5 January 2009

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) says happy 200th birthday to Louis Braille, creator of the braille code who was born on 4 January 1809.

Louis Braille invented braille in 1824 when he was just 15 years old. The simple system of raised dots read by touch is still used by blind people to read and write. Today braille works with computer technology like email to give blind people access to the same information as their sighted peers.

Braille Awareness Consultant Lisette Wesseling, who is blind, says, "Braille is a vital education and literacy tool for blind people and we're delighted to celebrate this milestone."

"Braille is a blind's person's print equivalent.  Braille allows us to read the same things as everyone else. Through braille we can get an education, get a job, get our independence."

Braille training and transcription is one of the many essential services provided by the Foundation of the Blind for its 11,700 members across New Zealand.

The Foundation also lobbies to promote accessible information. Unlike the US, Australia and the UK, there is no law in New Zealand to make provision of braille and other accessible formats mandatory. Worldwide, only 5% of information is available in formats that blind people can read.

Ends

Notes to editors

•    The RNZFB is the primary provider of vision-related rehabilitation services to 11,700 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.       
•    The RNZFB gives blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people the skills to do everyday things, like getting from home to work, cooking dinner or surfing the net.

Braille Facts

•    Braille is the only means by which people unable to read print can be functionally literate, helping them to live full and productive lives.
•    Louis Braille once said, "Braille is knowledge; knowledge is power."
•    61% of working-age Foundation members are unemployed. Braille is an important literacy tool that increases work opportunities. Overseas research indicates that of those blind people in fulltime employment, 80% read braille.
•    Only 5% 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.

For more information please contact: 

Gillian Buzzard, Communications Manager   ph: 09 355 6923 mob: 0274 964 174 email: gbuzzard@rnzfb.org.nz