Every year on January 4th we celebrate World Braille Day, since it is the birthday of Louis Braille, who taught the blind how to read and write. It was he who invented the braille system! Louis was born in 1809 in France and became blind as a result of an accident he had when he was a small child. The new way of living didn’t come easy to him, but he soon mastered it. Louis created a system for reading and writing with the help of Charles Barbier’s night writing system when he was just 15 years old. In today’s world, we know Louis’ system as braille. With the improvements in braille over time, it is now more accessible and used all around the world!
What is the reason for celebrating World Braille Day?
On World Braille Day, people who are blind or visually impaired are reminded of the importance of accessibility and independence. Many establishments, including restaurants, banks, and hospitals, do not provide braille versions of their print materials, such as menus, statements, and bills. Due to this, those with blindness or visual impairments are often restricted when it comes to choosing a meal on their own or keeping their finances private because they are not able to do so.
The purpose of this day is to spread awareness of braille and other forms of accessible communication. We believe that regardless of a person’s ability or disability, they all deserve (and are legally entitled to) the same accommodations and services. Our workplaces should be accessible to everyone so let’s remember that and do our part to make them more accessible for all employees.
World Braille Day was organized by UNESCO and it focused on raising awareness about the importance of braille and its role in society. There are approximately 6 million people who are blind or have low vision and rely on braille to read and write.
Happy World Braille Day 2023! Best quotes of Louis Braille
Here are some quotes about World Braille Day from different people:
“Braille has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s a very special tool that helps people with disabilities to be more independent.”
“Live without seeing, but be what you are”
“Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power”
“We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way we can bring this about”
“Access to communication in the widest sense is access to knowledge, and that is vitally important for us if we are not to go on being despised or patronized by condescending sighted people”