Kid History: Louis Braille

Have you ever wondered how people who can’t see are able to read and write? It’s all thanks to a brilliant boy named Louis Braille. Let’s dive into his amazing story and learn how he changed the world!

Who Was Louis Braille?

Louis Braille was born in France on January 4, 1809. When he was just three years old, he had an accident that caused him to lose his sight. Even though he couldn’t see, Louis didn’t let that stop him from learning and doing great things.

Growing Up Blind

When Louis was a little boy, there weren’t many ways for blind people to read or write. But Louis was very smart and determined. He went to a special school for blind children in Paris, where he learned to read by feeling raised letters on a page. This system was slow and hard to use, so Louis wanted to find a better way.

Inventing Braille

When Louis was 12 years old, he learned about a code used by the French army to send secret messages at night without using lights. This code used raised dots and dashes that soldiers could feel with their fingers. Louis thought this idea was awesome and decided to make his own system for reading and writing.

He worked really hard and, by the time he was 15, he had invented a new system using raised dots. Each letter of the alphabet and even punctuation marks were represented by a different pattern of dots. This system became known as Braille.

How Braille Works

Braille is a special code that uses tiny bumps on paper. Here’s how it works:

• Each letter and number is made up of a combination of six dots.

• The dots are arranged in a rectangle of two columns and three rows.

• By feeling the patterns of the dots with their fingers, blind people can read and write just like anyone else!

For example:

• The letter "A" is one dot in the top-left corner.

• The letter "B" is two dots, one in the top-left and one just below it.

The braille alphabet. In braille, the dark dots you see are raised. Readers run their fingers over the dots to spell the words.

Changing the World

Louis Braille’s invention was a game-changer. It gave blind people the chance to read books, write letters, and learn just like everyone else. His system spread all over the world and is still used today.

Louis Braille showed everyone that no matter what challenges you face, you can still make a huge difference. He turned his own difficulties into something positive that has helped millions of people.

Fun Facts About Louis Braille

• Young Inventor: Louis was only 15 when he created Braille!

• Musical Talent: Louis was also a talented musician. He played the cello and the organ.

• Braille Around the World: Today, Braille is used in almost every language, helping blind people everywhere.
  

Many signs you see in public spaces feature braille. The next time you see one, run your fingers over it and think of this history making kid!!

Louis Braille’s story is a great example of how one person’s idea can change the world. Next time you see something written in Braille, remember the incredible boy who made it all possible.

What will you invent that will help people all over the world???