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7 Things You Didn’t Know About Braille

Braille is a tactile writing system that enables people who are blind or visually impaired to read and write through touch. Here are some interesting things about Braille:

1. Braille was developed by a 15 year old

The system was invented by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight in a childhood accident. He developed the Braille code at the age of 15, in 1824.

2. Braille only has 6 dots

Braille is based on a grid of six dots, arranged in two columns of three dots each. Each letter of the alphabet, as well as numbers and some punctuation marks, is represented by a unique combination of these dots.

3. Braille can be written by several different methods

Braille can be written using a variety of tools, including a slate and stylus, which involves punching the dots into paper, or a Braille typewriter, which produces raised dots on paper.

4. There are different levels of Braille

There are different grades of Braille, with Grade 1 being a basic form that only includes letters, numbers, and some punctuation marks, and Grade 2 being a more advanced form that includes contractions and abbreviations to make reading and writing more efficient.

5. Braille is not universal

Braille is not a universal language and there are different variations of the system in different languages. For example, English Braille uses the same six-dot system as French Braille, but the codes for letters, numbers, and punctuation marks are different.

6. Braille can be used for more than just text

In addition to reading and writing, Braille can also be used to create tactile graphics, such as maps, graphs, and diagrams, by using different textures and patterns of dots to represent different features.

7. Braille is over 200 years old

Braille has been in use for over 200 years and is still an important tool for communication and education for blind and visually impaired people around the world. However, advances in technology have also provided alternative methods of accessing information, such as screen readers and speech-to-text software.

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