Fast Facts
- Named after French inventor, Louis Braille
- Louis Braille began working on his system when he was just 12 years old
- World Braille Day is celebrated every year on January 4th, the anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille
- Each Braille character is made up of a pattern of up to six raised dots arranged in a rectangle, and the position of the dots represents different letters, numbers, or symbols
Braille is a special way of reading and writing for people who are blind or can't see well. It uses raised dots that you can feel with your fingers. Each letter, number, or symbol is made by a pattern of up to six tiny dots. Braille was invented by a French boy named Louis Braille in the 1800s. He lost his sight when he was young and wanted a better way to read and write. Thanks to him, many blind people can read books, take notes, and even use computers today!
Braille can be found in many places, like on elevator buttons, signs, and money. People read Braille by gently moving their fingers across the dots. Learning Braille takes practice, just like learning to read print, but it gives blind people more independence and helps them enjoy stories, learn at school, and communicate. Braille makes reading possible for everyone, no matter their vision!
Sources and additional information:
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Braille/352878
https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/informational-publications/about-braille