Why Braille Is Beautiful


January is a big deal for a lot of reasons. It's the start of a new year, and an opportunity for new beginnings. It's technology month, and, self-care month. But, for the blind community, there's a couple very big reason why this month is so important. On January 4, 1809, a boy named Louis Braille was born. He lost his sight at the age of 3, after playing with one of his father's tools. He wanted to read and write just like every one else. But, back then, blind people were cut off from communicating, reading and writing. He attended The Royal School For Blind Youth in Paris France. There, he learned about a system called night writing, which was made up of dots and dashes that soldiers could feel and read on the battlefield. From that code, he invented a system of raised dots that is still used being used today. We use this system to read, write, and communicate. This year, in particular, marks an especially important milestone. This year, braille has been around for 200 years. Braille has opened up the world for the blind and visually impaired community. This is what makes braille so beautiful. Helen Keller, a deaf-blind disability rights activist, once said that we the blind are as indebted to Louis Braille as mankind is to Guttenberg for the printing press. In my view, there are no truer words! With that being said, here are some other reasons that braille is so beautiful.


1. It fosters independence
This for meeath is a huge one! Whether it's putting a label on your spice containers so you know which one is which, or putting braille on your microwave, it's a wonderful not to mention essential tool in the independent living toolbox. Plus, getting crucial documents you need in braille such as bank statements, is a blessing!

2. It helps us navigate
When you go in an elevator, the panel is brailled. It helps a blind student navigate their school building, and know which classroom they are entering. Per the ADA. all public buildings are required to have braille signage.

3. It increases your chance of getting employed
In the U.S. and around the world, the unemployment rate for blind and visually impaired is very high. However, braille can be a factor in whether someone gets employed or not. If a blind person knows braille, they're 90% more likely to get employed. This is because braille allows us to read and write with our sighted peers. This means that we can write emails and other correspondents related to work. Plus, if you have a refreshable braille display, your productivity will be even better.

4. Reading is more than just listening
While audiobooks are great, and can be an excellent way to access reading materials, you may be limited on what you can access. But, with braille, your world is significantly more open. With braille, you can access books on Bookshare, or through NLS.'s braille-on-demand program, which allows you to get up to 5 hardcopy braille books sent to your home per month. Also, if you have a refreshable braille display, books, newspapers, and magazines will be litterally at your fingertips!


I could go on and on about this topic, but, I want to hear from you! Why do you think braille is beautiful? How are you celebrating Braille Litteracy Month?


If you would like some braille resources, including how to get braille materials, The National Library Service For The Blind And Print Disabled has put together a page celebrating the 200th aniversary of the invention of braille. This page includes a list of NLS's braille litteracy initiatives, and ways to get access to braille materials. To find it, go to:


https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-200/






Also, as a bonus, please enjoy this song by James Brown And The Cane Tips, and The National Federation Of The Blind, called Braille Is Beautiful.


https://youtu.be/-_AEO0WBKt4?si=_3IFe4ScId-qKa0m