Standing Where Braille Began: Reflections on Literacy, Legacy and Access
Standing in Louis Braille's childhood home, touching the dominoes he once played with, HKS Accessibility Specialist Megan Dausch shares her meaningful visit to the Louis Braille Museum in Coupvray, France
By Megan Dausch – Accessibility Specialist, Helen Keller Services
The Louis Braille Museum in Coupvray, France, smelled like history—aged wood, old paper, and the faint mustiness of time. It was a small house, but it held the weight of a remarkable legacy. I remember running my fingers over the dominoes Louis played with as a child and the slate he used. These objects weren’t just artifacts; they were pieces of a story that continues to shape the lives of millions, including mine.
For me, and for so many others, braille is a bridge to access. It opens doors to independence, knowledge and opportunity. Braille enables me to read for pleasure, organize my life, and engage with the same information as sighted peers.
I can’t imagine my life without braille. Braille allows me to write, understand spelling, and enjoy reading in ways audio can’t. Braille technology, such as braille displays, have allowed me to use braille even more. I use braille constantly, whether I’m writing a text on my phone or working on a document on my computer. I have used braille at every job I have held, from taking telephone messages when working at a town pool as a teenager to my current role as HKS Accessibility Specialist. It allows me to read in loud environments, and offers advantages that my sighted peers can’t enjoy, like reading in a pitch-black room or not needing to look down with my eyes at what I’m reading.
For many people in the blind and DeafBlind communities, braille is a cornerstone of literacy and empowerment, granting access to education, employment, and communication. For DeafBlind individuals especially, braille is crucial, making it possible to connect with others and access information.
Even in the digital age, braille’s relevance is undeniable. Technology has expanded its reach through innovations like refreshable braille displays, tactile graphics, and e-books. These advancements enhance access and ensure that braille remains as vital as ever, allowing us to keep pace with a fast-changing world. However, we must continue to advocate for braille access in a world where audio-only interfaces are becoming more and more common so that no one will get left behind as technology evolves. At its core, braille remains what it has always been: a bridge to access, inclusion, and opportunity.
My visit to the Louis Braille Museum was a powerful reminder of how one person’s determination can reshape the world. Louis Braille didn’t just create a tactile writing system; he built a pathway to independence and dignity for generations. Standing in his home, touching the tools he used, I felt the profound impact of his work—not just in history but in my own life.
Braille is more than a system of dots; it’s a testament to resilience and the power of accessibility. It connects me to the stories I love, the people I care about, and the opportunities I embrace. As we reflect on Louis Braille’s legacy, we are reminded of the ongoing work to ensure that access and inclusion are available to all. The bridge he built is still standing, and it is up to us to make sure it remains strong for the generations yet to come.