ICEVI recognises International Day of Education – 24 January 2026
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International Day of Education – 24 January
Inclusive Education Must Include Braille Literacy
On 24 January, the International Day of Education, the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) joins the global community in reaffirming that education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
For learners who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind, access to education must include access to literacy in accessible formats. Braille remains essential to reading, writing, learning, independence, and full participation in education and society.
Despite global commitments to inclusive and equitable quality education under Sustainable Development Goal 4, millions of children, youth, and adults with visual impairment continue to face barriers to education due to limited access to braille instruction, learning materials, trained teachers, and assistive technology. These barriers persist across many regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and undermine the right to education for learners with visual impairment.
Braille Literacy and Inclusive Education
Braille literacy is not optional or outdated — it is foundational to inclusive education. Braille supports literacy development, academic achievement, and long-term employment outcomes for people who are blind. When combined with accessible digital technologies, braille equips learners to participate fully in modern education systems and the digital world.
Inclusive education cannot be achieved without early access to braille, sustained instruction, and investment in teacher preparation, materials, and technology.
More Braille, More Empowerment – A Global Commitment
In response to ongoing inequities, ICEVI and the World Blind Union (WBU) have launched a joint, multi-year initiative: “More Braille, More Empowerment” – the Global Braille Literacy Campaign
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The campaign calls for coordinated global action to ensure that:
· Every learner who is blind can learn and use braille
· Families and educators understand the central role of braille in literacy and learning
· Governments and education systems invest in braille services, teacher training, and accessible technology
· Braille materials are available in multiple languages and formats, including digital braille
Implemented through advocacy, information resources, and research, the campaign aims to strengthen braille literacy worldwide from early childhood through lifelong learning.
A Call to Action on International Day of Education
On this International Day of Education, ICEVI calls on governments, education authorities, development partners, and civil society to:
· Recognize braille as a core component of inclusive education
· Ensure early identification and timely access to braille instruction
· Invest in specialist teacher training and accessible learning materials
· Align national education policies with the goals of the More Braille, More Empowerment campaign
Education systems that exclude braille exclude learners.
ICEVI Statement
“Inclusive education must be meaningful, not symbolic. For learners who are blind, access to braille is access to literacy, independence, and opportunity. On International Day of Education, we reaffirm that braille is essential to achieving education for all.”
— International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)Contact – ICEVI Secretariat
e-Mail: in...@icevi.org
Website: https://www.icevi.org
Braille Campaign Information:
https://icevi.org/icevi-wbu-global-braille-literacy-campaign
Frances Gentle AO, PhD, DLittAO
Past President, ICEVI, and Conjoint Lecturer,
NextSense Institute and Macquarie University (Australia)