Embracing modern tools for the visually impaired this Braille Literacy Month

January is recognised as Braille Literacy Month, in honour of the life and contributions of Louis Braille, who invented the braille system in the early 19th century. 

His innovative approach to reading and writing has empowered countless individuals with visual impairments, providing them with a means to access information and communicate effectively. 

This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of braille literacy for the blind or visually impaired, especially in an age where technology is rapidly advancing. 

Advanced technology, audio books, phone apps, artificial intelligence, screen readers, and voice recognition have made it easier for blind and visually impaired people to communicate.

However, despite the rise of digital tools and audio formats, accessibility to texts in formats like braille remains vital for literacy among visually impaired individuals.

Here are a few fun facts about braille, that you may or may not know about.

1. Braille is not a language. It is a tactile code that can be read and written in many different languages. 
2. There is a different type of Braille used for math and science, called the Nemeth code.
3. There is a specific Braille font, called Swelle Braille, that is used when you need something typed out in Braille, for example using a 3D printer.
4. There are two types of Braille, Grade 1 or uncontracted braille and Grade 2 or contracted Braille. Grade 2 Braille is Literary Braille, using “shortcuts” of letters where one letter might represent a word.

In conjunction with Braille Literacy Month, various mobile applications have emerged to support Braille literacy as well as enhance inclusivity for the blind or visually impaired.

Braille Tutor

This app is only compatible on Apple iPad and is designed for beginners learning Braille. It offers interactive lessons that cover both Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille.

Seeing AI

Developed by Microsoft, this app uses the camera app and AI to narrate the world around you. It can read text aloud, recognise currency, identify products via barcodes, and even describe scenes in real time.

Be My Eyes

This app connects blind or visually impaired people with sighted individuals who volunteer to get on live video calls and assist with reading labels, describing objects, performing tasks or navigating places in real-time.

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a text-to-speech app that reads books, documents and web articles aloud. It also allows users to import text files that can be converted into braille using compatible devices.

IOL