Braille Literacy Week
More than 176 years ago, a 12 year-old blind Frenchman named Louis Braille developed a system of raised dots that has made it possible for people who are blind or visually impaired to communicate. Prior to this, students who were blind listened to a recitation of a lesson plan, while sighted students read from textbooks. Dissatisfied with the educational options for people who were blind, Braille developed a system comprised of a rectangular six-dot cell on its end, with up to 63 possible combinations using one or more of the six dots. Using this system, blind schoolchildren gained the ability to receive an education equal to that of their sighted peers.
“Everyone deserves a level playing field in our society,” states Patricia C. Johnson, CEO & President of Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ASB). “Braille Literacy Week provides a showcase for the work being done to advance opportunity and equal access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.”
Today, braille is widely regarded as the only reliable method of literacy for people who are blind because it enables them to read, write, and in most circumstances, is an equal substitute for print. To celebrate Louis Braille’s remarkable achievement – and to educate people on the importance of braille – Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ASB) has designated a full week in January as Braille Literacy Week, since January is the month of Louis Braille’s birth.
From January 21st – 25th, individuals, school groups, senior groups, businesses, and the media are invited to tour the Braille Division of Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia) to learn how braille is produced and the different types of materials distributed by ASB.
As one of only five production braille houses in the United States, ASB’s Braille Division brailles pages for both custom and mass production projects. The need for braille can range from one student’s need for a textbook to be translated from print to braille, to the production of hundreds or thousands of copies of a specific book for an organization such as the Library of Congress.
“ASB’s greatest impact on the education of children is through the work of our Braille Division,” says Ms. Johnson. “Through the production of braille textbooks and other learning materials, we help ensure that students throughout the nation have the same opportunities to learn and succeed as their sighted peers.”
For more information, or to schedule a tour, please contact Lauren Drinker at 215.627.0600, x3242 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
With roots dating back to 1874, ASB has as its mission to promote self-esteem, independence, and self-determination in people who are blind or visually impaired. A United Way member agency, ASB provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life skills education from computer training to hands-on gardening, multilingual outreach, and support groups. ASB also operates a 24 hour a day/7 day a week radio reading service and provides monthly recordings of over two dozen popular magazines. ASB is the largest nonprofit organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania serving people who are blind and visually impaired. Visit us online at http://www.asb.org.
