Every year on January 4th, World Braille Day reminds us of the importance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually impaired. About 36 million people around the world are blind. By 2050, the number of people diagnosed with blindness is predicted to rise to 115 million. Those who are blind or who have severe vision impairments face many challenges in life. Some of these challenges include navigating new environments, using a computer, handling cash, and arranging clothes. Blind people have ways to successfully deal with many of these situations. In today’s world, advanced technology and voice activation make a blind person’s life much more manageable. But one invention, in particular, has helped countless numbers of blind people. This invention is called braille and it was developed nearly 200 years ago. Braille gives blind people the ability to read and even write letters. The system consists of raised dots that form letters and words which are read by touch.
World Braille Day not only celebrates the ingenuity and impact of Braille, but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equal access to education and information for the blind community. Despite the many advancements in technology, Braille remains a crucial tool for the blind and visually impaired, allowing them to independently access books, documents, and other written materials. It also gives them the opportunity to express themselves through writing, just like their sighted peers.
On this day, various organizations and institutions host events and activities to spread awareness and promote the use of Braille. These events can include workshops, exhibitions, and even Braille reading and writing competitions. It is also a time to recognize the achievements of those who have mastered Braille and to honor the educators and advocates who have dedicated their lives to promoting its use.
But while World Braille Day is a day of celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges that the blind community still faces. Many blind individuals around the world do not have access to proper education or resources to learn Braille, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth. In addition, there is a lack of Braille materials available, making it difficult for blind individuals to access the same information as their sighted peers.
Therefore, on World Braille Day, it is important to not only celebrate the accomplishments of Louis Braille, but also to advocate for equal access to education and resources for the blind community. It is a day to raise awareness and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all individuals, regardless of their visual abilities. So let us come together on this day to celebrate the power of Braille and to continue the fight for a more inclusive society.
Louis Braille invented the reading system of raised dots in 1824. Born on January 4, 1809, in France, Louis lost his sight after an accident in his father’s harness shop at the age of three. He would later attend the National Institute for Blind Children in Paris. There, his interest in music would benefit him when at the age of 10 he met Charles Barbier, a captain in Napolean’s army. The captain taught the students about a communication code using dots called Night Writing. Combining his knowledge of music and the inspiration of code communication, Louis Braille invented a 6-dot fingertip reading system when he was only 15 years old.
In 2009, the World Blind Union and its partner organizations celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. The celebration evolved into World Braille Day. In 2018, the UN General Assembly decided to make it an official observance by proclaiming January 4th as World Braille Day. January 4th commemorates the birthdate of Louis Braille. The UN celebrated the first official World Braille Day in 2019.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
