January Vision Awareness: Why Braille Literacy Month Matters More Than Ever

January is a powerful and meaningful month for the vision community. It brings together two critically important observances—Glaucoma Awareness Month and Braille Literacy Month—both of which focus on protecting vision health, preventing avoidable vision loss, and empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At the Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired (CDCVI), January is a time to educate, advocate, and celebrate tools and knowledge that create independence and opportunity.

This blog explores why Braille Literacy Month is essential, how it connects with glaucoma education—sometimes referred to as Glaucoma Literacy Month—and what individuals, families, and communities can do to support vision health and lifelong learning.

An optometrist in a white lab coat adjusts a trial frame on an elderly man sitting in an exam chair. The man is holding a vision testing card with various symbols, including red and green boxes and crosses. The setting is a bright, modern eye clinic with specialized ophthalmic equipment visible in the foreground and background.

Understanding Braille Literacy Month

Braille Literacy Month is observed every January to honor the birth of Louis Braille and to raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a cornerstone of literacy for people who are blind or visually impaired. While modern technology has introduced screen readers, voice assistants, and audio tools, Braille remains irreplaceable when it comes to true literacy, comprehension, spelling, and independence.

During Braille Literacy Month, organizations like CDCVI emphasize that Braille is not outdated—it is evolving. Digital Braille displays, refreshable Braille readers, and accessible educational tools ensure that Braille continues to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

Why Braille Literacy Still Matters

One of the most concerning statistics in the vision community is that fewer than 10 percent of legally blind Americans are proficient in Braille. This makes Braille Literacy Month more important than ever. Without access to Braille education, individuals experiencing vision loss face greater barriers to employment, education, and independence.

Braille literacy:

·       Supports strong reading and writing skills

·       Improves employment outcomes

·       Builds confidence and independence

·       Enhances academic success for children

·       Strengthens daily living and navigation skills

During Braille Literacy Month, CDCVI works to dispel the myth that audio tools alone are sufficient. Just as listening to audiobooks cannot fully replace reading print for sighted individuals, audio-only solutions cannot replace Braille for those who are blind.

The Connection Between Braille Literacy Month and Vision Health

Vision health and literacy are deeply connected. Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and traumatic eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss, making adaptive literacy tools essential.

That is why January’s dual focus on Braille Literacy Month and glaucoma education—sometimes referred to as Glaucoma Literacy Month—is so impactful. Together, they highlight both prevention and adaptation: protecting sight when possible and empowering independence when vision changes.

Glaucoma Awareness: The Silent Threat to Vision Health

January is also nationally recognized as Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically has no early symptoms and causes irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

A medical illustration titled "GLAUCOMA" showing a cross-section of a human eye to explain the disease process. An arrow points to the front of the eye where the "DRAINAGE CANAL BLOCKED". Another label states, "TOO MUCH FLUID STAYS IN THE EYE THIS INCREASES PRESSURE," shown by a blue-shaded area. Large white arrows labeled "PRESSURE" point toward the back of the eye. A final label on the right notes that "HIGH PRESSURE DAMAGES THE OPTIC NERVE".

Key facts emphasized during Glaucoma Awareness Month include:

·       Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide

·       Vision loss occurs gradually and painlessly

·       Early detection can slow or stop progression

Those at higher risk include:

·       Adults over age 60

·       African Americans over age 40

·       Hispanics

·       Individuals with a family history of glaucoma

·       People with diabetes

Connecting glaucoma education with Braille Literacy Month reinforces an important message: protecting vision health and preparing for vision changes go hand in hand.

Braille as a Tool for Independence After Vision Loss

When individuals experience vision loss, especially later in life due to glaucoma or other eye diseases, learning Braille can feel intimidating. Braille Literacy Month helps normalize and encourage adult Braille education, emphasizing that it is never too late to learn.

Braille supports independence by enabling individuals to:

·       Label medications and household items

·       Read personal mail and documents

·       Manage finances

·       Navigate public spaces

·       Use technology confidently

At CDCVI, Braille instruction is integrated into rehabilitation, vocational training, and independent living programs to ensure clients can maintain dignity and self-sufficiency.

Braille in the Digital Age

A key theme of Braille Literacy Month is showing how Braille remains relevant in modern society. Today’s technology enhances Braille rather than replacing it.

Examples include:

·       Refreshable Braille displays connected to smartphones and computers

·       Digital textbooks in Braille format

·       Braille note-takers for students and professionals

·       Smart devices paired with tactile output

These advancements make Braille more accessible than ever, reinforcing its role in education and employment. Braille Literacy Month celebrates this evolution and encourages investment in adaptive technology.

CDCVI’s Commitment to Braille Literacy

The Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired is home to the largest Braille & Talking Book Library in the world, making CDCVI a national leader in Braille access and education. Since 1988, our mission has been to provide comprehensive services that create hope, opportunity, and independence for blind and visually impaired individuals.

During Braille Literacy Month, CDCVI highlights:

·       Braille instruction for children and adults

·       Vocational training incorporating Braille skills

·       Technology training using digital Braille tools

·       Community education on respectful interaction

Each year, CDCVI serves over 500 individuals, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive despite vision loss.

How You Can Participate in Braille Literacy Month

Braille Literacy Month is not just for educators or individuals with vision impairments—it is a community-wide observance. Everyone can play a role in promoting literacy, accessibility, and vision health.

Ways to participate include:

Spread Awareness

Share information about Braille Literacy Month, glaucoma risks, and vision loss prevention on social media and within your community.

Prioritize Eye Health

Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam, especially if you are at higher risk for glaucoma. Protecting vision health is the first step toward prevention.

An illustration celebrating World Braille Day on January 4th. Two hands are shown from an overhead perspective, with fingers resting on a white rectangular tablet containing rows of raised orange Braille dots. The background is a dark purple color with subtle circular patterns. To the right, the text reads "World BRAILLE DAY" in bold white letters, followed by "January 4th" in a smaller font.

Learn About Braille

Explore online resources, attend workshops, or visit CDCVI to learn how Braille works and why it matters.

Support Vision Organizations

Support organizations like CDCVI that provide Braille education, rehabilitation, and adaptive training for individuals affected by vision loss.

A Month of Awareness, Action, and Empowerment

January’s observance of Braille Literacy Month—alongside glaucoma education and broader vision awareness—underscores a powerful truth: literacy, health, and independence are deeply connected. By promoting early detection of eye disease, protecting vision health, and supporting Braille education, we help ensure that vision loss does not limit opportunity.

At CDCVI, we believe Braille is more than a reading system—it is a gateway to confidence, employment, and lifelong independence. This January, we invite you to join us in celebrating Braille Literacy Month, spreading awareness, and supporting programs that transform lives.

Together, we can protect sights where possible and empower independence where vision changes—this month and year long.