J.M. NORTHUP

Braille… it isn’t a language, but a reading system that generally involves the use of both hands. Think about that for a moment. Writing is a way of representing language while braille is tool for allow visually impaired to read the written word. Is that as profound to you as it is to me?

Humans have such a passion for storytelling, history keeping, and connecting with one another that it cannot be contained. We record our stories to become out histories so that our future generations may know those of the past. It is so vital that we do not allow impairments to prevent us from sharing it.

Of course, I’m allowing myself a moment of philosophical whimsy. The harsh bite is that there is a literacy issue in our world, whether you are sighted or not. National Braille Literacy Month Is meant to not only bring awareness to the disproportionate allocation of resources for education, but for the need to encourage literacy among ALL peoples.

We all need to strive to be more involved. I’m not suggesting you have to set the world on such such as Louis Braille (who, having lost his sight at a young age, invited his namesake) and Charles Barbier (who created the “night writing” system that inspired Louis) did. Afterall, these two men are responsible for allowing the blind and visually impaired community to enjoy reading. But, you can instill the love of the written word in a child by sharing time and reading books together. Perhaps that’s a perfect way to celebrate today!