World Braille Day History, Significance and Theme 2024

World Braille Day

Every year on 4th January in  remembrance of the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille the World Braille Day is celebrated to recognizes that people with visual impairments should have the same access to human rights as everyone else.

HISTORY

This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the Braille script, He was born in France in 1809, Blinded in both eyes in an accident as a child, Despite not being able to see at all, he excelled in his education and received scholarship to France’s Royal Institute for Blind Youth,

Since 2019 World Braille Day celebrated on 4th January, It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people

Recognizing the paramount role of Braille in education, communication, and social inclusion, the United Nations has designated 4th January every year as World Braille Day.

SIGNIFICANCE

Braille, a universal code rather than a language, It serves as a tool to write and read in various languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Spanish, and many others. The braille system works by representing the alphabet letters (and numbers) in a series of 6 dots paired up in 3 rows, Braille is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font.

HOW CELEBRATED?

On this occasion, National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under DEPwD organise a range of engaging programme which include Slogan and pamphlet competition focusing on Louis Braille’s life, Braille writing and reading competition, Orientation Lecture about Braille, Information sessions on Braille writing and reading competitions, Models of Braille teaching and other