Chances are you’ve seen the raised dots on elevator buttons, hotel room numbers, restroom signs. But do you know the history behind this tactile code and how braille transcription services can break down barriers excluding people who are blind or have low vision? Read on for a deep dive into this 19th-century French invention and the modern technology that brings it to fingertips around the world.
History and Evolution
The history of braille begins in France. This tactile communication code was developed in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, a French student who lost his sight at the age of three. At just 15 years old, he adapted a system of raised dots first created by French army officer Charles Barbier de la Serre into a tactile alphabet that allowed blind people to read and write through touch.
Legend has it that Barbier designed his “night writing” system so soldiers could silently read messages in the dark without giving away their positions. But this isn’t the whole story. Encyclopaedia Britannica says, “Barbier’s writings suggest that he hoped the system could be used by people with visual and hearing impairments and anyone who was unable to obtain a formal education.”
Although innovative, his code was too complex for everyday use. Louis Braille simplified it, creating a system that was easier to learn, faster to read, and adaptable to any language. His six-dot cell system—arranged in two columns of three—remains the foundation of braille today.
Over the years, braille spread worldwide, transforming education, literacy, and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. By the 20th century, braille was standardized into multiple languages, and organizations began producing books, newspapers, and official documents in braille.
In modern times, braille has evolved into several types to meet diverse needs. Uncontracted (also known as Grade 1) braille represents each letter and punctuation mark directly, making it useful for beginners. Contracted (Grade 2) braille uses contractions and abbreviations to save space and speed up reading, and it is the most common form for books and everyday texts.
Who Uses Braille
People who are blind or have low vision use braille for reading and writing, giving them independent access to information, education, and culture. In the United States, the American Printing House for the Blind estimates that about 55,000 students are legally blind, and roughly 14% of them use braille as their primary literacy medium. One million adults in the United States are legally blind and around 10% use braille regularly.
Blind individuals who read braille use it for a wide variety of activities, like reading books and online information, labeling household items, managing personal documents, and pursuing education or careers in fields like science, law, and music. Specialized codes such as Nemeth braille are used in mathematics and science, while braille music notation allows musicians to access scores.
Braille Technology
Traditionally, braille was written by hand using a slate and stylus, with raised dots created by pressing into paper from the back. Modern braille reading and writing technology has expanded far beyond embossed paper. Today, people use refreshable braille displays, which connect to computers, tablets, or smartphones and instantly convert digital text into braille through small pins that rise and fall on a flat surface.
For example, the Focus Braille Display, developed by Freedom Scientific, is a portable device that connects to devices like a laptop or mobile phone via USB or Bluetooth. It works with popular screen readers like JAWS for smooth navigation of digital documents, online platforms, and mobile apps entirely through braille. The built-in keyboard allows users to type in braille, as well. Alongside refreshable braille displays, many organizations rely on braille transcription services to convert printed materials into accessible formats.
Many people use a combination of tools, depending on the situation. People with some remaining vision may use magnifiers, CCTVs, or apps that adjust contrast or zoom levels. Technological advances have improved tools like text-to-speech apps for printed materials and screen readers for digital content. Audio books are a great option for blind and sighted users alike. Audio description makes video content more accessible. Finally, generative AI is another tool that provides access to images, graphs, and more through image analysis and description.
How to improve accessibility with braille
In the United States, several key laws make braille especially relevant: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires effective communication for people with disabilities in both public and private settings, and ADA braille signage requirements explicitly cover permanent rooms and spaces. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensures equal access in federally funded programs and services, which often includes providing materials in braille. Section 508 applies to federal agencies and requires accessible electronic and information technology. Organizations can meet these requirements by offering documents in accessible formats, often through professional braille transcription services.
Here are some of the most common places where braille can be integrated:
- Signage: Room numbers, elevator buttons, restrooms, and wayfinding signs
- Customer materials: Menus, brochures, product guides, and contracts
- Workplace resources: Employee handbooks, safety procedures, and training manuals
- Financial and medical documents: Bank statements, prescription instructions, and health care forms
- Marketing and outreach: Business cards, event programs, and promotional materials
- Public information: Transit maps, government forms, and voting materials
Ready to share printed content in braille?
ITC Global is your partner for braille transcription services, as well as solutions to make existing materials like documents and signage accessible to braille users. Contact us to get started or explore all our accessibility solutions.
