Braille

How would it feel to not be able to see the glimmer of a star in the dark sky?  Would not being able to see a rainbow be a loss?  Would not being able to see the words on the page of the book in your hand be devastating?  To many people this is a part of everyday life.  The blind cannot enjoy the thrill of a book, or can they?

For hundreds of years, the blind could only enjoy a book by having someone read to them.  This continued until a young boy by the name of Louis Braille discovered a way to let the blind enjoy the thrill of a pirate’s adventure or hear the poetic words of love.  The Braille system was developed.

Louis developed a system where six raised dots created the alphabet, contractions, and symbols.  These are the dots you see on the elevator next to the floor number.  The blind are not limited anymore.  There are Braille menus at restaurants.  The written word is not open to all people.

Literacy is rising in the blind community as more and more books are becoming available to them.  Attending public schools is no longer a problem.  Graduating from college is easier with the ability to read books for themselves.

Yes, audio books are available, but the ability to read for yourself is something that has to be experienced.  The Braille system has opened whole new worlds for those that have lost all or part of their sight.

Learn more about the wonderful application of Braille and how it changes lives.  Visit the National Braille Press for more information and even order your own Braille alphabet card.  

Books can be enjoyed by all no matter what their limitations are.  With creativity all limitations can be overcome.  Braille was a wonderful invention that made books more assessable than ever.