World Braille Day honors the remarkable inventor who opened up the world for blind and visually impaired people. Millions rely on his creation every day and can’t imagine life without it. Join the celebration and show your support!
History
Louis Braille was born in 1809 to a shoemaker’s family in France. Despite facing great challenges, he persevered and changed history. When Louis was four, he was injured while playing with leather and an awl in his father’s workshop. The tool slipped and pierced his eye, causing an infection. The disease eventually spread to his other eye, and by age five, Louis was completely blind.
His blindness didn’t stop him from excelling at school. He later attended the Paris Institute for the Blind, where lessons were based on touch, allowing students to explore the world through tactile experiences. At that time, the Night Alphabet (invented in 1821) was in use, but it was far from perfect. As a young teacher at the institute, Louis Braille decided to create a more practical reading system.
He devoted countless hours to experimenting and refining his method. In 1824, he developed an alphabet with 63 combinations of raised dots, enabling blind people to read and write independently. After further improvements, Braille presented his invention to the institute’s council, but it was initially rejected as inconvenient. However, by 1837, his system had taken its final form and soon spread across the world.
Interesting Facts
Did you know:
- An asteroid is named after Braille;
- The Braille system is now used in almost every language in the world;
- The “Braille Challenge” is an annual competition in Los Angeles where students compete in spelling and reading;
- In Riga, Latvia, a street was named after Louis Braille in 2016.
How to Take Part
On World Braille Day, try learning to read using the Braille system! If you already know how, share your knowledge with others. Give a gift in Braille to someone who is visually impaired or support organizations and charities that promote accessibility.
When is World Braille Day in 2026?
World Braille Day is observed on January 4 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Sunday | January | 4 | 2026 |
Monday | January | 4 | 2027 |
Tuesday | January | 4 | 2028 |
Wednesday | January | 4 | 2029 |