The New Year has begun and it’s time to celebrate World Braille Day. It is time once again to raise awareness about the importance of Braille and its transformative power for blind, deafblind, and low vision individuals. Today honours the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the universally accepted language of raised dots, who was born in France in 1809.
Blind Low Vision NZ Chief Executive Andrea Midgen reflects on the significance of the day:
“Let us take the opportunity on World Braille Day to strengthen the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world, where every individual has the chance to reach their full potential because of literacy and numeracy through Braille.”
The Legacy of Louis Braille
Louis Braille’s journey began after an accident at the age of three left him blind. By the age of 12, he started developing a tactile communication system inspired by a note-taking method used by French soldiers. By the time he was 15, he had refined the system that we now know as Braille.
In New Zealand, Braille has been taught since 1890, starting with the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, now known as Blind Low Vision NZ, which continues this proud legacy today.
The Power of Braille
Braille provides independence and equal access to written communication for people with sight loss. It is used in public spaces, workplaces, and leisure activities, making it a vital part of daily life. From lift buttons and ATM keypads to bank cards and product labels, Braille ensures that information remains accessible.
The Braille Alphabet
The Braille alphabet uses patterns of raised dots to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. Each character is made up of up to six dots arranged in a rectangle, making it simple and logical to learn. With a little practice, users find it intuitive and rewarding, as it opens up a world of literacy.
Why not give it a try? Take a moment to explore the Braille alphabet and experience the magic of reading with your fingertips. You might be surprised at how quickly you can recognise letters and even spell out your name!
How Blind Low Vision NZ Supports Braille Learners
At Blind Low Vision NZ, we are proud to support individuals on their Braille journey. Our team offers resources and training to help people gain confidence and skills in Braille, helping them to access written communication and participate fully in their communities.
If you or someone you know could benefit from learning Braille or accessing resources, please get in touch by calling 0800 24 33 33 or asking your optometrist for a referral. Learn more about our Braille services here.
This World Braille Day, it’s time to celebrate the power of a simple invention that has helped millions to learn and connect.
Image Description: A child’s hands running over a page of text in Braille.
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