The Braille alphabet is a system of writing that gives independence to blind individuals, permitting them to read and write independently. It also permits blind individuals to read books, music, and other guides. Commendable efforts have been made towards understanding the history of Braille. In modernity, it is highly appreciated for the convenience it provides regarding accessibility as well as the hardships it gives recognition towards.
This post talks about the origin, evolution, and how Braille was assimilated in different countries. It further explains how Braille impacts literacy in the present time.
The Origins of the Braille Alphabet
Biography of Louis Braille
Louis Braille is known to have lived in Coupvray, France, in the early 1800s. When he turned three, he unfortunately lost his vision in one eye after an encounter with a blunt tool. An infection travelled to the other eye, and he eventually had total loss of sight. While many would succumb to these barriers, he stood undeterred as he always wanted to educate himself. When he was younger, he attended the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, also situated in Paris. The raised letter books provided in this school were popular amongst the children, yet a daunting task to read.
He wanted a better system. He had the firm belief that a blind individual should have an equal opportunity to read and write just as fast as an individual who can see. His determination reshaped the world with the invention of the braille alphabet.
The Influence of Charles Barbier’s Night Writing System
The French Military implemented Charles Barbier’s “night writing” code. The soldiers needed to relay messages in the dark without uttering a word. The system employed the use of raised dots corresponding to a sound, but it was too complicated for daily use. It also used 12-dot cells, which made it hard to touch and feel in one go.
Louis Braille studied Barbier’s system and understood its practicality, although it needed immense improvement. He began simplifying it, which eventually culminated in a dot system using only six dots.
How Braille Was Developed and Standardized
Louis Braille’s First Alphabet System (1824)
Braille, at the tender age of 15, developed a new alphabet that consisted of a dot representation. His new system had cells in the form of six patterns, which enabled the blind to not only read but also write. Each cell depicted a letter, number, or even a punctuation mark.
Despite the effectiveness, some educators resisted the new system. A section of them believed that blind people should be taught only open, raised letter books. Some opined that braille was far too complex to be taught. Despite all odds, Braille continued making adjustments to promote and improve his system.
The Expansion of Braille: Numbers, Punctuation, and Music Notation
He went on to develop symbols for numbers, punctuation, and even mathematical processes, expanding his system to include more than just letters. He created notation in music so that musicians who were blind could independently read and compose music.
All these changes made it more versatile and useful in education, music, and daily communication.
Braille’s Adoption in France and Beyond
While students at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth began using braille, the braille system faced opposition in France. For a long time, teachers and other institutions with authority over children’s education did not want to adopt it. Students, however, used braille for many purposes and found it more useful than the teachers encouraged.
With time, the school adopted the braille system. It started to spread through parts of Europe and America, and later, more institutions began to use it.
Global Adoption of the Braille Alphabet
The Fight for Official Recognition
Advocates pushed for recognition from the raised print use, greatly dominated by many heads from these institutions. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth, however, appears to have had equal or lower print preference towards teachers.
The United States, followed by Europe, started following the lead and accepting braille. Institutions for the blind created campaigns to promote reading and accessibility to braille materials.
How Braille Became The World’s Dominant Reading System
By the start of the 20th century, braille was the primary reading system used by the visually impaired. Helen Keller and her allies advocated for braille literacy. Schools for the blind began teaching Braille more frequently. Governments and other organizations created initiatives aimed at supporting their use.
Braille continued to have a sweeping impact by enabling the publishing of more books, newspapers, and other materials available in braille. This allowed blind people to utilize more educational and job opportunities.
The Introduction of Unified English Braille (UEB)
In the 1900s, specialists started using Unified English Braille (UEB) in an attempt to unify braille usage amongst English-speaking nations.
In addition to simplifying some punctuation and formatting, UEB made braille more compatible with modern technology. UEB is now widely endorsed for use in schools and printing materials.
The Impact of Braille on Literacy and Accessibility
How Braille Opened Doors to Education
Braille widened the literacy gap between blind people and the general population. Blind people without braille had no available books and learning materials.
With the introduction of braille, visually impaired students could independently read and write. Schools started using braille textbooks. Colleges began offering braille materials for advanced study. As a result, professionals who were blind could pursue law, science, and the arts, among other fields.
Braille in Public Spaces and Everyday Life
Public places such as schools, banks, and train stations now feature braille on signs, elevators, and even currency. Transportation systems also make use of braille. The menus at many restaurants are available in braille.
Multiple organizations have taken the initiative to improve accessibility in the lives of the blind by publishing instructional guides and books in braille.
Braille and Technology: The Future of Accessible Literacy
Innovations in technology continue to make braille more accessible. Refreshable braille displays enable the blind to access digital content. E-books in braille widen the gap between the visually impaired and literature. The advent of AI-powered tools, along with screen readers, provides great assistance to those who use Braille.
These new advancements ensure that blind people stay updated and cared for.
Challenges and the Future of Braille
Decline in Braille Literacy Rates
Despite Braille, it’s unfortunate that the literacy rates are falling. Access to literature through audio books or screen readers provides other means of information. Some audio users simply ignore braille entirely.
With that said, blind people need to be taught braille for literacy and professional use. Educators stress the need for teaching braille as a program to be followed.
Innovations in Braille Technology
In the future, it’s hoped that braille will be more accessible. Automating text translation by machines along with AI will ease the articulation of words and phrases. So will devices that respond to voice commands. Braille terminals enable blind individuals to use smart devices, while tactile graphic aids improve teaching materials for visually impaired learners.
The new technologies developed will guarantee that braille continues to be relevant and widely used.
Conclusion
Braille has changed the way blind people can be educated and communicate. It opened up opportunities for learning, autonomy, and employment.
The impact of braille empowering initiatives can be felt when literacy programs are supported. Conceiving self-efficacy among braille individuals is made possible. Several organizations work towards enhancing the accessibility of Braille on web pages and in other public places. Learn the alphabet, explore them, or support groups for advocacy of braille literacy. Together, we can work towards ensuring that braille literacy aids in learning and accessibility issues for everyone.
