The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa has launched a day program designed to improve literacy among blind children. The Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy program, which is now offered in 30 states, will focus on building blind children’s skills in reading, traveling and independent living skills. Children ages 6-16 will be given the opportunity to learn from blind mentors and hone their newly acquired travel skills by going on field trips. Only 10 percent of blind children in the U.S. learn Braille, leaving the others functionally illiterate, said Cindy Ray, president of the Des Moines chapter. “We want to see our blind children and youth receive the kind of training that will place them on equal footing,” she said. The day program will take place at the Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth St. in Des Moines, on weekdays Aug. 1 through Aug. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.