Celebrating 200 Years of Braille: A Milestone in Accessibility
David Viner
Braille is a tactile reading and writing system that enables blind and visually impaired individuals to access written information. The system uses raised dots arranged in specific patterns to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. By feeling the raised dots with their fingers, Braille users can read and understand text.
How Was Braille Invented?
Louis Braille, who was blind from the age of three, invented the system in 1824. He was inspired by “night writing,” a code designed for soldiers to communicate silently at night. He modified and simplified the system, making it accessible for blind people to use for everyday reading and writing. This system of six raised dots has since empowered millions of people worldwide, giving them greater independence and access to information.
A Brief History of Louis Braille
Louis Braille was born in 1809 in Coupvray, France. After an accident that resulted in the loss of his vision, Louis was determined to continue his education. At the age of 10, he attended the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, where he learned about the night writing system used by soldiers.
Recognising its potential for blind readers, Louis set out to create his own version, which he completed at the age of 15. His system was first published in 1829 and, while initially slow to gain acceptance, it became widely adopted and is now used globally. Louis Braille’s legacy is not only his tactile alphabet but the independence and educational opportunities it has afforded blind individuals for over two centuries.
Braille and Technology: Modern Advancements
Today, Braille has evolved from printed books to cutting-edge technology, allowing blind individuals to interact with the digital world. Braille displays, which convert digital text into Braille characters, enable users to read emails, websites, and documents via their fingertips. These devices are essential for visually impaired individuals who rely on them for professional tasks and personal communication.
In addition to Braille displays, screen readers and Braille notetakers provide essential support, making it possible for visually impaired people to engage with the digital environment. These tools bridge the gap between accessibility and modern technology, ensuring that blind individuals can use computers, smartphones, and tablets just as efficiently as sighted people.
RNIB’s Braille 200 Campaign
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s groundbreaking invention, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched a special campaign, Braille 200. The campaign highlights the importance of Braille in transforming the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals and showcases stories from Braille users who have benefitted from the system. The RNIB’s initiative is a powerful reminder of Braille’s lasting impact and its relevance in today’s society.
You can learn more by visiting RNIB’s Braille 200 campaign.
Contact Us for More Information
As we mark this incredible milestone, we celebrate how Braille has opened up the world to millions of people. If you’d like to know more about Braille and its use in technology today, our team at Blazie is here to help. Reach out to us at info@blazie.co.uk to learn more about how Braille can enhance accessibility for your organisation or personal needs.