First Minister lends support to National Braille Week
19/09/08
On a recent visit to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, the First Minister Alex Salmond praised the work of Royal Blind and gave his support to National Braille Week 2009.
National Braille Week was launched this year to celebrate all aspects of Braille and next year the event is scheduled to run from 4-10 January 2009 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (the inventor of Braille) and World Braille Day.
The launch included the development of this new website that allows visitors to discover interesting facts about Braille - how it was created and how it is used in the 21st century.
The First Minister said: 'The Scottish Government is committed to creating a Scotland where all our people have the opportunity to realise their potential. It is important that everyone has equal opportunities and choices, this is why this Government funds the work of the Royal Blind School and has increased the level of funding to disability led groups to £1.9m over the next three years 2008-11.
'Braille is incredibly important in promoting literacy and independence among people who are blind or partially sighted. I am delighted to support Royal Blind in its work to increase awareness of Braille through National Braille Week 2009.'
‘Braille is used all over the world but outside our community there is little knowledge or understanding about its use. Creating National Braille Week is a great way to raise awareness, which we hope will inspire interest and support for Braille.’
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