Sharjah, Jan 4 : To mark World Braille Day, the Sharjah-based Kalimat Foundation organized a series of activities aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusion for children who are blind or visually impaired. Held in partnership with Racks Cafe at their Aljada branch, the event launched a groundbreaking initiative to make board games more accessible by introducing tactile textures and Braille writing to their designs.

In line with its commitment to inclusivity, the event also featured a Braille menu, enabling children to independently choose food and refreshments, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-confidence.

World Braille Day, celebrated annually on January 4, honors Louis Braille, the inventor of the tactile writing system that has empowered millions worldwide. With over 285 million people living with significant visual impairments globally, including 39 million who are completely blind, Braille remains a vital tool for literacy and empowerment. However, access to Braille education remains limited, highlighting the urgent need for expanded resources and advocacy.

Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “World Braille Day reminds us of the critical role Braille literacy plays in building inclusive societies. We envision a world where every child, regardless of ability, can read, learn, and thrive. Our collaboration with Racks Cafe is a call to action for other establishments to prioritize accessibility for visually impaired individuals,” she said.

A key highlight of the event was a reading session led by renowned storyteller Samia Ayesh, whose engaging narratives brought themes of inclusion and achievement to life for both blind and sighted children. Participants also enjoyed specially designed accessible board games with Braille instructions, fostering an atmosphere of joy, equality, and camaraderie.