05/27/2026
I’m truly concerned about something.
I learned Braille in 2013, and it completely transformed how I read, write, and process information. Thirteen years later, I’m genuinely worried because Braille is slowly disappearing.
According to the RNIB in the UK, only about 7% of registered blind and low vision people now use Braille.
This decline didn’t happen for just one reason. Traditional Braille books are extremely bulky — one ordinary textbook can take up an entire shelf, making them very impractical to carry or store. That’s why refreshable Braille displays were created to solve the bulkiness problem. However, even basic Braille displays are expensive, often costing between $500 and $4,000, while advanced multi-line devices like the Monarch cost between $15,500 and $18,000. Because of these high prices, the majority of blind people simply cannot afford them.
Beyond technology, there are other serious challenges. There is a significant shortage of qualified teachers who can actually teach Braille, especially in mainstream schools. Many blind children are now integrated into sighted schools where Braille instruction is not given enough priority or time. Producing physical Braille books is also very costly, so they are not always available when needed.
Additionally, many children are diagnosed with vision loss later in life, which makes it much harder for them to learn Braille properly at the best age.
As a result, many people have moved completely to voice assistants and screen readers because they are faster and more convenient. Even though technology was meant to support Braille, it seems to be contributing to its decline instead.
This is a serious issue that affects literacy, independence, and opportunities for blind people.
Is this the future we want for the next generation of blind people? Should Braille be allowed to die like this?
— Seeing Beyond Sight
EssentiallyBraille.com
