LEGO launches braille bricks to teach blind and visually impaired children

LEGO is releasing a new product to help blind and visually impaired children learn braille. the LEGO foundation is piloting the program which features ‘LEGO braille bricks’, a line of LEGOs representing a different braille letter or number.

images courtesy of LEGO

LEGO braille bricks will be moulded with studs used for individual letters and numbers in the braille alphabet, while remaining fully compatible with existing bricks. they will also feature printed characters to allow sighted people to read them, encouraging sighted teachers, students and family members to use the bricks together.

the set will include about 250 different pieces featuring the complete braille alphabet, as well as some numbers and math symbols. it will also come with ‘inspiration for teaching and interactive games.’

the concept behind the new product was first proposed to the LEGO foundation in 2011 by the danish association of the blind and again in 2017 by the brazilian-based dorina nowill foundation for the blind. it has since been further shaped in close collaboration among blind associations from denmark, brazil, UK, and norway and the first prototypes are now in those same countries for concept testing.

the product is currently being tested in danish, norwegian, english and portuguese, while the company is testing german, spanish and french later this year. the final kit is expected to launch in 2020 and will be distributed free of charge to select institutions through participating partner networks in the markets where testing is being carried.

project info

company: LEGO

product: braille bricks