Louis Braille: The Touch of a Genius

The name Braille will always remain associated with one of the greatest and most beneficial inventions in the history of humanity. In virtually every language throughout the world, the Braille alphabet, named after Louis Braille, is the standard form of writing and reading used by visually-impaired persons.

Born on 4 January 1809 in France, Louis Braille became the victim of an accident when he was only three years old. His father, a harness-maker, was boring holes in leather. When his father was called away for something, young Louis Braille tried to imitate his father. He grabbed an awl, a sharp tool for making holes, and the tool slid and hurt his eye. The wound became infected, and the infection spread, and soon, Louis was blind in both eyes.

This accident didn’t stop Louis from pursuing an education. He was diligent and strong-willed. At the age of ten, he was allowed to attend the National Institute for Blind Children, one of the first schools for blind in the world. While studying there, he realized the vast world of thoughts and ideas that were locked out to him because of his disability. But he was determined to find the key to this door himself.

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