World Braille Day is observed on January 4, the birthday of Louis Braille, who invented the reading and writing system used by people who are blind or have low vision. The United Nations created the day to raise awareness of braille as a means of communication and of the rights of blind and partially sighted people. Braille allows millions of people to read books, labels, signs and much more by touch.
History of World Braille Day
Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France. At age three, he injured his eye with a tool in his father's harness workshop, and an infection later left him completely blind. He attended the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, where students read large raised letters that were hard to use.
Inspired by a military 'night writing' code of raised dots created by Charles Barbier, Braille developed a simpler system when he was just 15, publishing it in 1829. His code used cells of six dots arranged in two columns, allowing 63 combinations for letters, numbers and punctuation. It was officially adopted in France in 1854, two years after his death.
Braille spread worldwide and has been adapted for many languages, as well as for music and mathematics. In the United States, Unified English Braille was adopted in 2016. In 2018, the UN General Assembly declared January 4 World Braille Day, first observed in 2019.
Why World Braille Day Matters
Braille gives people who are blind or have low vision independence, literacy and access to education and employment.
The day highlights the importance of accessible materials, such as braille signs, menus, ballots and books.
It also honors the remarkable achievement of a teenager whose invention changed millions of lives.
How to Celebrate World Braille Day
- Learn the alphabet: try reading braille letters by touch.
- Support accessibility: ask businesses to provide braille materials.
- Read about Louis Braille: learn his inspiring story.
- Donate: support organizations that produce braille books.
- Spot braille: notice braille on elevators, signs and ATMs.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, review whether signs, documents and websites are accessible, and share information about braille and screen readers. In classrooms, students can learn the braille alphabet, emboss their names with simple tools, or read about Louis Braille. At home, families can look for braille on everyday objects, try a braille alphabet card or read a picture book about Louis Braille together.
Fun Facts About World Braille Day
- Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809.
- He developed his code at age 15.
- Each braille cell has six dots, allowing 63 combinations.
World Braille Day FAQs
When is World Braille Day?
World Braille Day is observed on January 4, Louis Braille's birthday.
Who invented braille?
Louis Braille, a French teenager who was blind, developed the system in the 1820s.
How does braille work?
Braille uses cells of six raised dots in different combinations to represent letters, numbers and punctuation.
When did the UN create World Braille Day?
The UN General Assembly created it in 2018; it was first observed in 2019.
Is braille a language?
No, braille is a writing system that can be used for many languages.
What inspired braille?
A military 'night writing' code of raised dots created by Charles Barbier.