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Every year, World Braille Day is observed on 4 January. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a mode of communication for visually impaired people. Apart from this, the day also marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, who at the young age of 15 invented the tactile system for reading and writing for people who are blind or partially sighted. In this complete article, we will cover everything about World Braille Day including its history and significance.
Contents
What Is World Braille Day?
World Braille Day is an international observance that recognises Braille as a vital tool for literacy and inclusion for visually impaired people. It reminds society that access to written communication is a basic human right, and Braille plays a key role in ensuring this right. The United Nations officially recognised World Braille Day in 2018, and it has been observed globally since then.
| Name of the Event | World Braille DAY |
| Date | 4 January |
| Aim | To honor and commemorate Louis Braille and spread awareness about Braille as an accessible mode of communication for visually impaired people. |
| Established by | The UN General Assembly |
Who is Louis Braille?
Before moving on, let us first learn about the namesake of this day:
- Louis Braille was born on January 4 1809, in Paris, France.
- Although born with perfect vision, Braille became completely blind at the age of three due to an accident.
- Despite initial difficulties, Braille managed to make the most out of his life and became a notable musician and organist.
- Upon receiving a scholarship, he attended the National Institute for Blind Children and started teaching there in 1826.
- Ultimately, Braille became the French educator who developed a unique system of writing called Braille that is exclusively used by blind people.
History of World Braille Day
Interestingly, this day has a short history ingeniously intertwined with the life of its namesake. World Braille Day was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2018. Since then, it has been considered among the most important days and dates. Moreover, the world actually started celebrating it in the year 2019.
Around 30-36 million people on this planet are blind. By the year 2050, the number of people diagnosed with blindness will rise to a whopping 100-115 million. People who are struggling with impaired eyesight face difficulties in everyday life. From using a computer to arranging clothes and navigating a new neighbourhood, everything becomes a tough nut to crack.
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Significance of World Braille Day
World Braille Day holds immense significance for people around the world. It reminds us of the importance of developing an easily accessible communication system for blind people. In today’s world, the Braille system is used across different fields such as banks, hospitals, and restaurants to provide visually impaired people with the freedom to make their own decisions independently.
Apart from this, it also helps people recognise that everyone around the world, despite their differences, deserves the same treatment. Therefore, it is important for every citizen to play their part and make public or professional places accessible to everyone.
Sava Shiksha Abhiyan v. Prakash Singh (2010)
In the 2010 landmark case of Sava Shiksha Abhiyan v. Prakash Singh, the need for equal educational opportunities and access for visually impaired students was highlighted. The case was centred around Prakash Singh, a young boy who was denied Braille textbooks at his government school. This not only hindered his learning but also violated his right to education under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act).
The court was swift to recognise the crucial role of Braille in empowering visually impaired students. Consequently, it mandated all government schools to provide learning materials such as braille textbooks and expert faculty trained in braille instruction. This case judgment stands as the epitome of inclusive education across India.
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How Is World Braille Day Celebrated?
Educational institutions often encourage students to learn about Braille and understand the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. World Braille Day is observed through various activities worldwide:
- Awareness programs in schools and colleges
- Workshops on learning Braille
- Seminars on inclusive education
- Social media campaigns on accessibility
- Distribution of Braille books and learning tools
- Discussions on assistive technologies.
5 Quotes on World Braille Day
On this World Braille Day, you can add interesting quotes to make your social media posts and stories most informative. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Every raised dot whispers, ‘You are not alone’. – Helen Keller
Braille isn’t just a language, it’s a bridge between two worlds.
– Christel Ricker, German blind Paralympian runner
Literacy in Braille empowers individuals to participate fully in society and achieve their full potential. – Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Braille is not just a code, it’s a language of liberation.
– Helen Keller, American author and activist
“The invention of braille was a gift to the blind, a key that unlocked a prison.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
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Interesting Facts About Braille
These interesting facts show that Braille is much more than a reading system; it is a powerful tool for education, independence, and inclusion. From classrooms to technology and everyday life, Braille continues to empower visually impaired individuals and plays a vital role in building a more accessible and equal society.
- Braille is named after its inventor, Louis Braille, who created the system in 1824.
- The basic Braille cell has 6 dots, but advanced systems use 8-dot Braille for computers and digital devices.
- Each Braille dot is arranged in two vertical columns of three dots, making it easy to recognise through touch.
- One finger can read Braille faster than multiple fingers because it improves sensitivity and focus.
- Braille is not a language; it is a writing system used for many languages, including English, Hindi, Arabic, French, and Spanish.
- Unified English Braille (UEB) is the standard form of English Braille used in many countries today.
- Braille includes special codes for mathematics, science, and chemistry, making it useful for higher education.
- Braille music notation allows visually impaired musicians to read and write music independently.
- Braille books are usually larger and thicker than printed books because of raised dots.
- Currency notes in many countries have Braille markings to help visually impaired people identify money.
- Elevator buttons and public signboards often include Braille for accessibility.
- The United Nations declared World Braille Day in 2018 to promote the importance of Braille worldwide.
- January 4 was chosen because it is the birth anniversary of Louis Braille.
- Braille helps visually impaired children develop strong spelling and grammar skills, just like printed text helps sighted learners.
- Studies show that Braille-literate individuals have higher employment rates than those who do not know Braille.
- Braille is used in over 130 countries across the world.
- Digital Braille displays can convert text from computers and smartphones into Braille instantly.
- Braille can be written using tools like a slate and stylus, Braille typewriters, and electronic notetakers.
- Learning Braille at an early age helps visually impaired children become more independent.
- Braille signage is a key part of inclusive and universal design.
- Braille labels are used on medicine bottles to prevent dosage errors.
- Braille literacy is linked to better confidence and self-esteem among visually impaired students.
- Many countries include Braille education as part of their inclusive education policies.
- Braille can represent punctuation marks, emojis, and computer commands in digital formats.
- World Braille Day highlights the message that access to written communication is a human right.
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World Braille Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. It encourages governments, institutions, and individuals to support Braille literacy and accessibility for visually impaired people. For students and educators, this day offers an opportunity to learn about inclusion, empathy, and equal rights. By understanding the importance of Braille, we take a step closer to building a world where education is accessible to all.
FAQs
World Braille Day was first established in the year 2018. The UN General Assembly announced January 4th as the official day that not only holds great significance for visually impaired people but also commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille.
World Braille Day is celebrated every day on January 4 as it coincides with the birthdate of Louis Braille. He, at the very young age of merely 15 years, became the mastermind behind inventing the Braille system as a tactile system for reading and writing for blind or partially sighted people.
On this World Braille Day, you can use the power of social media to raise your voice and opinions by simply sharing engaging posts. Additionally, you can also use the popular hashtag #WorldBrailleDay as the cherry on top.
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| National Consumer Rights Day | Minorities Rights Day |
| International Day of Neutrality | Energy Conservation Day |
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