Braille! - January is World Braille Month!

January is World Braille month

Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 and this year we celebrate his 206th birthday!   Born in Coupvray, France, Louis became blind at the age of 3 while playing with tools in his father’s shop.  When he was 10, he was sent to the school for the blind in Paris, but there were very few books available at that time for people who were blind.  Inspired by a system of tactile writing created by French army captain Charles Barbier, Louis Braille spent two years trying to simplify and perfect the code.  When he was 15, the new code was ready, and was easier to learn and quicker to read.

It took many years before the Braille code was adopted widely.  The first book in braille was published in 1827 and in 1878, the World Congress for the Blind voted to make Braille the system of reading and writing for people worldwide who are blind.  There ensued a War of the Dots and it was not until 1932 that Standard English Braille was established for all English-speaking countries.

Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are visually impaired or blind. The system enables users to read and write through touch, empowering them to access information independently.

Structure of Braille

Braille is based on a matrix of six raised dots arranged in a rectangular block called a "cell," with two columns and three rows. Each cell represents a character, letter, number, or punctuation mark. The dots are numbered 1 through 6:

1  4

2  5

3  6

By raising specific combinations of these dots, different characters can be formed. For example:

• The letter "A" is represented by a single raised dot in position 1.

• The letter "B" uses dots 1 and 2.

• Numbers, capital letters, and special characters are indicated by specific prefixes.

Types of Braille

1. Grade 1 Braille: A basic system where each Braille cell corresponds to a single letter, number, or punctuation mark. It is typically used by beginners.

2. Grade 2 Braille: Includes contractions and abbreviations for common words or letter groups, making reading and writing faster and more efficient.

3. Grade 3 Braille: An advanced system used for shorthand, often in personal notes or informal writing.

Applications of Braille

Braille is used in various formats and devices to enhance accessibility:

• Books and Documents: Printed Braille materials are essential for education and leisure.

• Labels and Signage: Many elevators, ATMs, and public spaces include Braille signage to 

• provide information.

• Digital Braille Devices: Refreshable Braille displays and notetakers allow users to access digital content, including emails, websites, and e-books, through tactile feedback.

Importance of Braille

Braille is vital for literacy and independence among people who are blind. While audio technology is increasingly available (such as screen readers), Braille remains indispensable for developing spelling, grammar, and tactile literacy skills. It ensures access to a wide range of fields, from education to employment.

Challenges and Advancements

Challenges include the high cost of producing Braille materials and devices, as well as limited availability in some regions. However, advances in technology, such as affordable refreshable Braille displays, are helping to bridge this gap.

Braille's impact extends beyond language; it is a tool of empowerment, inclusion, and equality, ensuring that individuals who are blind can fully participate in society.

Read more about the story of Louis Braille.

Learn the song for celebrating Louis Braille’s birthday!

Play the Louis Braille Timeline Game.

Written as part of the Disability Support Community Articles. More can be found here 
If you have a condition or 'Awareness Campaign' that you feel we should recognise please message either myself @MistyMagic (teens and adults) or @AffyAvo (adults)