4 January marks World Braille Day! If you’re wondering what all the excitement is about, let’s dive into the significance of this day and why it deserves to be recognised.
What is World Braille Day?
Every year on January 4th, we commemorate World Braille Day to honour the birthday of Louis Braille, the brilliant mind behind the invention of braille. Born in 1809 in France, Louis lost his sight at a young age, and went on to craft a groundbreaking reading and writing system when he was just 15. This system, known today as braille, has evolved over time and is now a universally used method for the visually impaired to read and communicate.
Why celebrate?
World Braille Day serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually impaired. Unfortunately, many establishments like restaurants, banks, and hospitals still fall short in providing braille versions of essential print materials. This lack of accessibility limits the freedom of choice for individuals with visual impairments, affecting aspects of their daily lives.
Spreading Awareness
Our reality today highlights the need for awareness about braille and other accessible forms of communication. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves equal accommodations and services. This day encourages us all to reflect on the importance of inclusivity and take steps to make our workplaces and communities more accessible.
Why choose Braille?
Braille stands out as a preferred method for reading certain documents. Whether it’s perusing a menu during a social gathering or reviewing a bank statement privately, braille offers a level of convenience that other accessible formats may not provide. While individuals may have their preferences, braille often emerges as a winning choice in many cases.
Braille Literacy
Braille literacy plays a pivotal role in providing equal opportunities for people with blindness.
The integration of braille in everyday items like signs, ATMs, elevators, calculators, and more has been instrumental in enhancing accessibility. Today, Rubix cubes, watches, lego-style bricks, and other innovations are constantly changing how we use braille and help increase braille literacy, too.
Thanks to Louis Braille’s innovation and the schools that embraced his system, braille literacy continues to evolve, contributing to a more inclusive world.
At Brownbills Optometrists we are committed to supporting inclusivity in every aspect of vision care. Happy World Braille Day!