Reading and writing are fundamental rights, and for blind people, Braille is one of the main tools for inclusion and accessibility. Created in the 19th century, this system revolutionized the way people around the world access information and achieve autonomy. Today, it can be found on books, signs, packaging and even electricity bills, promoting greater independence in everyday life.

What is the Braille system and how does it work?

Braille is a tactile writing and reading system made up of raised signs that increase accessibility for people with partial or total visual impairments. Based on a matrix of six dots, each set forms a cell capable of representing letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation.

Braille is read by sliding your fingers along the rows of dots, from left to right, identifying each character. You can read with one or both hands, depending on your preference. In the bimanual method, each hand covers one half of the paragraph. In the unimanual method, you have to go back to the middle of the paragraph before moving on to the next line.

Braille writing, on the other hand, can be more challenging, especially when done manually. As the characters need to be printed in relief, a burin - a steel tool with a sharp point used to engrave metal or wood - is used to mark the dots. The process takes place from right to left, with the symbols inverted, so that when the paper is turned over, the reliefs are in the correct reading direction. It is also customary to use a reglete, a kind of board that contains the cells of the alphabet.
The use of machines makes this process easier, as they already have specific keys and printing systems suitable for Braille.

The origin of Braille

The Braille system was created by Louis Braille, a young Frenchman who lost his sight after an accident at the age of three. While playing in his father's workshop, he seriously injured his left eye with a pointed tool. The infection spread to his other eye, resulting in total blindness.

As a child, Louis entered a specialized school that adopted a literacy method for blind students. However, the system was complex and difficult to learn. In 1821, his career changed when he met Charles Barbier de La Serre, a military man who presented a code developed at the request of Napoleon Bonaparte so that soldiers could read orders in the dark.

Called "night writing", Barbier's system used dots and dashes, but was not well accepted by the army as it was considered difficult to decipher. Inspired by this idea, Louis dedicated himself to improving it and, in 1824, at the age of 15, he presented his own version of the method, which was more efficient and accessible.

He began teaching his system in 1826 and three years later published a book explaining the technique. It became popular from 1852 onwards, becoming the main literacy method for the blind in France and, later, around the world. In 1855, Braille was presented at the International Exhibition in Paris, becoming a milestone for inclusion.

How do I learn to read and write Braille?

Literacy in Braille usually takes place in specialized schools or through educational inclusion programs. The main learning stages involve becoming familiar with the dot system (identifying the patterns and recognizing the symbols), tactile exercises to practice finger sensitivity and the use of specific tools.

The Internet can also be a great ally in this process. On its official website, the Ministry of Education provides references for Braille spelling in Portuguese, as well as technical standards.

Where is Braille present in everyday life?

Nowadays, Braille can be found in a variety of places and products, making the everyday experience more accessible for blind people. Some examples include

• Books and teaching materials

Available in specialized libraries and educational institutions.

• Signs

Present in elevators, public transportation and public spaces.

• Labels on medicines and products

Some packages have basic information in Braille.

• Electricity bills and essential services

Many utilities already provide bills in Braille, ensuring autonomy in financial management.

Electricity bills in Braille

Access to energy consumption information is essential for any citizen. For this reason, several companies in the electricity sector, such as Neoenergia, already offer the option of a Braille electricity bill.

The service comes at no extra cost and allows blind people to consult the amount of the bill, the due date and other important details independently. To request and receive a bill in Braille, customers must register by contacting one of the service channels, such as 116, or at the service agencies. The bill will be issued in the month following the energy consumption reading.

Braille and the importance of accessibility and inclusion

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), around 6.5 million Brazilians are visually impaired, with approximately 600,000 being completely blind. These figures reinforce the need for public and private initiatives to promote inclusion and accessibility - but this depends on collaboration between companies, institutions and public authorities.

Ensuring that Braille continues to be valued and improved is a collective commitment. Some forms of support include

• Assisting accessibility organizations: NGOs and institutions develop assistive technologies and produce Braille books;
• Spreading the word about the importance of Braille: Raising awareness in society about the importance of this system contributes to itswidespread adoption;
• Encouraging inclusive education: Schools and universities should offer materials in Braille and train professionals to assist blind students.

With actions like these, it is possible to build a more inclusive world, where all people have the freedom to learn, communicate and actively participate in society.

Read more:

• Diversity and Social Inclusion
• DF customers can now request a Braille electricity bill
• Diversity at Neoenergia