In January 2009, we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth.

We are especially proud that the brilliant inventor of the system of writing that bears his name lies in the Panthéon, alongside the most symbolic figures of France’s greatness.

Some history :

• 1785 : Valentin Haüy set up the Institution for Blind Children that was to become the Royal, then the National Institute for the Young Blind (“INJA”).
• 1819 : Louis Braille entered the Institute at the age of 10 and subsequently taught French, History, Geography, Mathematics, while at the same time perfecting his system of writing. This saw the light of day in 1829 and was to change the lives of millions of blind people across all four continents. Thanks to braille, it became possible for them to gain access to all forms of writing. This paved the way for their social and professional integration and a cultural life.
• 1889 : Maurice de la Sizeranne founded the Valentin Haüy Association (“AVH”), whose first aim was to spread the knowledge of braille amongst the visually impaired, not only in France but throughout the world, thus opening the doors to knowledge for blind people through its libraries and press.

It is for this reason that AVH and INJA were anxious to make the 200th anniversary of Braille’s birth a unique event by hosting a conference about braille and the future of braille under the patronage of the President of the French Republic, with the support of UNESCO, the World Blind Union (UMA), the National Committee for the Social Promotion of Blind and Partially Sighted People (CNPSAA), and the International Committee for the Commemoration of the Bicentenary of Louis Braille’s Birth (CINAL).

This will be held at UNESCO and it is hoped that a large number of you will attend.