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The Zimbabwe National League of the Blind (ZNLB) commemorates World Braille Day 2024, echoing the global theme, “Empowering Through Inclusion and Diversity.”
This pivotal day celebrates the brilliance of Louis Braille’s innovation and reaffirms the commitment to creating an inclusive world where individuals with visual impairments thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The significance of Braille is a vital medium of communication for blind and partially sighted individuals. This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the Braille script, born in France in 1809.
Recognizing the paramount role of Braille in education, communication, and social inclusion, the United Nations has designated 4 January each year as World Braille Day.
Braille is a universal code rather than a language and serves as a tool to write and read in various languages, including Shona, Ndebele, and many other languages used in Zimbabwe.
The theme “Empowering Through Inclusion and Diversity” resonates deeply with ZNLB’s core values, emphasizing the transformative power of diversity within the visually impaired community. Zimbabwe National League of the Blind stands firm in its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, irrespective of their abilities, is recognized, valued, and empowered to realize their full potential.
Zimbabwe National League of the Blind, highlights the significance of this year’s theme, stating, “Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of a truly equitable society. World Braille Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to create environments that embrace the uniqueness of every individual, ensuring no one is left behind.
“Through advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives, ZNLB continues to champion the rights of visually impaired individuals, striving to break down barriers to accessibility, education, employment, and social inclusion. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to building a society where the contributions of individuals with visual impairments are acknowledged and celebrated.
“As the world commemorates World Braille Day, the Zimbabwe National League of the Blind calls for collective action towards building a more inclusive and diverse society, where the brilliance of diversity illuminates the path towards a brighter, more equitable future for all. ZNLB urges the government of Zimbabwe to further prioritize inclusivity by ratifying the Africa Disability Protocol and making all parliamentary bills and policies have a disability inclusion matrix across their provisions and measures. ZNLB encourages the government of Zimbabwe to promote information in accessible formats mainly braille, large print, and audio, especially in school textbooks.
“By embracing accessible formats, such as braille or audio versions, the government can truly guarantee equal access to essential information and uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of their abilities,” said Ishumael Zhou, the ZNLB Executive Director.