World Braille Day: Know the History, Significance and Theme of the Day

January 4 is observed as World Braille Day every year to create an awareness about the importance of Braille which serves as a communication medium for blind and partially sighted people. Braille is a writing system which is used by visually impaired people (blind/deaf-blind/low vision). 

History 

Braille was invented by a French person named Louis Braille, who was blind because of a car accident at a very young age. Earlier to Braille, the blind and visually impaired people used the Hauy system. The Hauy system was a Latin system that was designed on thick paper or leather. 

But this method allowed people to read only and not write. The lack of technicality and shortcomings led Braille to develop a user-friendly Braille system. Basically, the system was code consisting of symbols and is written is raised dots. People use it through their touch to recognize the Braille code to continue their communication. 

Significance 

Officially World Braille Day was designated to raise awareness amongst people about the importance of braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people. A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that people who are visually impaired are experiencing higher poverty rates and end up with a lifetime of inequality.