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The Precursor of Braille
Charles Barbier invented night writing, a form of military tactile code, in 1808. -
The Birth of Louis Braille
Louis Braille was born in 1809 in Coupvray, France. -
Louis Braille Goes Blind
At the age of three, in roughly 1812, Louis Braille went completely blind as a result of an eye accident and subsequent eye infection. -
The First Braille Book
Procedure for Writing Words, Music, and Plainsong in Dots by Louis Braille (1829). -
Braille Introduces His Code to the World
Inspired by night writing, Louis Braille introduced the braille system of writing in 1829 via the publishing of his book: Procedure for Writing Words, Music, and Plainsong in Dots. -
A Competitor Emerges
William Moon first published information about the Moon writing system (or Moon code), a simplified version of braille, in 1845. -
Bible for the Blind
Bible for the Blind by William Moon (1850). This showcases a competing tactile script in the form of one of the most famous pieces of literature in the world - the Bible. -
The Death of Louis Braille
In 1852, Louis Braille dies at age 43 from complications as a result of tuberculosis. -
Braille Gains Local Acceptance
The braille system of writing was adopted by France’s Royal Institute for Blind Youth in 1854. -
Advances in Braille Printing Technology
The first braille typewriter to experience widespread acceptance and use was developed by Frank Haven Hall, a superintendent for the Illinois School for the Blind. He first presented it to the public in 1892. -
Braille Gains US Acceptance
In 1916, the braille writing system was officially accepted for use in blind schools throughout the United States. -
Library Services for Blind Patrons
In 1931, the Library of Congress created the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which distributed braille books and phonographs to Blind library patrons. -
Braille in the Average Home
Braille Cook Book by Abby Paull (1955). This book is an example of everyday braille use as a result of its widespread acceptance into society. It also dispels the notion that Blind individuals do not cook or have a sense of autonomy. -
The End of an Era
Braille literacy rates begin to decline in 1963. There are a variety of factors that have contributed to this development, including a lack of qualified braille teachers, a stigma surrounding the learning and using of braille, and an increase in text-to-speech technology. -
Braille Literacy Rates at 10%
In 1996, the American Foundation for the Blind estimated only 10% of Blind individuals could read braille. -
A Braille Literacy Crisis Declared
In 2009, the National Federation of the Blind published the article titled The Braille Literacy Crisis in America. -
The Evolution of Braille
Animals by Angela Royston (2016). This is an example of how braille books have evolved during the past 200 years. By combining printed English, braille script, and compelling tactile visuals, both Blind and sighted individuals can enjoy this book simultaneously.