The World Braille Day, observed today, is dedicated to honoring the visionary inventor Louis Braille. Born in France in 1809, Louis Braille revolutionized the way individuals with visual impairments read and write by introducing the Braille script.
Recognizing the pivotal role Braille plays in education and communication, the United Nations has designated January 4, Louis Braille’s birthday, as World Braille Day. Braille itself is not a language but a universal code that serves as a tool for writing and reading in various languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Spanish, and many others.
In commemoration of World Braille Day, National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities are organizing several programs across the country. These initiatives aim to highlight the significance of Braille and promote its usage to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Braille serves as a crucial means of empowerment, enabling individuals to access information, pursue education, and actively participate in society. The celebration of World Braille Day underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure that information and education are accessible to everyone, regardless of their visual abilities.