Braille Literacy Month: Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity

January is braille literacy month, this observance coincides with the birth month of Louis Braille, the brilliant inventor who developed the tactile reading and writing system that has transformed millions of lives since its creation in 1824.

Close-up of hands reading braille text on a page, with fingers gliding across the raised dots.

The Current State of Braille Literacy

Despite technological advances, Braille literacy remains a crucial skill for individuals with visual impairments. According to the National Federation of the Blind, only about 10% of blind children in the United States are learning Braille, despite studies showing that 90% of employed blind adults are Braille readers. This literacy gap presents significant challenges for education and employment opportunities within the visually impaired community.

A laptop connected to a refreshable braille display with blue and white buttons, sitting on a desk. The laptop screen shows a website interface.

Why Braille Matters in the Digital Age

In our increasingly digital world, some might question the relevance of Braille. However, research from the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness demonstrates that Braille readers typically demonstrate stronger reading comprehension, spelling abilities, and grammar skills compared to those who rely solely on audio alternatives. Braille provides:

  • Direct engagement with text, similar to print reading
  • Enhanced independence in daily activities
  • Improved employment prospects
  • Greater confidence in public speaking and presentations

Looking Forward

As we celebrate Braille Literacy Month, we invite our community to:

  1. Learn more about Braille and its impact
  2. Support Braille literacy initiatives
  3. Share success stories of Braille readers

 Donate Today!

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and support for our community.

The image shows four women standing outside a building in front of a doorway, holding a yellow banner with the text "ENSIGHT Skills Center, Inc. Empowering Independent Living" and logos for "Curtis Strong Center for the visually impaired" and "Lions International." The group is standing on a concrete path with patches of snow on the ground. 

For more information on this topic watch our Youtube video! To stay connected and up-to-date with the latest opportunities and success stories, we encourage you to follow Ensight on all of our social media platforms. Visit Ensight Skill Center’s Homepage for a comprehensive overview of our programs, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to gain access to valuable resources, inspiring stories, and updates on all of our upcoming events.