Braille's 200th birthday celebrated

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The Frenchman gave his name to the revolutionary code of six dots that help the blind read, write and do everyday things that sighted people take for granted.

There are 18,000 UK adults using Braille and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is leading the celebrations of Louis Braille's great achievement throughout 2009.

It is not simply used in books.

From selecting a music CD, choosing a tin of baked beans over spaghetti hoops, reading music, and being able to tell the difference between aspirin and paracetamol, to taking notes at a lecture - Braille means independence for blind and partially sighted people.

David Blunkett MP said: "Braille is a choice.

"For some it means a lifeline to independence, for others, access to literature or information.

"Braille can be hi-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."