Hello everyone! I am Juan Pablo Culasso, a person with visual impairment from birth, and today I want to talk to you about how reading has been a fundamental part of my life. I want to share with you how the Braille system has evolved and why, despite new technologies, reading Braille is still a unique and irreplaceable experience for us blind people.
The Braille system, developed by Louis Braille in the 19th century, is the tactile language that allows us to read and write through combinations of raised dots. Since my childhood, Braille has been my primary means of literacy and access to information. Although some believe that Braille is disappearing, it has actually transformed and adapted to new technologies.
An example of this are Braille displays, electronic devices that connect to computers or mobile devices and allow us to read Braille text in real time. These Braille lines have cells composed of small dots that rise and fall to form Braille characters, allowing us to read any digitized text. Thus, Braille reading remains relevant and accessible in the digital age.
Audiobooks are another alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. Although they can be useful in certain situations and enjoyed by people with or without visual impairments, for us blind people, they do not completely replace the experience of reading Braille. Tactile reading allows us to have direct contact with the words, and is a unique experience that cannot be replicated by hearing.
As a blind person, the importance of touch in reading is fundamental. Through Braille, I can touch and feel each word, which allows me to understand the text in a deeper and more intimate way. Audiobooks do not offer the same experience, as they do not allow us to have that direct contact with the words and ideas expressed in the text.
In conclusion, the Braille system has evolved and adapted to new technologies, such as Braille lines, allowing tactile reading to remain accessible in the 21st century. Although audiobooks can be useful in certain situations, they cannot replace the unique and irreplaceable experience of reading Braille for blind people. The importance of touch in our reading is fundamental, and allows us to enjoy literature and knowledge in a way that goes beyond what audiobooks can offer.
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