Braille

Braille is a special way to read and write. It uses tiny bumps on paper instead of printed letters. People who cannot see use their fingers to feel the bumps. Each group of bumps stands for a letter, number, or word. Braille helps blind people read books, write notes, and learn just like everyone else.

Who Made Braille?

A boy named Louis Braille made this system. He lived in France long ago. He lost his sight when he was very young. At school, he wanted a better way to read. When he was only 15 years old, he came up with the dot system. Today, his idea is used all over the world.

How It Works

Braille uses small cells. Each cell has up to six dots. The dots are set up like two rows of three. Different dot patterns stand for different letters. There are also patterns for numbers and punctuation. People run their fingers over the dots to read them. Some people can read braille very fast.

Fun Facts

• Braille can be written with a tool called a slate and stylus.
• There is braille for music notes, math, and even chess.
• Many elevators have braille next to the buttons.

Did You Know?

Louis Braille got the idea from a secret code that soldiers used to read messages in the dark.