While we may take for granted our capability to read the words in our favorite books or quickly scan a sign that tells us which direction to go, someone who is blind or has low-vision must navigate a little bit differently.
For National Braille Literacy Month, Ability Central explores the braille system and how it has shaped and improved the lives of the blind community. In this article, we’ll take a look at:
What is Braille?
Origin of the Braille System
How is Braille Used?
Where is Braille Used?
What are the Benefits of Braille?
Common Misconceptions of Braille
Resources to Get Started with Learning Braille
What is Braille?
It is important to understand that braille is not a language, but rather a means for which individuals who are blind or have low-vision can read and process information.
In the simplest terms, braille is a coded form of communication that relies on a system of raised dots which are organized together in parallel rows.
These raised dots are included together in a rectangular unit of space called a braille cell. One full braille cell comprises of 6 raised dots that are arranged in two columns with 3 dots each.
Each dot corresponds to the numbers 1 through 6, beginning at the top left corner of the braille cell with dot 1. The first column consists of dots 1, 2, and 3. The second column consists of dots 4, 5, and 6. So the dots look like this for a braille cell:
1 4
2 5
3 6
The dot arrangements are what is important in braille as they represent the letters of the written alphabet. But braille goes beyond just the alphabet, it includes numbers and music too. On braille cell can represent a single alphabet letter, a number, a punctuation mark, or even an entire word.
For example, if you are simply reading letters from the alphabet, the braille system identifies the letter “a” with a dot configuration of 1:
a
•
The letter “d” has a dot configuration of 1, 4, and 5:
d
• •
•
And further down the alphabet, the letter “x” has a dot configuration of 1, 3, 4, and 6:
x
• •
• •
Louis Braille and His Invention
We owe thanks for the development of the braille system to the French educator, Louis Braille, who developed the system around the 1820s.
Louis Braille became blind in an accident at age 3 and though he was fortunate to receive an education growing up, the system for learning was somewhat inaccessible for students like him.
Starting at age 12, Braille began testing and improving upon a reading system that was designed by Charles Barbier de la Serre. For several years, Braille worked on developing and perfecting what would then become known as the braille system and continued to enhance it throughout much of his life.
Essentially, Braille simplified Serre’s phonetic system by reducing 12 dots to only 6 dots and incorporating music as well. Braille’s system overall was easier and quicker to read and was more accessible.
How is Braille Used?
The purpose of the braille system is to enable individuals who are blind or with low-vision to read and understand information. Because it is a tactile system, a person reads braille through touch by using their finger or fingers to move from left to right over the raised dots. As the finger moves over these dots, the person is able to decode and interpret the information that is provided there.
Children and adults learn to read braille through direct instruction and practice, usually with a trained teacher or mentor who understands the braille system. Just like other children, it is crucial for a child with blindness or low vision to learn to read and write at an early age. Both skills are essential for success throughout life and are strengthened through repetition over time.
Some children may also learn braille using a tool such as Polly, which can make the learning process a little more fun. Writing is done using technologies like a slate and stylus, which is similar to using a pen and paper to write. Other options are a Braille typewriter, also called a Brailler, or a computer with screen reader and braille keyboard.
Where Braille is Used
Currently, the United States uses the Unified English Braille (UEB), which is also used in several other English speaking countries around the world. The United States was using the American version of braille before it switched to UEB in 2016.
There are many ways and places that braille is used to support people with blindness or low-vision.
Accessible books for reading
Creativity and art
Filing systems in an office
Labeling items and products
Learning how to spell
Providing signs and information in public areas
Sending and reading emails or texts
Understanding music notes
Writing
The advancements of braille throughout the years has been paired with newer technologies that can help and improve everyday lives, both at home and at work.
The Benefits of Braille
Using braille helps support autonomy and independence for individuals who are blind or have low-vision. The availability of the braille system allows provides accessibility, especially for children who are learning alongside their peers, and it promotes success for the future through literacy.
Unfortunately, braille is not as widely used or available everywhere as it should be. And while audio is a helpful resource, reading and writing with braille helps promote literacy. As inclusivity continues to improve among our communities and leaders, the more accessible our world will be for everyone.
Common Misconceptions
Braille will become obsolete — Although advancements in adaptive technology has helped in many ways, there will always be a need for braille and research indicates it still promotes greater success with literacy.
It is hard to use braille — This is simply not true. Just like anyone who learns to read and write at any age, learning braille requires the same determination and willingness to master the skill. Technology has also helped make this learning process even better for many people.
Reading braille is slow — Some people can read braille faster than the average person can read.
Every person who is blind uses braille — This is not always true since braille relies on sensitivity with touch, so if there is a lack of strong tactile senses, a person will likely rely on audio instead. Additionally, accessible education is a factor to learning braille.
Only people who are blind use braille — This is not true! Anyone can learn how to read braille. Even you can get started today!
Getting Started with Braille
If you are curious about learning braille or would like to help a loved one learn braille, below are places that offer free resources, training, workshops, and additional learning methods to get started.
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults offers free braille books as part of the children’s reading program.
Paths to Literacy shares resources and free workshops for people of all ages to learn braille.
United English Braille (UEB) Online provides training programs for people who want to learn and/or teach braille.
Additional Resources
Search this directory and find braille music programs where you can learn to read and write music.
Interested in learning more about the slate and stylus? The American Foundation for the Blind has a video that talks about the tools and how they are used.
The National Federation of the Blind provides an application for the free slate and stylus program. You can apply online or send in a PDF copy of the application by mail.
Want to support more work like this? Explore Abilty Central’s homepage and consider a donation.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
