Nova Scotia Marks First Braille Day

Six magic dots are the centre of attention today as Nova Scotians celebrate a reading system that benefits the blind and visually impaired.

Braille Day is being observed in Nova Scotia and in Canada this year for the first time. Braille is a system of six raised dots that used in combination can form the letters of the alphabet, musical notations, chemistry symbols, numbers and punctuation.

"Braille provides people with freedom and equality because it allows access to information and contact with other people," said Premier John Hamm. "It's a remarkably simple system that is as useful today as it was when invented in 1829."

Louis Braille lost his sight at the age of three as a result of an injury in his father's harness-making workshop in France. Twenty years later he invented the system of using six raised dots that today bears his name and is used around the world.

"Without braille, people who are blind would lose the key to achieving independence," said Community Services Minister Peter Christie, who is also the Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act. "Having the ability to read and write in braille provides people with better choices and is especially important for young children."

"Braille is a critically important component of both my professional and private life," said Barbara LeGay, a graduate of Dalhousie Law School and a practicing lawyer. "Braille has been a tool that has allowed me to enjoy reading for pleasure as well as practicing my profession."

"Braille opens doors to independence and provides choices for educational and professional opportunities," said Meredith Ripley-Brown, CNIB provincial co-ordinator for Braille Day in Canada. "Braille also assists blind and visually impaired seniors to enrich their lives in all aspects of daily life."

Activities to mark Braille Day are being held throughout Nova Scotia today.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Premier John Hamm will proclaim the first-ever Braille Day in Nova Scotia during a noon-hour ceremony today in the Red Room at Province House.