Lifelong braille user pays tribute to “excellent” writing system
Sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is celebrating 200 years of braille, the revolutionary writing system for blind and partially sighted people. Developed by Louis Braille in 1824, it uses raised dots to represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and abbreviations. Braille has not only stood the test of time but continues to evolve, offering individuals with sight loss a vital means of communication, independence, and empowerment. Jim McCafferty, a long-standing advocate for accessible formats from Glasgow, reflects on his lifelong relationship with braille.
Jim, who was registered blind at age three and first learned braille at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, went on to build a career in braille production and proofreading, working for over 40 years. His dedication to promoting accessible formats also saw him serve on the board of UKAAF (UK Association for Accessible Formats), where he edited the magazine Format Matters for nearly 11 years.
Reflecting on his experiences, Jim credits braille with being an indispensable tool that enables people with sight loss to remain engaged in daily life.
As a champion of braille, Jim highlights the urgent need for more braille teachers to ensure this essential skill continues to benefit future generations.
Jim also speaks of the evolving role of braille in the modern digital world.
The anniversary of braille’s invention also provides an opportunity for sight loss organisations to come together and promote its importance. Jim states.
For those just starting their journey with braille, Jim offers some heartfelt advice: