Contribution of visually impaired French Scientist Lui Braille

Lui Braille, a visionary lighthouse for visually impaired people was a French Inventor, revered teacher and scientist. in modern civilization, educating people has no other options and it has been possible by following braille version of education. Lui – Braille, in his 15th years of age, invented first edition of Braille method that means a new technic using six points in different frame that was first published in 1829. Later on, in 1837, he started using of new version of Braille method.

Lui – Braille was born on 4th January,1809 at Kupenra town of France. He was an education-loving avid person. He started his education at even his younger age. After losing eyesight at his 20, he had moved to educate other sight losing people and bought a revolutionary change within just one year by inventing Braille method to support and well – being of  blind and visually impaired people worldwide. Now millions of blind and visually impaired people can perform all kind of communication by learning just by touching six points by fingers only. Now this method of learning has received worldwide reputation and accepted by all languages.

His education and Career:

The father of Lui Braille was a famous Skin trader. Lui Braille was youngest among his four sons. At age of just three, a spike of Needle accidently toured his eyes and as a result, he lost sight of his one eye. However, due to infection, his other eye was affected by infection due to absence of antibiotic availability / invention.  Consequently, at age of five, he lost both eyesight started living with disabilities.  He got admission at royal school dedicated for education of Blind Children at his age of 10.  He was popular as meritorious student to his entire peer student.  His skill in science and music were awfully unparalleled.

After completion of study, he was invited to work as Assistant of teacher  and employed as Professor as age of 24. Braille has spent majority of his life teaching history, Geometry and Algebra.

He was worked at organist of Saint Nicholas Church temple of Paris from 1934 to 1839 and later on at Saint Vincent Paul Church. He was invited to work as organist at different churches of Paris.

Invention of Braille Method:

Lui Braille was a real light of visually impaired people that has enabled those people light of their entitlement that can be achieved only by access to education. He realized that a distinct education system was necessary and that could be possible by Braille method of education. Braille is not a Language by all definition.  It is a kind of writing system. Lui Braille invented this system following the Alphabat available to study in night during wartime that was invented by Chals Barbier. It was called Braille method.  It is now well known to everybody.  many blind and visually impaired Children have got access of learning by this unique method. Lui , despite a Blind person, invented this system to protect Blind children from  lack of access to education.

Braille developed  capitals  for blind and visually impaired children when he was just 15. It was his dream. After five years, in 1929, her Braile method was first came into light This Alphabets, contained different symbols of geometric and musical instruments. Blind and visually, children can learn and write in this braille method. One can learn it by using dots from 1 to 6. Millions of people worldwide are learning by just touching these six dots.

Death:

This legend died of Tuberculosis in 1853 prematurely even at the age of only 43.

His death anniversary has been observed by Blind and visually impaired people and other voluntary organizations to show their unwavering respect. From 2009, to commemorate his contribution, World Braille Day has been observed on 4 January each year.  The main purpose of this is to create awareness among common people about Braille Method.

By his invention, visually impaired children and people as well, are becoming enlighten  by education. His invention did not get rapid recognition because Hiyou Institution did not officially recognize it. The heirs of Hyou Institution were against this great invention. Even the authority suspended headmaster Dr. Alekzender Penier for translating history book in Braille version. The Authority of that Institution was compelled to accept Braille Alphabat in respond to strong movement of that institution after two years elapse of Lui death.   Later on, this this method got huge popularity among people of French Language.  Now Braille method is accepted and adopted by almost all Language. As a result, millions of people worldwide are having access to education through this Braille method. Even this method has been instrument to gain higher studies for many visually impaired students globally. As an example, we can cite here, about Helen killer, who had been established herself as renowned Literature, writer and social figure by studying Braille Method. This noble woman, despite her blindness, successfully promoted and campaigned Braille Method. As a result of her efforts, this method exponentially expanded and got worldwide popularity.

In erstwhile East Pakistan, the first private school was started operation   in 1997 by private organization and individual to reach visually impaired children. Later on, GoB established many Special Schools at different divisions in the name of “Government Blind School” through phases in support of this initiative.

Initially, Slates and Styles were used to write Braille words and now it is running.  Moreover, as modernization of this method many modern equipment like Braille Type Writer, Portable Brailon, Notacar , modern Braille Press , Braille Printers are being used for  producing  Braille books. A kind of hard paper with 140-160 GSM are used for durability of dots in printing Braille books in this modern speedy press. Some Braille users now uses Modern Refreshable Braille Display. With this tool, users can read Computer Monitors and mobiles. This has been possible for revolutionary invention of Lui Braille. That is why all blind and visually impaired people are indebted to Mr. Lui for their education, employment and self-reliance.

Today, we all blind and visually impaired people and common people remember him with due respect for his outstanding and revolutionary contribution and seek blessing for his departed soul

Md. Saidul Huq (Winner of EKUSHAY Award)

Executive Director, BERDO