World Braille Day 2010
The 4th January 2010 is World Braille Day, marking 201 years since the birth of Louis Braille.
World Braille Day is an annual day held to commemorate the birth of Louis Braille (1809-1852).
The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind and visually impaired people to read and write. Braille can be traced back to the 1820's when Louis Braille invented this writing and reading code.
Empowering Millions
What makes Braille groundbreaking is that it can be translated into almost every language around the world, and it empowers millions of blind and visually impaired people across the world to read by touch. This is crucial in order to participate in school, and to lead a more independent life.
CBM UK supports Braille education and production projects in both India and Zimbabwe, providing crucial learning and vocational skills to, and for, people who are blind, deafblind, or with low vision.
Louis died from tuberculosis in 1852, and his body is interred in the Panthéon in Paris, France.
Further Reading
- Braille Translator - translate your name into Braille
- Louis Braille - Wikipedia article
- iapb.org - The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness