Braille is not just the only option, but alternatives exist and outweigh beneficially.
About Braille
Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet. It also contains equivalents for punctuation marks and provides symbols to show letter groupings. Braille is read by moving the hand or hands from left to right along each line. Both hands are usually involved in the reading process, and reading is generally done with the index fingers. The average reading speed is about 125 words per minute, but greater speeds of up to 200 words per minute are possible.
The history of Braille dates back to the early 19th century when a blind 11-year-old boy named Louis Braille developed a system of raised dots that has come to be known by his name. The original military code was called night writing and was used by soldiers to communicate after dark. It was based on a twelve-dot cell, two dots wide by six dots high. Each dot or combination of dots within the cell stood for a letter or a phonetic sound. The problem with the military code was that the human fingertip could not feel all the dots with one touch. Louis Braille created a reading method based on a cell of six dots. This crucial improvement meant that a fingertip could encompass the entire cell unit with one impression and move rapidly from one cell to the next. The system of embossed writing invented by Louis Braille gradually came to be accepted throughout the world as the fundamental form of written communication for blind individuals, and it remains basically as he invented it.
Braille has been a game-changer for people with visual impairments. It allows them to read and write, which is essential for their education, employment, and daily life. By using Braille, blind people can review and study the written word. They can become aware of different written conventions such as spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, and footnotes. Most of all, blind individuals can have access to a wide range of reading materials, including educational and recreational reading and practical manuals. Equally important are the contracts, regulations, insurance policies, directories, appliance instructions, and cookbooks that are part of daily adult life. Also, through Braille, blind people can pursue hobbies and cultural enrichment with such materials as music scores, hymnals, playing cards, Scrabble boards, and other games.
Braille has been a revolutionary invention that has enabled blind people to read and write. It has opened up new opportunities for education, employment, and daily life. The system of embossed writing invented by Louis Braille has come to be accepted throughout the world as the fundamental form of written communication for blind individuals, and it remains basically as he invented it.
Alternatives to Braille
Braille is not the only accessibility option for people with visual impairment. Braille is a system of writing that uses raised dots to represent letters and numbers, allowing people who have low vision or blindness to read and write independently. However, there are many other options that can help people with visual impairment access information, services, and opportunities. Here is some options and solutions:
Assistive technologies:
These are devices or software that can help people with visual impairment use digital media and information, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, or e-books. Some examples of assistive technologies are screen readers, magnifiers, braille keyboards, or voice control. Screen readers are programs that read the text displayed on the screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. Magnifiers are devices that enlarge the text or images on the screen. Braille keyboards are devices that allow people to type in braille on a computer or smartphone. Voice control is a feature that allows people to use voice commands to operate a device or application.
Web accessibility:
This is the practice of making web pages and content accessible for people with disabilities, including visual impairment. Web accessibility follows certain guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), that ensure that web pages are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. Some examples of web accessibility techniques are:
using alternative text for images
providing captions for videos
using headings and lists for structure
using contrast and color for visibility
and providing keyboard navigation and skip links for ease of use.
Public accessibility:
This is the practice of making public places and services accessible for people with disabilities, including visual impairment. Public accessibility involves providing clear signage, tactile objects, audio guides, or trained staff to assist people who are visually impaired. Some examples of public accessibility features are tactile paving, braille signs, audio announcements, tactile maps, or guide dogs.
Employment accessibility:
This is the practice of hiring workers who are visually impaired and providing them with reasonable accommodations and support in the workplace. Employment accessibility involves ensuring that workers who are visually impaired have equal opportunities and rights, as well as access to the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks. Some examples of employment accessibility accommodations are providing braille or large print documents, offering flexible work hours or locations, providing assistive technologies or devices, or offering training or mentoring programs.
Innovative solutions:
These are new or emerging apps, devices, and technologies that can help people with visual impairment perform everyday tasks, such as reading, navigating, shopping, or learning. Innovative solutions involve using artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, or other advanced technologies to create products or services that can enhance the quality of life and independence of people who are visually impaired. Some examples of innovative solutions are smart glasses, wearable devices, navigation apps, reading apps, or learning platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, braille is not the only accessibility option for people with visual impairment. There are many other options and solutions that can help people who have low vision or blindness to access information, services, and opportunities. Braille is an important and irreplaceable method for literacy, but it is not the only or the best way for accessibility. People with visual impairment can benefit from a combination of different options and solutions, depending on their needs, preferences, and goals.
Source(s)
1. Description and History of Braille | American Council of the Blind
2. Braille | History, Inventor, Description, & Facts | Britannica
3. The History of Braille [Your Braille Resource] - Braille Works