braille

Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are blind or visually impaired. It enables reading and writing through patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips.

The system was invented by Louis Braille in 1824, when he was a teenager, building on an earlier night-writing system by Charles Barbier. Braille published his method for his peers in 1829, and it gradually gained acceptance, becoming widely used in education and literature by the late 19th century.

A Braille cell consists of six dot positions arranged in a rectangle 2 by 3. Dots are numbered 1–3 down the left column and 4–6 down the right. Each cell can express letters, numerals, punctuation, and formatting through various dot patterns. Reading occurs by touch from left to right. Characters can be joined into contracted forms in Grade 2 to save space; Grade 1 is uncontracted.

Several codes are used: literary Braille (including Unified English Braille), mathematical and scientific notation (Nemeth Code), and computer Braille for digital content. Braille is produced on embossed paper or on refreshable braille displays and is read on devices such as braille terminals, notetakers, and smartphones with braille support.

Braille remains critical for literacy and independence, though braille literacy varies by country and population. Accessibility technologies and inclusive education policies support its use.