CBB

What CBB does

Stichting CBB is a Dutch non-profit foundation (ANBI status, RSIN 003356541) headquartered in Ermelo, the Netherlands, with a second production site in Sneek. Founded over a century ago and transitioning from a traditional library for blind readers into a multi-format accessibility services organization, CBB produces literature and information in five accessible formats - braille, large print, audio, tactile/relief imaging, and digital text - for Dutch and international end users with visual, motor, or cognitive reading disabilities. Its core activities span the Passend Lezen producer role alongside Dedicon and Bibliotheekservice under Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Christian-focused publishing via the Leesbutler webshop, and an international B2B accessibility line through Braille.nl.

The operating footprint includes 13 professional recording studios (11 in Ermelo, 2 in Sneek), in-house relief printing technology, and a 200+ volunteer reader/consultant base. Proprietary or differentiated products include the Basis Audio Speler (BAS) - a QR-card audio device rentable at EUR 8.75/month - the AudioPen SAM tactile narration tool, the multi-format Voelbare Peuterbijbel tactile toddler's Bible, the Samenleesboeken inclusive co-reading line, and the Spelotheek accessible game library launched in 2025. International product lines extend to English, German, Spanish, and French editions of the Peuterbijbel, with distribution via United Bible Societies and Mission Evanglique Braille across Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean.

CBB's revenue model is a hybrid of charitable giving and modest commercial sales. The primary funding stream is donations and ANBI-eligible gifts from churches, organizations, and individuals. Earned revenue comes from one-time product sales through Leesbutler (e.g., Braille Bibles at EUR 875 per unit, Peuterbijbel at EUR 250 per unit, tactile greeting cards), subscription/recurring income from BAS rentals and calendar/daybook subscriptions, and B2B contracts through Braille.nl and the Passend Lezen chain. Distribution to end users blends e-commerce, phone/email customer service, a national network of volunteer consulenten conducting home visits, and a separate Dolphin EasyReader app integration for the Suriname audiobook program. Total staff count is 67, with a CAO Openbare Bibliotheken employment framework and a Raad van Toezicht governance structure.

Name

CBB

Legal name

Stichting CBB

Website

https://cbb.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Stichting CBB is a Dutch non-profit foundation, founded in 1912 and headquartered in Ermelo, that produces reading materials in braille, large print, audio, tactile, and digital formats for people with visual, motor, or cognitive reading disabilities, with a specialization in Christian literature and accessible Bibles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Accessibility Services for Reading Disabilities

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Accessible & Alternative Format Materials (Braille, Large Print, Audio, Tactile Graphics) (EDAGAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Media (UDL, AAC, Captioning) (EDAGALAH), Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services (EDAGAKAJ), Assistive Vision & Screen Access (Screen Readers, Magnification, Braille Displays/Notetakers) (EDAFAKAD)

Keywords

• Accessible reading materials
• Braille production
• Audio book library
• Visual impairment services
• Tactile publishing

Headquarters

HQ city

Ermelo

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and gifts: CBB is dependent on donations and gifts from churches, associations, organizations, and individuals to fund its operations. The organization has ANBI status making donations tax-deductible.
2. Product sales: Sale of Christian literature in accessible formats, braille-large print calendars, greeting cards with tactile images, and other products through Leesbutler web shop.
3. BAS rental: Rental of the Basis Audio Speler for EUR 8.75 per month (first two months free), with additional costs for mobile internet.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CBB is a Dutch non-profit foundation that produces literature and information in accessible reading formats (braille, large print, audio, tactile relief, and digital text) for people with reading disabilities including the blind, partially sighted, and those with motor or cognitive limitations. The organization operates its own recording studios, relief printing facilities, and webshop, and distributes its products through partnerships like Passend Lezen and internationally via Braille.nl.

Product overview

CBB operates as a library and accessibility services organization with a multi-product portfolio centered on making literature accessible for people with reading disabilities. The core offering includes producing materials in five accessible formats: braille, relief/tactile images, large print, spoken audio, and digital text. Main products include the Basis Audio Speler (BAS) device for audio playback, the Voelbare Peuterbijbel tactile Bible for children, audio books recorded in CBB's 11 professional studios in Ermelo and 2 in Sneek, and the Grenzeloos Toegankelijk podcast series. Distribution occurs through the Leesbutler.nl webshop and customer service. Sub-brands include Braille.nl for international accessibility services and a subscription service for calendars and daybooks. CBB also maintains a Christian literature collection, accessible game library (Spelotheek), and provides free consultant services for personal support. The organization serves both Dutch and international markets through partnerships with organizations like United Bible Societies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Passende leesvormen (Accessible Reading Formats) Literature produced in five accessible formats: braille, relief/tactile images, large print, spoken audio, and digital text for people with reading disabilities.
• Basis Audio Speler (BAS) Simple audio playback device designed for users with limited digital skills. Plays audio content from a card containing QR codes.
• Leesbutler.nl (Webshop) Own e-commerce platform where all CBB products including Christian literature in accessible formats, braille-large print calendars, and tactile greeting cards can be ordered.
• Braille.nl (International Accessibility Services) International division helping governments, organizations, and businesses make their information and buildings accessible through braille and tactile materials such as picture books, wayfinding signage, greeting cards, and maps.
• Voelbare Peuterbijbel (Tactile Toddler's Bible) Inclusive toddler's Bible combining braille, large print, tactile relief images in color, and audio narration via AudioPen SAM. Developed for visually impaired children worldwide.
• Luisterboeken (Audio Books) Audio books produced in CBB's 11 professional recording studios in Ermelo and 2 in Sneek, narrated by over 200 volunteer readers.
• Podcastserie Grenzeloos Toegankelijk Seven-episode podcast series exploring CBB's work for people with visual impairments, available on major podcast platforms.
• Braille-grootletterkalender en agenda (Braille-Large Print Calendar and Agenda) Braille-large print calendars, desk agendas, and pocket calendars available by subscription or individual purchase, delivered annually.
• Bijbelse dagboeken (Biblical Daybooks) Biblical daybooks available in braille and large print, delivered monthly by subscription.
• Voelbare wenskaarten (Tactile Greeting Cards) Greeting cards with tactile images available for order through Leesbutler webshop.
• Hoorspellen (Audio Dramas) Audio dramas with narration, sound effects, and music for children and adults with visual impairments, designed as cinematic listening experiences.
• Spelotheek (Accessible Game Library) Lending library for accessible games adapted for people with visual impairments, including memory, bingo, Monopoly, UNO, and Rummikub.
• Samenleesboeken (Inclusive Co-Reading Books) Inclusive books containing braille, audio, large print, and tactile color images designed for shared reading between blind, visually impaired, and sighted readers.
• Kim de vriendelijke kangoeroe (Accessible Children's Book) Accessible children's storybook about a visually impaired kangaroo, featuring braille, large print, audio via audio pen, and tactile color images.
• Toegankelijke themakisten (Accessible Theme Boxes) Accessible themed boxes for primary school students with visual impairments (cluster-1 schools) containing tactile, audio, and reading materials for learning and reading.
• Consulentendienst (Consultant Service) Free volunteer consultants who visit people with reading disabilities at home to provide information about accessible reading options, assist with device setup (BAS, Daisy players), and arrange book loans. Operates regionally throughout the Netherlands.
• Braille Bible Full Braille Bible consisting of 38 folders taking up almost an entire bookshelf, priced at EUR 875 per unit. Target to produce 80 braille Bibles for 8 Latin American countries in 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83,000+ spoken books available through Passend Lezen partnership
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NCB (Nederlandse Christelijke blinden en slechtzienden Belangenvereniging)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2026Joint webinar 'Zien met andere ogen' on church accessibility for blind and visually impaired people. Collaboration to raise awareness about inclusive church participation.
• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBB collaborates with KB and chain partners Dedicon and Bibliotheekservice Passend Lezen to set objectives. CBB produces braille, large print, digital files, and spoken literature for Passend Lezen under assignment from KB.
• DediconcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three chain partners (together with CBB and Bibliotheekservice Passend Lezen) working on shared objectives for accessible reading in the Netherlands.
• Bibliotheekservice Passend LezencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBB produces accessible materials for Passend Lezen library service. The collection includes 83,000+ spoken books for people with reading disabilities.
• Nederlands-Vlaams Bijbelgenootschap (NBG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative development of the tactile Peuterbijbel, converting 'Mijn kleine Peuterbijbel' into an accessible format with braille, tactile illustrations, and audio.
• NSBS (Nationale Stichting voor Blinden en Slechtzienden Suriname)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership signed in 2023 for ongoing collaboration. CBB supports NSBS with accessible materials, braille textbooks, and audio books for education in Suriname.
• Stichting Boekenportaal SurinameminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with CBB and NSBS on the Audio voor Suriname project to produce Surinamese audio books.
• United Bible SocietiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational contact for distributing Peuterbijbels to Bible societies worldwide. Orders received for 450+ English Peuterbijbels from countries including India, Uganda, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Guyana, Suriname, and the Philippines.
• Academische werkplaats Affect-usminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on the 'compassie' project resulting in the tactile book 'Kim de vriendelijke kangoeroe' for children.
• VisiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner network for visual impairment services in the Netherlands.
• BartiméusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for visual impairment services, school in Zeist received the tactile book 'Kim de vriendelijke kangoeroe'.
• Mission Evanglique BrailleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational partner for braille production and distribution.
• Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAS technology displayed at ValleiLab innovation facility, collaborating on human dignified care research with Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei and Opella.
• Ziekenhuis Gelderse ValleiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner in ValleiLab collaboration for dignified care research.
• OpellaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare organization partner in ValleiLab collaboration for dignified care research.
• Boeken fan Fryslân (Berneboeke)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBB collaborates with Boeken fan Fryslân for the Berneboeke ambassador project, preserving Frisian language accessibility for people with reading disabilities.
• KSBSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for making school books accessible in Suriname for blind children.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Bartiméus: Bartiméus is a Dutch organization supporting blind and visually impaired people with services, education, and housing. A peer regional player with overlapping end-user base; CBB's tactile book 'Kim de vriendelijke kangoeroe' was donated to a Bartiméus school in Zeist.
• Visio: Visio is a Dutch national organization supporting people with visual impairments, providing services, education and rehabilitation. CBB partners with Visio for visual-impairment services, making them a regional peer with overlapping customer base though different service offering.

Broad incumbents

• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): RNIB is the UK's leading charity for blind and partially sighted people, producing accessible books, audio, and braille. Closest international functional equivalent to CBB's combined publishing/library/social-services model.
• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB): KB is the Dutch national library and assigns production to CBB, Dedicon, and Passend Lezen. KB operates as the broader institutional custodian and funder of accessible-reading services in the Netherlands, overlapping CBB's mission at the policy/funding layer.
• American Printing House for the Blind (APH): APH is a US non-profit producing accessible educational and lifetime-reading materials including braille, large print, audio, and tactile graphics. Directly comparable production technology and mission as a long-established accessible-publishing institution.
• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS, Library of Congress): NLS is a US federal program that provides braille and audio books to print-disabled Americans. Comparable international public-sector accessible-library service with a much larger scale and institutional backing.

Direct peers

• Dedicon: Dedicon is one of the three core chain partners alongside CBB and Bibliotheekservice Passend Lezen producing braille, large print, audio and accessible reading materials for people with reading disabilities in the Netherlands. Directly comparable in format, mission, and Dutch accessible-publishing infrastructure.
• Bibliotheekservice Passend Lezen: Passend Lezen is the Dutch national library service that lends 83,000+ spoken books to people with reading disabilities. CBB produces for Passend Lezen under assignment from KB, making them a core distribution peer in the same accessible-reading chain.
• Sensotec: Sensotec is a Dutch provider of assistive technology including text-to-speech, magnification and accessible reading hardware/software. Comparable as a regional peer in the Dutch accessibility market, addressing overlapping customer needs for reading-disabled individuals.

Emerging players

• Bookshare: Bookshare is a global accessible online library for people with reading disabilities, providing digital books to qualified members. Comparable in content-distribution mission but operates as a digital-first platform rather than a producer of tactile/braille materials.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CBBErmelo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cbb-blijvenlezen5281
• Facebookfacebook.com/CBB-Blijven-lezen-511907885591083
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cbb-christelijke-bibliotheek-voor-blinden-en-slechtzienden
• Instagraminstagram.com/cbbblijvenlezen

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CBB