The use and transmission of Braille
Social practices throughout Austria, inscribed 2026
Braille, a writing system used worldwide by blind and visually impaired people, is an active companion in the daily lives of around 5,000 people in Austria. By transforming spoken language into a tactile medium, it enables access to information, education, and culture. Developed and organised by blind people themselves, it thereby fosters equal participation in society.
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The basic structure of Braille comprises six dots, arranged in the same pattern as the number six on a die: three rows of two dots placed side by side. Thanks to the standardised spacing of its dots, the surface is optimally suited to fluent, continuous fingertip reading. Braille’s six dots can be combined in 64 different ways, and no special equipment is required in its use.
Braille was developed in 1825 by Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman who was 16 at the time. By the end of the nineteenth century, it had become established as the standard writing system for blind people. During the twentieth century, Braille‑based code systems were developed worldwide for alphabets other than the Latin alphabet, as well as for non‑alphabetic writing systems. Braille is typically taught in specialised schools for blind children, in inclusive schools, and as part of vocational rehabilitation programmes for blind adults. Since its development, Braille has been used primarily by blind and visually impaired people in nearly all areas of life, enabling access to essential information for everyday activities, work, and full participation in public life.
Braille is regarded as an important cultural asset within the disability self-help movement, as it is developed, safeguarded, and technically refined by blind people themselves. It represents an expression of the identity, culture, and voice of a socially marginalised group. Its use has enabled blind people to access education, achieve economic independence, strengthen social inclusion, and advocate collectively for greater public awareness.
Downloads
- [Translate to English:] Bewerbungsmappe 444 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Expertise Lermer 141 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Expertise Miesenberger 144 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Empfehlung Wegscheider 152 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Empfehlung Himmer, BBI 165 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Empfehlung Skelo, BBRZ 170 KB (pdf)
- [Translate to English:] Empfehlung Ossberger 138 KB (pdf)
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