Most people assume that every blind individual reads and writes braille.
In reality, only a small percentage of all visually impaired persons is fluent in braille. Nevertheless, braille is a tremendous resource and critical skill to some who are visually disabled - especially those born totally blind and those who become blind in early life. The history of braille is interesting. It was developed by Louis Braille, who was born in a small town outside of Paris, France in 1809. Braille was blinded at the age of three and was enrolled later at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris where he received his education.