Reading Through Touch: The Importance of Braille
Photo courtesy of Roar Media
Today is World Braille Day
World Braille Day is a moment to reflect on the power of tactile literacy and its role in the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals. January 4 marks the birth of Louis Braille, the French educator, whose tactile writing system developed nearly two centuries ago, transformed access to written communication. Officially recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2018, World Braille Day underscores Braille’s continuing relevance as a tool for literacy, independence and equal opportunity.
Braille is more than a system of raised dots; it is a foundation for learning and self-expression. For people with visual impairments, Braille enables reading, writing and engagement with complex subjects such as mathematics, science and music. While audio-based technologies have expanded access to information, Braille remains essential, particularly in formal education. It strengthens literacy skills, supports language development and fosters critical thinking capacities that cannot be fully replaced by audio tools alone.
In Sri Lanka, World Braille Day is marked through a mix of official recognition and grassroots initiatives. Vision care organisations and non-governmental bodies often use the occasion to raise awareness about the needs of visually impaired communities and to promote Braille literacy. Companies such as Vision Care, one of the country’s leading eye care providers, have acknowledged the role of Braille in improving quality of life for people with vision loss.
Higher education institutions have also contributed to these efforts. The University of Kelaniya has hosted exhibitions on Braille and assistive technologies, featuring interactive displays, workshops and demonstrations of Braille printers and embossers. Such events aim to familiarise academic communities with tactile literacy and the technologies that support it.
Braille continues to play a central role in the education of visually impaired students across Sri Lanka from primary schooling to tertiary education. Special schools and dedicated units provide instruction using Braille as a core medium. However, the national infrastructure supporting Braille education faces persistent challenges.
The Braille Press, operated under the Educational Publications Department, is responsible for producing Braille textbooks for students from Grade 1 to Grade 11. Staffing shortages and outdated equipment have constrained its capacity, often resulting in delays and shortages of essential learning materials. These limitations directly affect students’ access to education.
Despite such challenges universities have shown signs of progress. The University of Colombo’s Faculty of Arts has introduced initiatives to improve accessibility for visually impaired undergraduates. Library services and disability support units provide Braille devices, audiobooks and other assistive technologies, helping to create a more inclusive academic environment.
Beyond academics, inclusive programmes at universities have expanded opportunities for social participation. Activities such as Blind Cricket at the University of Colombo demonstrate a broader understanding of inclusion one that extends beyond classrooms to community life and student engagement.
Progress is also driven by individuals who challenge assumptions and push boundaries. Visually impaired graduates from Sri Lankan universities have gone on to achieve international recognition, securing prestigious scholarships and advocating for disability rights. Their journeys highlight what becomes possible when barriers are removed and Braille literacy is properly supported.
While Braille remains a cornerstone of education for visually impaired Sri Lankans, significant gaps remain. Access to modern Braille technology is uneven, textbook production remains limited and public understanding of visual impairment needs strengthening. Organisations such as the Sri Lanka Council for the Blind and the Sri Lanka Council of Vision Impaired Graduates continue to play a vital role by offering training, producing materials and advocating for policy reforms.
World Braille Day serves as a reminder to assess progress, confront shortcomings and renew commitments towards building a society where inclusion is embedded, not optional.
