Reasons to learn and use Braille | Braille Literacy Month
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overhead image of a person reading braille with white text “Reasons to Learn and use braille” with the WSB logo at the bottom and text that reads “Braille literacy Month”
Reasons to Use and Learn Braille
January is Braille Literacy Month. We know that braille use has been drastically reduced since it’s invention, but we wanted to share a few reasons why you should still consider using and learning braille if you are blind or visually impaired!
The History
Braille dates back all the way to the 1800s. Created by Louis Braille, it has been a staple in the blind and visually impaired community since. Because of this, braille is everywhere still and while it may not be as widely used, it is still important to acknowledge and understand. Braille was created for the blind and visually impaired to independently read and it is still used that way today.
Literacy
Braille provides the blind and visually impaired community a way to gain literacy that listening cannot. As stated from our braille instructor, Meranda:
“You can listen to audio books, but that will not help you with spelling or grammar. Literacy is very important and putting our fingers to the words is the same as a sighted person seeing the words. I find words all the time that I have been spelling wrong until I read them in braille, and I find this is true for my clients as well”
Incorporate with Technology
There are so many ways to incorporate braille into technology these days! From using the braille screen input settings on a phone to using a braille display, there are so many options for using braille incorporated with technology. It can be a more convenient way than carrying around larger brailled books or a faster way to read on a phone.
Daily Convenience
The last reason is the daily convenience of braille! Braille is still so common when out on things such as elevator buttons or bathroom signs. Knowing a few key braille words or phrases can be so beneficial when navigating the world around us.
Braille also comes in handy when you’re working in the kitchen! There are so many braille kitchen items from measuring cups to spoons.