Braille packaging: Kellogg create “Love Notes” for blind children

21 Aug 2018 --- Kellogg has partnered with The National Federation of the Blind in the US to introduce personalized “Love Notes” on Rice Krispies Treats so parents can share messages of love and encouragement with blind children in their lunchboxes. The “Love Notes” are an accessible version of the writable wrapper on Rice Krispies Treats and available in two forms: Braille stickers and re-recordable audio boxes.

The partnership highlights research from the US Department of Education which suggests that nothing prepares kids more for going back to school than love and support. The inspiration for the “Love Notes” came after Kellogg realized that 62,000 children who are blind and low-vision in schools across the US are unable to experience important handwritten notes of support, according to the US National Federation of the Blind.

The "Love Notes" braille stickers are heart-shaped to fit in the space on Rice Krispies Treats writable wrappers for written notes. Each braille sticker sheet includes eight uplifting phrases in braille for parents to share with their children, from “You've Got This” to “Love You Lots.” The re-recordable audio box holds a Rice Krispies Treat and, when opened, plays a ten-second pre-recorded message. The audio box messages can be re-recorded over a thousand times, offering opportunities to share love and support throughout the entire school year. Every package sent to families will include a braille letter explaining this program and a co-branded braille alphabet card featuring Snap, Crackle, and Pop, along with information about the NFB's braille programs.

Rice Krispies Treats came to the National Federation of the Blind to help create a back-to-school campaign that would intentionally include blind students. The first-ever “Love Notes” in braille and audio are inspired by their work with many members of the Federation.

“The National Federation of the Blind is committed to helping parents raise blind children who are prepared to be confident, happy, and productive members of society,” says Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “As a father of three children, I know that a parent's love and support are critical to every child's success, whether they are sighted, losing vision, or blind. We are therefore delighted to partner with Rice Krispies Treats, which we know shares our commitment to braille literacy and our understanding that with love, hope, and determination, we can transform dreams into reality.”

“Kellogg as a whole has a larger connection to this cause with W.K. Kellogg losing his sight and continuing to work at the company full time for a number of years afterward,” adds Jessica Waller, Vice President and co-chair of the Kapable Employee Resource Group at Kellogg. “Inclusion is in our DNA and is now shared through Rice Krispies Treats 'Love Notes.' Everyone is important, and we want each child to be able to feel loved, supported, and acknowledged.”

Edited by Joshua Poole