that we are able to ensure that the Edie Mourre Scholarship will be awarded every year to at least one deserving recipient.”

“We are proud to support Braille Literacy Canada and this vital scholarship fund,” said Ernie Crawford, president and CEO of Crawford Technologies. “With over four million North Americans living with blindness or visual impairment, the need for professionals who are proficient in braille continues to grow. This scholarship is a powerful way to attract new talent and draw attention to the importance of braille and braille education.”

About Braille Literacy Canada

Braille Literacy Canada is a registered charity dedicated to the promotion of braille as the primary medium of literacy for those who are blind or visually impaired. The organization is comprised of educators, braille transcribers, braille producers, parents of braille users and braille users. Braille Literacy Canada was originally founded in 1990 as the Canadian Braille Authority. In 2013 it officially became Braille Literacy Canada.