For blind people, literacy hinges on being able to effectively read and write in Braille. Braille , for blind people, is the channel through which they gain access to the world around them. Braille is a universal form of communication for many language and any culture. It is not enough however for a blind person to read Braille, they also need to write it to be truly literate. A Brailler is as essential to a blind man or woman as a pen is to a sighted person.
Every blind person has the right to access written communication.
Being able to read and write braille empowers blind people to become active communicators, to receive an education and to have access to employment. The occasion which we recognize by gathering here today is another of several initiatives whereby all South Africans find themselves challenged by the example of their fellow citizens with disabilities. Today marks the opening of a significant extension to the BayGen operation. In the developing world, there is a dire lack of even the most basic braille materials and equipment. In the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, blindness compounded by illiteracy results in segregation, loss of dignity and a lack of social, cultural and economic independence.