World Braille Day 2024: In this article we’ll discuss the history, theme, significance of the world braille day 2024. Learn how Braille empowers the visually impaired and why this day holds importance globally.
World Braille Day
World Braille Day, observed on January 4th, is a global day to highlight the significance of braille as a way for blind and visually impaired individuals to communicate and fully enjoy their human rights. The United Nations decided on this date in November 2018 to honor Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of the braille writing system. The first celebration of World Braille Day took place on January 4, 2019.
World Braille Day 2024
Every January 4th is World Braille Day. It’s a day to recognize how Braille, a special writing system for blind and partially sighted people, is important. This day is chosen because it’s the birthday of Louis Braille, the person who invented Braille in 1809 in France.
The United Nations General Assembly started this day in 2019, and it’s not just a day but a whole month called Braille Literacy month. Throughout January, people celebrate and talk about why Braille and being able to read it are so crucial.
How did Louis Braille invent the Braille system?
Louis Braille, born in 1809 in France, lost his sight at a young age due to an accident. Determined to learn, he attended a school for the blind in Paris. There, he encountered a method called “night writing,” created by Captain Charles Barbier for soldiers to communicate silently in the dark using raised dots and dashes. Braille adapted and simplified this system into what we now know as the Braille system, enabling blind people to read and write.
World Braille Day Theme 2024
The theme for World Braille Day 2024 is yet to be declared.
World Braille Day History
Louis Braille, the person who created Braille, was born in France on January 4th, 1809. He faced a difficult situation as a child when he lost his sight in an accident. Despite this challenge, Braille learned to overcome it while still very young. Even though he couldn’t see at all, he did exceptionally well in school and even earned a scholarship to France’s Royal Institute for Blind Youth.
During his studies, Braille got inspired by Charles Barbier’s military cryptography in the French Army. This inspiration led him to develop a special way of writing and reading for the blind. In 1824, when he was just fifteen, Braille shared his hard work with his peers. In 1829, he published his first book explaining the system he created, called “Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Songs by Means of Dots, for Use by the Blind and Arranged for Them.”
How Braille Works
Braille’s system represents letters and numbers with a series of six dots arranged in three rows. This simple yet brilliant idea allowed books to be made on a large scale in a format that blind people could read by feeling the dots with their fingertips. Thanks to Braille, blind students can learn alongside their sighted peers and enjoy reading just as easily as anyone else.
World Braille Day Significance
World Braille Day is a special day that acknowledges how Louis Braille’s clever system changed the lives of blind people. Here’s why this day is important:
Honoring Louis Braille: World Braille Day celebrates Louis Braille, born on January 4th, 1809, who created the Braille system. Even though he couldn’t see, his smart ideas helped blind people all around the world access books and education.
Helping the Blind Read: Braille’s way of writing and reading with raised dots made a big difference for blind people. It lets them read information, stories, and school stuff. World Braille Day reminds us how important it is for blind people to read and learn.
Talking About Book Challenges: This day also reminds us that blind people face problems getting books. Not many books are made in Braille, and we need to do more to make sure blind people have enough books to read.
Supporting Fair Education: World Braille Day tells us that everyone, including blind students, should have the same chances in school. Braille helps blind students learn together with others. It encourages us to make sure blind students have the right tools for school.
Working Together Across Borders: There’s a special agreement called the Marrakesh Treaty that helps blind people worldwide. World Braille Day talks about this treaty, which lets countries share books more easily. It’s like sharing good things with friends in other places.
Encouraging Braille for Everyone: This day inspires people, groups, and even governments to talk more about Braille. It reminds us that everyone, no matter if they can see or not, should have the same chances to read and learn.
World Braille Day is a day to cheer for blind people. It reminds us to make sure they have good books, can go to school, and be part of our culture. It’s a reminder to make the world a better place for everyone, especially those who can’t see well.
World Braille Day Celebration
Even though Braille is incredible and offers a lot to blind and partially sighted people, there’s a challenge. Braille books usually stay within the country where they are made due to strict international copyright laws. This means blind people can only read books made in their own country. Sadly, only 5% of all published materials are made in accessible formats, and less than 10% of blind children in developing countries can go to school because of the lack of teaching materials.
The Marrakesh Treaty, created in June 2013, could change this. It allows exceptions to copyright, making it possible to share books in accessible formats. If this treaty becomes law worldwide, organizations could share resources with those in developing countries. Wealthier countries’ schools for the blind could send books to schools in poorer countries, giving blind children access to the textbooks they need to finish school.
On this World Braille Day, let’s celebrate Louis Braille’s achievements. Help millions of blind and partially sighted people by writing a letter to your government representatives, encouraging them to support the Marrakesh Treaty. Let’s make this treaty a reality so that resources can be shared globally and everyone has equal access to education and literature.
World Braille Day 2024 FAQs
Q1: Why is World Braille Day celebrated?
Ans: We celebrate World Braille Day on January 4th every year because it’s Louis Braille’s birthday. He’s the person who made Braille! Louis was born in France in 1809, and even though he couldn’t see after a childhood accident, he learned how to live in a special way.
Q2: What is the theme of World Braille Day 2023?
Ans: This year’s celebration focused on showing how important braille is for people with disabilities. Braille is like a special key that helps them learn to read and go to school. It also helps them find jobs and be part of society just like everyone else.
Q3: Who invented Braille Day?
Ans: On January 4, we celebrate World Braille Day to remember Louis Braille’s birthday. He invented the Braille system, helping people who can’t see, read and write. This day honors his contribution to the well-being of those who are visually impaired.
