Leading national braille publisher,  National Braille Press (NBP), announced today that the non-profit organization will be offering braille Valentine’s Day cards that are an experience for the senses.  The unique cards, printed in braille, features a ’scratch and sniff’ pear scent with a small red valentine heart and the message, "We're a pair, Valentine!” All proceeds from the sale of the cards will support NBP’s vital mission of promoting braille literacy. Currently, studies show that fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the U.S. are braille readers and only one  in seven blind children in America are being taught braille in school.

“Everyone loves to receive a Valentine,” said Brian MacDonald, President of the National Braille Press.  “Why not surprise your loved ones with a card that is fun and imaginative, while also supporting a wonderful cause.”

This new Valentine’s Day card is offered in two different packages. The small packs include 20 print/braille Valentines plus envelopes for $10. The large pack comes with 32 print/braille Valentines plus envelopes for $14. The cards are being sold through NBP website and also through the nonprofit group ViStars.org, an after school program for blind and visually impaired students in the Greater Boston area.

NBP is the nation’s premier braille publisher located in Boston’s historic Back Bay and has been an innovator in the braille community since 1927. In addition to serving as a braille publisher, National Braille Press also works to raise awareness around issues relative to literacy rates among blind and visually impaired people and to create affordable braille-based technology that is accessible to all.

Recently, NBP celebrated National Braille Literacy month with the launch of the organization’s new “Inside NBP” blog, which provides visitors with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the publisher, while also serving as an important resource on issues affecting the blind and visually impaired community.