Braille Literacy Month: Celebrating 200 Years of Braille
Two centuries later, Louis Braille's invention remains as important as ever. The impact of braille literacy is clear - it's a powerful predictor of educational and employment success. When individuals have access to braille, they gain direct, independent access to written language.
January marks Braille Literacy Month and a remarkable milestone: 200 years since Louis Braille developed his revolutionary code that continues to impact lives today. In 1824, at just 15 years old, Louis Braille created a tactile code that would open new worlds of literacy and learning.
Braille uses 63 combinations of raised dots to represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and contractions. Each cell has two columns of three dots. The left column is numbered 1, 2, 3 from top to bottom, and the right column is numbered 4, 5, 6. Each dot has a unique number.
Two centuries later, his invention remains as important as ever. The impact of braille literacy is clear – it’s a powerful predictor of educational and employment success. When individuals have access to braille, they gain direct, independent access to written language.
Braille’s influence spans the globe, adapted for different languages and cultural contexts. This universal system connects people worldwide.
Modern braille technology connects with computers, smartphones, and tablets through refreshable braille displays. But this technology can only reach its full potential when digital content is properly structured for accessibility. When websites, apps, and documents are created with accessibility in mind, braille display users can fully participate in our digital world – from accessing educational materials to navigating workplace platforms to engaging with social media.
At Helen Keller Services, we are proud to support braille literacy across all ages and technologies. Through our comprehensive training programs and advocacy for digital accessibility, we’re helping ensure that braille continues to empower and evolve for future generations.
Today, many people think audio is an alternative to braille, but it is not, especially for people who are DeafBlind and rely on braille for access to information. Braille provides a direct, tactile connection to written language that audio cannot replace. For DeafBlind individuals, braille is essential for accessing information, communicating, and maintaining independence.
“I can’t imagine my life without braille,” says Megan Dausch, Accessibility Specialist at HKS. “Braille allows me to write, understand spelling, and enjoy reading in ways audio can’t. I use braille constantly, whether I’m writing a text on my phone or reading an email on my computer.”
Join us in celebrating Braille Literacy Month and recognizing the profound impact of braille on literacy, communication, independence, and accessibility.
Why Accessibility Matters – Braille Displays
Up-close footage of a braille display with moving pins, paired with a smart phone.
[narrator]
Why accessibility matters. Braille displays convert digital text into dynamic tactile braille, as users explore content through touch.
A finger touches the braille pins and points out the deice features.
[narrator]
For blind and DeafBlind individuals, these devices are gateways to information, education, careers, and connection. When we make digital content accessible, we ensure everyone has access to these opportunities.
Video fades to white, and the Helen Keller Services logo.
