World Braille Day

World Braille Day is January 4

World Braille Day is celebrated yearly in recognition of the birth of Louis Braille, born on January 4th, 1809. It is celebrated throughout January. This special World Braille Day was first recognized in 2019 by the United Nations General Assembly. It serves as the commencement event for Braille Literacy Month. It’s goal is to raise awareness about the importance of braille and braille literacy. Please see our braille black dot pins to represent World Braille Day. Our braille black dot pin is available in a personalized and non-personalized version to call attention to World Braille Day.

Since this code was created in the 1800s and technology has advanced, it is hard to grasp its relevance today in 2020. Also, people might think that with the increase in audio technology, a blind person may not need to use braille anymore. Braille represents literacy. The blind use it daily and you can find braille in the most common places. For example, a public bathroom sign indicating male or female. Elevator panels, bus stops, and hotel room panels are other places you can find braille signs. Some national chain restaurants offer braille menus upon request.

Since braille is a reading and writing system, initially it was available in book format only. But today the blind can use electronic braille devices. For example, they can connect a refreshable braille display to computers, smartphones and tablets. This allows the blind to fully access braille without being loaded down with a heavy book. There is  no need to lug around your favorite bestseller in multiple volumes anymore.

Many individuals use brail. Further, while braille is most frequently used by those who are totally blind, others benefit, as well. This includes those with visual impairments, severe disabilities, and individuals with dual sensory loss.

What is Braille?

Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number. In addition, it represents musical, mathematical and scientific symbols. Further, braille is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font.

The first Braille system was published in 1829 and adopted by the National Institute for Blind Youth. World Braille Day is celebrated by learning Braille, promoting the work of blind or partially sighted people, and artists.

Six Interesting Facts about Braille for World Braille Day

1. Braille is used in nearly every country in the world. In addition, there is a braille code for almost every language.
2. The inventor of braille has an interesting story. At the age of 3, Louis Braille punctured his eye with an awl, a leather embosser. This lead to a severe infection. Eventually it caused him to lose his vision in both eyes. Ironically, an awl is similar to the stylus. A stylus is a tool used today to emboss braille by hand.
3. Braille can be typed in many different ways. It can be embossed with a slate and stylus, which is largely considered as braille handwriting. It can also be printed with the use of a braille typewriter.
4. Castle Sant’Elmo, a popular tourist attraction, offers a sweeping view of the Italian city of Napoli from the top. The fortress is also home to an art installation by Paolo Puddu titled “Follow the Shape,” a handrail embossed in braille which includes a poetic description of the view.
5. In recent years, more toys have become available in braille including a Rubik’s Cube, the popular card game UNO, and LEGOs.
6. The braille typewriter is different from a typical typewriter. A braille typewriter has six keys correlating to each of the six dots in the braille cell as well as a space key, an enter button, and a backspace button.

(Image: Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash)