Facts about braille
Braille is an important literacy tool for people who are blind or partially sighted.
Some important facts about braille:
- Braille is the only means by which people unable to read print can be functionally literate, helping them to live full and productive lives
- As Louis Braille once said, "braille is knowledge; knowledge is power"
- Braille is an important literacy tool that increases work opportunities
- Overseas research indicates that of those blind people in fulltime employment, 80 per cent read braille
- Only 5 per cent of printed material is available in formats that blind people can read (World Blind Union)
- Unlike the US, UK and Australia, New Zealand does not have any laws making the provision of braille mandatory
- Personal information like bank statements must be read by friends or relatives, compromising confidentiality and independence
Further reading
