Light a Candle to Celebrate Louis Braille’s 217th Birthday
On 4 January 2026, we celebrate the 217th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth — honouring the innovator whose tactile code opened the world of literacy, learning, and independence for millions of people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.
To mark this milestone, we invite you to light a virtual candle on the ICEVI website by making a donation to the Global Braille Literacy Campaign.
Each time a donation is received, a virtual candle appears — symbolising your commitment to braille literacy. Our goal is 217 candles, one for every year since Louis Braille was born.
There is no minimum donation.
Every contribution — small or large — lights a candle and strengthens the global movement for braille literacy.
Your name or organisation will be added with your candle (optional).
Invitation to Become a Campaign Sponsor
In addition to lighting a candle, we warmly invite organisations and individuals — including institutions, agencies, corporate partners, foundations, and community groups — to become sponsors of the Joint ICEVI–WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign.
All sponsorship funds will be used exclusively to support the aims and objectives of the global braille literacy campaign, including:
- expanding information and access to braille resources and technologies
- amplifying global advocacy and awareness
- supporting research to inform policy and investment
- enabling campaign participation from low-resource regions
Sponsorship offers organisations and individuals an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in inclusion, accessibility, and equitable education for braille users of all ages.
If your organisation or you as an individual are interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit the sponsorship page or contact us by email: [email protected].
We would be delighted to discuss sponsorship levels and recognition opportunities.
The Three Focus Areas of the Campaign
- Advocacy and Media – promoting visibility, awareness, and understanding of braille and the right to accessible information.
- Information Resources – compiling, adapting, and creating a comprehensive suite of multilingual, accessible braille information and resources.
- Research and Data – generating global, evidence-based insights into braille literacy to influence policy, investment, and practice.
Campaign Launch on World Braille Day
The global campaign will be officially launched on World Braille Day, 4 January 2026.
A key launch activity will be the release of the first online global braille survey to generate regionally informed, evidence-based insights on:
- the number and profile of braille users across WBU and ICEVI regions
- the availability, instruction, and use of braille in early childhood settings, schools, higher education, and workplaces
- the impact of braille on learning, including access to STEM, independence, and employment
Your networks will play a crucial role in promoting this survey across regions.
ICEVI and WBU welcome your support
- Give a small donation and light a candle to celebrate Louis Braille’s 217th birthday: https://icevi.org/campaigns/icevi-global-braille-literacy-campaign/
- Become a campaign sponsor: https://icevi.org/icevi-wbu-global-braille-literacy-campaign/#become-a-campaign-sponsor
- To join a working group for one of the three focus areas (Advocacy and Media, Information Resources, or Research), email: [email protected]
- To join the mailing list for campaign updates: https://mailchi.mp/d40431a724d9/icevi-wbu-global-braille-literacy-campaign
Together, we can ensure that the right to braille becomes a reality for every child, young person, and adult who uses touch to read and communicate. ICEVI and WBU deeply value your partnership, your advocacy, and your belief that braille is literacy — and literacy is empowerment.
With thanks for your commitment to braille literacy,
On behalf of the Joint ICEVI–WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign Steering Committee
Frances Gentle & S.K. Rungta
Co-Chairs
email: [email protected]