World Braille Day
World Braille Day is January 4, 2015. This is a day that celebrates the birthday of Louis Braille, the blind Frenchman responsible for developing a code for reading and writing for the blind…when he was just 15 years old.
This observation is used to raise awareness of issues that concern blind individuals worldwide:
- Due to international copyright laws, braille books must remain in the country in which they are produced. The 2013 Marrakesh Treaty would allow copyright exceptions.
- Only 5% of materials are published in accessible formats.
- Visually impaired individuals of all ages deserve the same reading, learning and living opportunities as those who have sight.
Communication Advances
There is reportedly a braille smart phone being developed in India. Until that technology is finalized, there is a braille phone offered in the United Kingdom that has customizable buttons. Produced by OwnFone in London, the small phone is simply designed and has pre-programmed braille buttons to help the visually impaired connect with emergency services and other important people in their lives.
Protect Your Vision
Even if you have been fortunate enough to have good vision throughout your life – or even if you have had successful blade-free LASIK in Chicago to enhance your vision – eye disease, eye injuries and medical conditions can rob you of sight at any time. Sometimes there are no outward symptoms of serious eye problems…until it is too late.
At Doctors for Visual Freedom, we encourage people to have regular eye exams in Chicago to stay proactive with their eye health. If a problem is detected, we will work hard to identify the correct treatment options to preserve vision for as long as possible.
To schedule an eye exam, contact Doctors for Visual Freedom at 312-291-9680 or doctorsforvisualfreedom.com today.
