National Braille Day

A joyful child exploring a colorful Braille book, wearing a cute braille-inspired outfit, surrounded by braille symbols and tactile learning tools.. — National braille day illustration

Welcome to National Braille Day, the day we celebrate the amazing innovation that has allowed blind and visually impaired individuals to experience the joy of reading and writing. This special day is dedicated to Louis Braille, the brilliant creator of the Braille system. So, let's embark on a journey into the fascinating world of National Braille Day!

When is Braille Day?

It's national braille day on the 11th February.

The Braille Revolution

Imagine not being able to read this article right now. Seems unthinkable, doesn't it? Well, before the invention of Braille, blind individuals faced tremendous challenges when it came to literacy. But thanks to the ingenuity of Louis Braille, the world was forever changed.

Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight at a young age due to a tragic accident, didn't let his disability define him. In 1824, when he was just fifteen years old, he presented his groundbreaking Braille system to the world. This system used a series of raised dots on a grid, allowing blind individuals to read with their fingertips.

Braille's system was a game-changer, providing a universal method of reading and writing for the blind. Over the years, it has undergone improvements and adaptations, making it even more accessible. Today, people with visual impairments can experience the wonders of literature, education, and communication, thanks to Louis Braille's incredible invention.

Celebrating National Braille Day

On National Braille Day, we honor the legacy of Louis Braille and promote awareness about the importance of braille literacy. Communities around the world organize events, workshops, and activities to educate people about the Braille system and support accessibility for the visually impaired.

Whether you're blind, visually impaired, or fully sighted, National Braille Day is a chance for everyone to appreciate the power of braille and advocate for equal access to information for all.

History behind the term 'Braille'

1824

Birth of Louis Braille

In 1824, Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman, was born in Coupvray, France. At the age of three, he accidentally blinded himself in one eye with his father's stitching awl while playing in his father's harness making workshop. A few years later, a subsequent infection in his other eye rendered him completely blind.

1829

Development of Braille's System

In 1829, when Louis Braille was just 15 years old, he presented the prototype of his revolutionary tactile writing system. Inspired by Charles Barbier's night writing system used by the French military, Braille simplified and adapted it for blind individuals. Using a six-dot cell, Braille created a system of raised dots that allowed blind people to read and write using their sense of touch.

1837

Publication of Braille's Method

In 1837, Braille published his work titled 'Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Songs by Means of Dots' (later known as 'Braille'). This significant publication outlined the rules for using his tactile writing system, which initially consisted of just 12 raised dots. Braille's system was met with some skepticism and resistance initially but gained gradual recognition.

1854

First Official Recognition of Braille

In 1854, the Institute for Blind Youth in Paris officially adopted Braille's system, recognizing its groundbreaking potential for blind education. Braille's method quickly spread throughout France, and blind students began using it to read and write independently.

1916

Braille's Widespread International Adoption

By 1916, Braille's system had gained widespread international recognition. The Braille code was adapted and modified to accommodate different languages beyond French. Today, Braille is used worldwide as the standard system of written communication for blind individuals. It has opened doors to education, employment, and accessibility, empowering millions of blind people globally.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Braille system is named after its creator, Louis Braille, not because it's so 'brailiant'? Although we think it's pretty brailiant indeed!