ZNLB joins the world to commemorate world Braille day
By Memory Mudzani
Zimbabwe National League of the Blind (ZNLB) join others in Celebrating World Braille Day on 4 January 2024, Advocating for Inclusion and Diversity.
The Zimbabwe National League of the Blind commemorates this Day, echoing the global theme, empowering through inclusion and diversity.
Senator for people with Disabilities Ishumael Zhou who is also the executive director of ZNLB said this 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.
According to the United Nations World Braille Day, was established in December 2018 and it started to be commemorated since 2019,it is observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
ZNLB said braille is a vital medium of communication for blind and partially sighted individuals and 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.
Zhou said that 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.
He further said that braille is a universal code rather than a language, serves as a tool to write and read in various languages, including Shona, Ndebele and many other languages used in Zimbabwe.
Zhou said 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.
ZNLB highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, stating inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords but rather they are the cornerstones of a truly equitable society.
Zhou said world Braille Day serves as a reminder of their 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, “said Zhou
Zhou further said that 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 Africa disability protocol and making all parliamentary bills and policies have a disability inclusion matrix across their provisions and measures.
ZNLB also 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.
Kwedu Classics
Your story our story
