Giving Braille a Hand.

“A £2m appeal has been launched to re-house the UK’s leading Braille printing press and protect its long-term future.

“The Royal Blind’s printing press was built in the 1960s and needs to be rebuilt and fitted with state-of-the-art printing equipment.

“The Scottish Braille Press is a leading provider of the UK’s Braille books, magazines and other printed materials.

“Bestselling author Ian Rankin, whose son goes to the Royal Blind School, is giving his backing to the campaign.”

BBC News.

Losing one’s sight must be one of the most frightening experiences imaginable. It’s something that I have thought about on occasion — how it would affect me, the sights I would no longer be able to enjoy except in memory. The vulnerability of it, I’m sure, I would find especially difficult to contend with.

But also being unable to escape to the pages of a book would have a huge impact on me and my ability to deal with such a situation. My favourite refuge would be — without the possibility of learning Braille — out of bounds. Granted, audio books would be a possibility but… the times I’ve listened to them as a sighted person this medium has always struck me as far removed from the act of reading itself. Braille, it seems to me, would be the only replacement I’d find authentic enough.

So — a worthwhile cause, I would say.

“Donations to the campaign can be made via the National Braille Week website or by calling 0300 321 0000.” 

BBC News.

© 2009 Gary William Murning except for quotations.

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