This award-winning Alphabet Bracelet for blind people to learn braille was designed by Leslie Ligon. Leslie designed the bracelet for her blind son and has just won a coveted People’s Design Award from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
The Innovative Design of the Braille Bracelet
The simple design allows a blind person learning braille to keep the bracelet close at hand and touch the dotted alphabet to learn whenever suits. The bracelet is not only a functional tool but also a stylish accessory, making it appealing to a wide range of users. The tactile nature of the bracelet ensures that users can feel the braille characters easily, facilitating a more intuitive learning process.
The bracelet is made from durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that it remains a reliable learning aid over time. The design is also adjustable, allowing it to fit comfortably on wrists of various sizes. This adaptability makes it accessible to both children and adults who are in the process of learning braille.
The Importance of Braille Literacy
Where only ten percent of legally blind people in the US can read Braille yet “at least 90 percent of the blind that hold jobs are Braille literate.” This stark contrast highlights the critical role that braille literacy plays in the employment and independence of blind individuals. By providing an easy and accessible way to learn braille, the Braille Bracelet has the potential to significantly impact these statistics over time.
Braille literacy is not just about reading; it also encompasses writing and comprehending complex information. For instance, braille is used in various professional fields, including law, education, and technology. By becoming proficient in braille, blind individuals can access a wider range of career opportunities and lead more independent lives.
Moreover, the Braille Bracelet can serve as a supplementary tool for those who are already learning braille through traditional methods. It provides a convenient way to practice and reinforce their skills outside of formal educational settings. This continuous exposure to braille can accelerate the learning process and boost confidence in using braille in everyday situations.
The Braille Bracelet is available to purchase from the National Braille Press for around $40. This affordable price point makes it accessible to a broad audience, including families, educators, and organizations dedicated to supporting the blind community. By making this innovative tool widely available, Leslie Ligon’s design has the potential to make a lasting impact on braille literacy rates.
In addition to its practical benefits, the Braille Bracelet has also garnered attention for its aesthetic appeal. The sleek and modern design ensures that users can wear it with pride, breaking down the stigma often associated with assistive devices. This positive perception can encourage more people to embrace braille learning and integrate it into their daily lives.
Overall, the Braille Bracelet is a remarkable example of how thoughtful design can address real-world challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Leslie Ligon’s innovative approach has not only earned her a prestigious award but also the gratitude of countless individuals who now have a new tool to aid in their journey towards braille literacy.
Via Gadget Lab
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