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Braille a lifeline for blind people, says Blunkett
SHEFFIELD MP David Blunkett today spoke of the importance of Braille for blind people as a charity prepares to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of its founder.
The Brightside MP said the code, made up of six dots, is a "lifeline" for blind and visually impaired people which helps them live independent lives.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People is leading the celebrations to mark the achievements of Louis Braille's language which is used by 18,000 in the UK.
David Blunkett said: "Braille is a choice. For some it means a lifeline to independence, for others, access to literature or information.
"Braille can be high tech, or can be produced using old-fashioned means just about anywhere in the world.
"Braille opens up so many opportunities for equality, for independence, and for freedom and privacy – from a simple label on a tin or packet, through to the development of notes for speaking or delivering a statement to the House of Commons.
"RNIB has championed Braille from the charity's very beginning and I lend my full support to the plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of this great man in 2009."
Louis Braille was born just outside Paris on January 4 1809 and was blind as a result of an accident in his father's workshop.
His invention was inspired by a writing system invented by a Napoleonic soldier which was meant to be used to pass information silently in the trenches.
That system was too difficult for soldiers to master but Louis managed to simplify Charles Barbier's system, changing the lives of blind people for ever.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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