ICEVI and WBU Launch "More Braille: More Empowerment" Global Campaign, World Braille Day 4 January 2026
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Posted on behalf of Dr Frances Gentle.
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
World Braille Day, 4 January 2026
ICEVI and WBU Launch “More Braille: More Empowerment” Global Campaign to put Braille Literacy back at the centre of Inclusive Education
The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the World Blind Union (WBU) today launched More Braille: More Empowerment, a new global campaign calling on governments, educators, disability organisations, families, and the private sector to treat braille literacy as a right, not a privilege.
World Braille Day — marked each year on 4 January, the birthday of Louis Braille — celebrates a system that has unlocked literacy, education, employment, and independence for generations of blind people. Yet in too many places, access to braille is still determined by geography, income, and whether trained teachers and appropriate materials happen to be available. This campaign is a global push to change that.
“Braille isn’t a ‘nice-to-have.’ It is literacy, full stop,” said Santosh Kumar Rungta, President of the World Blind Union. “I know from personal experience that braille can be the difference between dependence and freedom. This campaign is about ensuring that every blind learner — child, youth, or adult — has the tools and teaching to read, write, and participate on equal terms.”
“Families should not have to fight alone to secure their children’s right to literacy,” said Ms Susan LaVenture, President of ICEVI. “As a mother of a son who faced a serious eye condition, I know how quickly doors can close when accessible learning supports aren’t available. This campaign is about reopening those doors — through teacher support, practical resources, and stronger national commitment.”
Campaign resources
As part of the launch, ICEVI and WBU are releasing and sharing the following campaign resources:
- ICEVI E-News World Braille Day issue, 4 January 2026 (in English, French and Spanish) – featuring messages from campaign leaders and partners, and updates from the ICEVI regions: https://icevi.org/resource-library/e-newsletters/
- Video montage: “More Braille: More Empowerment — Voices Advancing Braille Worldwide” – a short film bringing together voices from around the world who are working to strengthen access to braille: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW6u7tGr6gQ
What the campaign will do
From 4 January 2026 to 4 January 2028, the campaign will deliver coordinated action in three areas:
- Advocacy and media that are culturally and linguistically relevant across regions
- Information resources for teachers, families, organisations, and policymakers, covering topics such as braille teaching strategies, braille codes, national braille authorities, and device options
- Research to generate global evidence on braille access, use, barriers, and impact
The campaign is being advanced in collaboration with a growing group of partners, including organisations working on accessible publishing and braille innovation.
Call to action
WBU and ICEVI invite partners and allies worldwide to:
- Champion braille as a foundation of inclusive education and lifelong learning
- Invest in teacher preparation and braille instruction
- Expand access to braille materials and affordable braille technology
- Use evidence to drive policy change, so braille access is systematic, not accidental
Individuals and organisations are also invited to support the campaign by making a small donation to light a virtual candle on Louis Braille’s 217th birthday cake, symbolising their commitment to the right to braille literacy worldwide. All donations support the campaign’s work at global and regional levels. To light a candle, visit the ICEVI’s dedicated braille campaign webpage: https://icevi.org/campaigns/icevi-global-braille-literacy-campaign/.
About WBU
The World Blind Union (WBU) is an internationally recognized organization representing 338 million blind and partially sighted persons in 190 member countries. We are the voice of the blind, speaking to governments and international bodies on issues concerning blindness and low vision in cooperation with our members.
About ICEVI
ICEVI is a global non-governmental membership organisation that promotes equitable access to quality education for children and young people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. It works through advocacy and policy influence at international, regional, and national levels; knowledge sharing and publications; and collaborative partnerships across its seven world regions.
For media inquiries
World Blind Union
Email: in...@wbu.ngo
Website: www.wbu.ngo
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment
Email: in...@icevi.org
Website: www.icevi.org
Frances Gentle AO, PhD, DLittAO | ||
Past President, ICEVI, and Conjoint Lecturer, | ||
NextSense Institute and Macquarie University (Australia)
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