audio book, voice system, new technologies are essential in the daily lives of blind and visually impaired people

Braille Day is celebrated on January 4. This method of writing was invented two hundred years ago. It remains essential for blind and visually impaired people. This universal writing in relief has been able to adapt to new technologies.

The telephone is an essential accessory, particularly for Clément La Dune who is blind. Thanks to his smartphone, he can access more than 200,000 audio books and also read his messages.

However, when observing Clément Dune's apartment, the books are absent from the shelves

I don't have one, because Braille books are often bulky and very expensive items.

Clement La Dune

history and geography teacher

Writing and reading in Braille remain essential in the daily life of this history and geography teacher. From his bag, Clément La Dune takes out a computer specially designed for the blind. This tool greatly facilitates his daily life, but still remains rare and expensive.

“It's the only way, for me, to be able to really read and write. And above all, it's to be able to do it discreetly, he explains. Vocalized systems are very good, but they cannot be used in a context in which there are people around. I don't necessarily want everyone to listen to my messages.”

In the digital age, braille does not seem to be disappearing any time soon. Sitting comfortably in her living room, Domitille Morin is a first grade student. Like other teenagers, she can surf the web.

To do this, it also uses equipment using writing which is displayed in white dots on a dedicated screen. “Depriving ourselves of digital technology means cutting us off from the world, making us dependent on institutions and services. Precisely, digital technology with braille allows us to be more free”, says the high school student.

For me, for example, in high school, I can almost fend for myself. I don't need to ask the teachers. I hardly need any adaptation from the services.

For Domit Morin

High school student

The high school student was able to acquire this precious independence by learning to read Braille in paper books, like those published by the Mes Mains en Or association, founded by her mother, Caroline Chabaud. The latter must face growing demand.

“Nearly 4,000 children between zero and twenty years old are braillists. Today, we do not make enough books for them. More should be made. I cannot respond to all the requests”, is sorry, Caroline Chabaud.

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