Braille Literacy
This month, we recognize and honor the legally blind and visually impaired. The mission of this month is to raise awareness of the importance of Braille to the blind and visually impaired community and its significance in the workplace and the classroom. This is a time to learn about and appreciate the impact it has made amongst the visually impaired all over the world for more than a century.
Braille is not a language but most languages have their own Braille system.
Louis Braille created this system of reading when he was around 12 years old after being blinded in a tragic accident at 3 years old. It became official in 1824.
6-dot Braille cells have 63 possible combinations. Each “cell” in Braille is arranged in a specific way with two dots across, and three dots down.
Braille exists for feet, too! Businesses have to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and one of those standards is to have Braille on the ground to keep them out of dangerous areas. There are big, bright, yellow strips at the ends of sidewalks and sometimes outside of stores and restaurants.
A majority of legally blind children in the U.S. don’t use Braille resources. 34% of the more than 59 thousand legally blind American children are considered non-readers.
Resources
American Foundation for the Blind Braille Alphabet Braille activities for kids
Braille Alphabet Blank Braille Literacy Month
Books
K-6 Books about disabilities Helen Keller Books featuring blind children
Helen Keller Lesson Archives -