The benefit of using AI as someone with a visual impairment

 Braille is a code composed of raised dots, a tactile reading and writing system that enables blind and visually impaired people to access written information through touch. It is so much more than just an alphabet, braille is a gateway to independence, education, and full participation in society.

 

History of Braille

Braille was invented in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight following an accident in his father’s workshop as a child. While studying at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, Louis was introduced to a raised-dot system originally designed for soldiers to read messages in the dark. Finding it too complex, he adapted and simplified the idea.

By age 15, he had developed the six-dot system that we use today. Each braille character is made up of a cell containing up to six raised dots arranged in two columns of three. Different combinations represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and even musical notation. Although braille was not widely accepted during Louis Braille’s lifetime, it eventually became the standard tactile reading system used around the world.

 

Why is Braille so useful

Braille plays a vital role in literacy and independence for blind and visually impaired people. While audio technology is extremely valuable, braille offers benefits that sound alone cannot provide.

·        Literacy and spelling: Braille helps users understand spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

·        Independence: Reading braille allows people to access information privately and at their own pace.

·        Education and employment: Strong braille skills are closely linked to higher levels of education and job opportunities.

·        Accessibility: Braille ensures that essential information – such as safety instructions or medication labels – is accessible.

·        Cognitive development: For children, braille supports language development and early literacy in the same way print does for sighted readers.

 

Everyday uses of Braille

Braille is used in many aspects of daily life, helping people navigate their environments and access information independently. Common everyday uses include:

·        Books and education: Braille books, textbooks, and exam papers allow blind learners to read, study, and write independently.

·        Public spaces: Braille can be found on lift buttons, handrails, door signs, and public transport information.

·        Labelling and organisation: Many people use braille labels on medication, food containers, files, and household items.

·        Technology: Refreshable braille displays connect to computers, tablets, and smartphones, converting digital text into braille in real time.

·        Money and banking: Bank statements, PIN pads, and some currency features include braille or tactile markings.

·        Music and maths: Braille is adapted for complex subjects, including mathematics, science, and music notation.

 

Braille in the Modern World

Despite advances in audio and screen-reading technology, braille remains just as important today. Digital braille devices have modernised how people access information, blending traditional literacy with cutting-edge technology. Rather than being replaced, braille has evolved alongside these tools.

 

Conclusion

Braille is far more than a system of raised dots – it is a powerful tool for communication, equality, and independence. By making information accessible through touch, braille opens doors to education, employment, and everyday life, ensuring that blind and visually impaired people can read and engage with the world on their own terms.