Here at The Optimist Daily, we often tout the many wonderful initiatives spearheaded by well-known Danish toymaker Lego. From its commitment to sustainable practices, its efforts to encourage the next generation to raise its voice in the fight against climate change, its dedication to removing gender biases in its toys, and more, there is so much to love and support about Lego.
Now, we are happy to report that Lego is taking another great step toward inclusivity by launching a mission to provide blind and partially sighted youngsters with the gift of learning through touch. The company is planning to release braille-coded blocks that cleverly mix the worlds of play and education. These bricks are not only intended to teach the touch-based alphabet but also to promote family unity and learning.
Lego Braille bricks: A touch-based Learning revolution for visually impaired children
The journey of Lego into braille education started with a goal of empowerment. The toymaker collaborated with blind organizations all around the world to develop unique bricks that smoothly integrate the braille version of numerals and letters. Since 2020, these one-of-a-kind bricks have been supplied free of charge to certain schools and programs for children who are blind or visually impaired. These braille-coded kits will be available for purchase beginning next month, enabling children and families to embark on a journey of discovery together.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind’s (RNIB) inclusive design ambassador, Dave Williams, aptly highlighted the core of the initiative when he stated, “It breaks down barriers.” These bricks promote not only braille learning but also the universal language of play, which transcends divides.
Uncovering a world of possibilities: Family bonding and educational play
Lego’s innovation has the potential to turn homes into hubs of learning, creativity, and shared experiences. The braille-coded packs include both braille studs and printed symbols or letters underneath. This clever mix allows parents and siblings to participate in the braille learning journey, encouraging a sense of unity and shared growth.
Lisa Taylor, a mother whose daughter Olivia lost her sight due to a brain tumor, expressed her family’s gratitude for the bricks. Olivia’s interest in braille was sparked via play, and the entire family got involved. Taylor, Olivia’s grandma, her husband, and even her sighted daughter, Imogen, are all studying braille. The secret is in the fact that these bricks enable seamless and pleasurable inclusive learning.
Building blocks for inclusive learning
The importance of Lego’s braille effort extends far beyond the particular lessons it provides. The European Blind Union (EBU) emphasizes that braille mastery improves spelling, reading, and writing skills. This, in turn, opens the door to further education and better work opportunities for the visually handicapped.
The Lego Group’s lead designer on braille bricks, Rasmus Løgstrup, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm: “We know this is a strong platform for social inclusion and can’t wait to see families get creative and have fun playing with braille together.” The braille-coded bricks, a bridge between education and play, represent Lego’s dedication to making its products more accessible.
As the world changes, the path to a more inclusive society must be paved with creativity, empathy, and determination. Lego’s braille bricks are a wonderful example of how innovation can break down barriers and open doors. As these bricks make their way into homes all across the world, they carry the promise of brighter futures, shared experiences, and a world where everyone can play, learn, and flourish together.
We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today our focus is on the top Education solutions of 2023.
