Braille
Introduction
2009 marks the bicentenary of Louis Braille, creator of braille who was born on 4 January 1809. Louis 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.
The RNZFB teaches members to read and write braille, and its library
stocks braille books. Our Braille Awareness Consultants offer support
and advice on all matters related to braille.
All About Braille
The invention of braille and how it works
How is braille made? - braille production at the RNZFB
Braille and Me - Personal stories demonstrating how important braille is, from people who use it everyday
Braille facts - did
you know?
Braille Resources
Braille Mail is a newsletter about braille published six times a year by the Foundation's Braille Awareness Team.
Read our braille awareness brochure online.
You can find out more about braille by reading our DIY braille brochures online:
Links
The Braille List is a New Zealand-based email discussion list hosted by the Foundation.
The Braille Authority of New Zealand is the national body responsible for setting and maintaining braille standards in NZ.
If you'd like to give reading braille a try, you can see your name in braille.
A range of braille products can be ordered online from the Braille section in our Equipment Shop. These include braille machines and supplies.
Braille Awareness Consultants
Lisette Wesseling and Freda Siaosi promote braille to companies,
local government, libraries, schools, members of the public and
Foundation members. We believe that braille is a vital literacy tool
for blind and vision-impaired people. Its uses range from labeling of
everyday items, to reading books and using computers with a refreshable
braille display. Braille is read by a range of people, including those
who still have some useful vision. It allows for reading labels and
signs in conditions where lighting is poor. In many cases, it is
quicker to identify a tin or a button in a lift using braille than
having to find a magnifier which is not easily to hand.
Contact the Braille Awareness Consultants on:
Phone: 04 380 2139
Mail: 121 Adelaide Rd., Newtown, Wellington 6021
Email: braille