Swansea University will be the first stop in Wales on a nationwide tour commemorating 200 years of braille, helping to highlight how this tactile system of raised dots empowers people with sight loss.
To mark this special anniversary, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched the Braille and Beyond Tour, visiting a select number of public and higher education libraries across the UK.
A Braille 200 event will be held at the University’s Singleton Park Library and the Taliesin Arts Centre on Tuesday 25 March 2025,10 am to 3 pm.
The day will feature a number of engaging sessions, including an exhibition on braille heritage, hands-on activities with LEGO® Braille Bricks, and an opportunity to learn Grade 1 braille by sight in just 30 minutes.
These sessions will help attendees gain a deeper understanding of the vital role braille plays in the lives of the blind and partially sighted, people like event keynote speaker Anne Wilkins.
Anne, who has been blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, is a talented musician and singer who has performed around the world, and is perhaps best known for her stunning duet with Bryn Terfel on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, following her viral doorstep rendition of “Over the Rainbow” during lockdown.
A braille music teacher, Anne is a passionate advocate for braille literacy with an aim to put musicians with sight loss on a level playing field with their sighted counterparts.
Anne said: “To me, braille is what print is to a sighted person. I’m sure most people who can read and write well, could never think of life without printed or handwritten words. I feel exactly the same about braille. Although technology works well with braille, the mistake many people seem to make is thinking that for blind people, speech on computers, phones and other devices has replaced it. This is definitely not the case.
“I remember the first time I read a complete book and realised that I didn’t have to depend on other people any more to read to me. It was such a wonderful feeling and has remained with me throughout my life and I am sure it will always stay with me. Braille is one of the things which has given me so much independence by opening up the world to me in all sorts of ways and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”
Tina Webber, Manager of Swansea University Transcription Centre, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the RNIB’s Braille and Beyond Tour, as Swansea University and its Transcription Centre has a long and proud history of supporting print disabled students.
“Our mission is to maximise our students’ academic potential by removing barriers and providing accessible resources. We are looking forward to the upcoming event and furthering our collaboration with our counterparts at the RNIB.”
Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be in Swansea to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille. Braille is such a vital tool for many blind and partially sighted people across Wales, and is just as relevant now as it was when it was first developed.
“Braille literacy increases confidence, independence, and access to education and employment. Supporting braille education and resources is a crucial step towards an inclusive society.”
A collaboration with the RNIB, RNIB Cymru, Swansea Libraries and Singleton Hospital Library, the event also promises a day of informative talks and networking opportunities for those who use braille and anyone interested in its transformative potential.
