Braille is a tactual reading system that was invented in France in the mid 1800s and is named for its inventor, Louis Braille.? The braille alphabet is based on a 'cell' made up of 6 dots, arranged in two columns of 3 dots each. Each braille letter or other symbol, such as a comma, is formed by using one or more of the 6 dots.? The chart below shows how the braille alphabet is designed.? (If you would like a copy of this chart you can download?the Braille Alphabet Card?[link opens in new window].?Books and other helpful information are available through National Braille Press.)
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Types of Braille

There are two types of braille: Alphabetic Braille, formerly called Grade One, which is every word and letter spelled out as it is in print, and Literary Braille, formerly called Grade Two, and also known as 'contracted' braille.? For example, in Alphabetic Braille the word 'can' would use three cells — one cell for each of the three letters — but the Literary (contracted) Braille would use only one cell.? This means that less space is used and is the reason why the majority of books and magazines are written in Literary Braille.?

If you're interested in learning more about Louis Braille you might find these websites of interest: [all remaining links open in a new window American Foundation for the Blind and Royal National Institute of the Blind.

If you're interested in learning braille,?The Hadley School web site and the?American Foundation for the Blind's article?"Reading and Writing" may be of interest. You could also contact your local rehabilitation agency and learn what options are available for learning braille.

And if you have grandchildren or other young ones in your family who would like to learn Braille the American Foundation's "Braille Bug Site" is a fun way to start!