Imagine a dark world in which the two senses of touch and hearing are your strongest means of understanding, you cannot easily pick up and read your favorite book from the library, neither can you educate in your desire place, and a white cane is your guide; this is more or less the world of the blind.
In recent years, despite all the limitations, the blind have been able to achieve many successes in various fields with strong will and high perseverance. One of the things that helped the development and education of the blind was the invention of Braille that was invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century. January 4th is designated as World Braille Day. It celebrates the birth of Louis Braille who became blind as a child in an accident. It was through day and night that he was able to invent the calligraphy at the age of sixteen, which is now the basis of literacy for hundreds of thousands of blind people around the world.
Braille is not a language, it is a way that helps the blind to read and write a language. Braille is a system of touch in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet and even the numerical, musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols.
World Braille Day reminds us of the significance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or partially sighted. Unfortunately, in this modern world, many establishments such as restaurants, banks, and hospitals don’t offer braille versions of their print materials like menus, statements, and bills. Consequently, people with blindness or visual impairments often don’t have the freedom to choose a meal on their own or keep their finances private.
According to UNESCO, 12 million people around the world are blind, of which only about five percent are familiar with Braille. This day raises awareness about braille and other accessible forms of communication. Everyone is worthy of (and is legally entitled to) the same accommodations, services, and welfare facilities, regardless of ability. Let’s recollect that and do our part to make our workplaces more accessible for everyone.
