DES MOINES, Iowa — In honor of the inventor of Braille code, families gathered to learn more about Braille and the 2025 Braille Challenge during World Braille Day.
In 1824, Louis Braille changed the world with the invention of Braille code. Comprised of a series of one to six raised dots arranged in a six-position cell, the code consists of 63 characters which enable visually impaired individuals to read.
“Braille was invented over 200 years ago and when he invented Braille, it went worldwide. Today that it’s being used, in such a connection to literacy, and when you read Braille, it connects to literacy for those that are unable to read standard print. It’s very important,” said Denise Bean, a librarian at The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
On Saturday, Families gathered to celebrate and learn more about Braille at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Disabled. Several Braille readers shared their stories and a video on how print/Braille books are made was shown. Children were even able to do hands on learning and were given a recipe for a Graham Crackers M&M Braille snack.