January 4 – World Braille Day
World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4th, celebrates the birth of Louis Braille, the Frenchman who invented this life-changing writing system that brought literacy, freedom, and independence to countless blind and visually impaired individuals. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for people who are visually impaired.
Braille, a system of raised dots that can be felt with fingertips, allows the visually impaired to read, write, and thus communicate effectively. It is a critical tool towards cognitive development, literacy, and employment opportunities. Moreover, it provides a viable means for individuals with visual impairments to contribute equally to society and live independently.
Louis Braille, himself blind from the age of three, developed the Braille system when he was just 15 years old, demonstrating the enormous potential people with disabilities possess when given equal opportunities. His invention has since revolutionized the lives of the blind and visually impaired.
World Braille Day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and the importance of continuing to produce works in Braille, providing access to the same reading and learning opportunities as those available to the sighted. It's a day to advocate for equal opportunities for visually impaired individuals in all aspects of life, from education to employment.
The day also emphasizes the importance of accessible communication, a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By promoting Braille literacy, World Braille Day supports the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in society, ensuring they have equal opportunities to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
World Braille Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the innovations that have improved the lives of visually impaired individuals, but it is also a call to action. It reminds us of the need to address the challenges facing the visually impaired community and to strive for a more inclusive and accessible society. As Louis Braille's invention has shown, such efforts have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of visually impaired individuals worldwide.
Leyli MURADOVA,
the 1st year student of the faculty of International Journalism
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan