What Is Braille?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Braille is "a system of writing and printing for blind or visually impaired people, in which varied arrangements of raised dots representing letters and numerals are identified by touch."  

Braille is organized into grids called cells, with six locations for raised dots, two across and three down, in each cell. The pattern of the raised dots determines the letter, number, or literary designation to be read. Braille can be written using a handheld slate and stylus, printed using an embosser, and read by anyone who takes the opportunity to learn. Its importance to the blind cannot be overstated. Claims that Braille has become obsolete are false and uninformed.

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults considers Braille a top priority in its programs for blind children and adults. 

Braille is just as fundamental to success for the blind as print is for the sighted. Without Braille, a blind person is illiterate, and no amount of audio technology will change that fact.

Learn more about Louis Braille.