MAKINDE’S COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION CELEBRATES THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ON WORLD BRAILLE DAY*

Today all over the world,the International Observance “World Braille Day usually observed on the January 4th yearly was a date chosen by the United Nations General Assembly in a proclamation in November 2018 and it commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary who developed a tactile script that revolutionized communication for blind and partially sighted individuals.

Louis Braille, born on 4 January 1809 in Coupvray, France, lost his sight at the age of three due to a tragic accident in his father’s harness shop.

But he quickly mastered his new way of living. When Louis was only 15 years old, he created a reading and writing system based on Charles Barbier’s night writing system. We know Louis’ system today as braille. Adjusted over time, braille is now easier to read and used worldwide!

*What is Braille?*
Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, and even musical, mathematical and scientific symbols. Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font.

Braille is essential in the context of education, freedom of expression and opinion, as well as social inclusion, as reflected in article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

*Why is it worth celebrating?*
World Braille Day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Today’s reality is that many establishments, such as restaurants, banks, and hospitals, don’t offer braille versions of their print materials like menus, statements, and bills. Because of this, people with blindness or visual impairments often don’t have the freedom to choose a meal on their own or keep their finances private.

This day spreads awareness about braille and other accessible forms of communication. Everyone deserves (and is legally entitled to) the same accommodations and services, regardless of ability. Let’s remember that and do our part to make our workplaces more accessible for everyone.

A celebration of World Braille Day is thus a celebration of Accessibility and Inclusion for the Visually Impaired

It’s an important tool of Inclusion,dignity and independence for the blind and visually impaired person’s.

Braille incorporated with technology makes equal access to education, economic opportunities and information making inclusion for the visually impaired possible

Happy World Braille Day! Let’s all promote inclusion & literacy by working towards a world where everyone can read, write, access information with ease

#WorldBrailleDay

*Hon(Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN*
COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION