Braille is a tactile reading and writing system that enables visually impaired people to read and write. World Braille Day is observed annually on Jan. 4 because it’s the birthday of Louis Braille, the French educator who invented this reading and writing method. Braille presented it to his peers for the first time in 1824. It was originally refined from Charles Barbier’s military cryptography. Each braille cell consists of up to six raised dots that are arranged in two parallel rows. Different combinations symbolize different words. Braille can be transcribed into Korean, English, and many other languages. The third edition of the World Braille Usage book was published in 2013. It introduces the most up-to-date information about braille usage in over 140 countries. On World Braille Day, many activists for the blind try to spread awareness about braille. They want to increase the use of braille in order to make society better for everyone.
Jeanne Lee Staff Reporter
1. How can braille be helpful to visually impaired people?
2. How many countries at least are using braille?
1. If you became blind, what would you miss the most?
2. What can be done to improve the lives of disabled people?
Braille is a tactile reading and writing system that enables visually impaired people to read and write. World Braille Day is observed annually on Jan. 4 because it’s the birthday of Louis Braille, the French educator who invented this reading and writing method. Braille presented it to his peers for the first time in 1824. It was originally refined from Charles Barbier’s military cryptography.
