FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Worcester, UK – [20 December 2024]
In a groundbreaking celebration of braille literacy and innovation, the UK’s first-ever face to face World Braille Day Conference will take place at New College Worcester (NCW) on Saturday, 4th January 2025. This landmark event, hosted by the Braillists Foundation, promises a hands-on experience like no other, bringing together history, technology, and the power of tactile literacy.
The conference will welcome approximately 80 visitors, offering them the unique opportunity to explore an extensive range of braille artefacts, from historical items and alternative tactile reading systems to the latest advancements in braille technology. The event is set to inspire attendees by showcasing how braille continues to evolve as a critical tool for education, communication, and inclusion.
Dave Williams, Chair of the Braillists Foundation said: “We’re thrilled to bring the UK’s first World Braille Day Conference to Worcester. This event is a fantastic opportunity to honour braille’s incredible legacy while exploring its exciting future as a tool for independence and empowerment. Whether labelling household items, playing board games with family and friends, or reading a bedtime story with your children, braille remains the most effective way for blind people to read by touch for ourselves. The World Braille Day Conference is a rare opportunity to meet face to face and celebrate and spread the power of tactile literacy to enhance learning and employment for blind people.”
Event Highlights:
- Historical Artefacts: Rare and fascinating examples of braille and other tactile reading systems from the past.
- Modern Innovations: Cutting-edge technology in braille displays, notetakers, and accessible devices.
- Interactive Sessions: Hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to experience braille in all its forms.
The conference, coinciding with World Braille Day, recognised by the United Nations, honours the legacy of Louis Braille and underscores the importance of braille as a means of empowerment for blind and partially sighted individuals worldwide. World Braille Day is also an opportunity to call on all organisations to make sure published information is fully accessible and inclusive for everyone with a print impairment.
The Braillists Foundation, a leading UK charity dedicated to promoting braille literacy and innovation, is proud to host this event. For more information about their work, visit www.braillists.org.
The event will be held at the renowned New College Worcester, a national residential school and college for young people aged 11-19 who are blind or vision impaired. More details about the venue can be found at www.ncw.co.uk.
Registration Details:
Spaces are limited and the event is now fully booked.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Dave Williams, Chair, Braillists Foundation,
[email protected],
07890396117.
About the Braillists Foundation:
The Braillists Foundation is a UK charity committed to promoting braille literacy and supporting individuals who use or want to learn braille. Through events, workshops, and advocacy, the foundation works to ensure braille remains a vital, accessible tool in the 21st century.
About New College Worcester:
New College Worcester is a national centre of excellence for blind and vision-impaired students. Located in Worcester, the college provides specialist education, training, and support to help young people achieve their full potential.