“Imagine a world where darkness doesn’t diminish opportunity.” This is the world the Ligue Braille strives to create. Founded in 1922, the Ligue Braille is a Belgian non-profit. Its mission is clear to support blind and visually impaired people.
Elisa Michiels and Lambertine Bonjean, both blind, started this journey in 1920. Their initial goal was to create a library for the visually impaired. They began transcribing texts into braille. This small committee grew into the Ligue Braille.
The Ligue Braille’s purpose is to help all blind people. They offer help regardless of race, language, or opinion. The Ligue Braille also runs awareness campaigns. These campaigns educate the public and private sectors. They highlight the specific needs of blind and visually impaired people. Thanks to the Ligue Braille, blind people got reduced public transport fares from 1930. The “Week of the Blind” started in 1948. Now it is known as the “Week of the Ligue Braille”. It informs the public about blindness.
The Ligue Braille offers many services. These services aim to increase the autonomy of visually impaired people. A canine division started in 1933. A social service began in 1936. It assists people with their procedures and provides information. Training services developed in the 1960s. These include vocational training centers.
Initially, the Ligue Braille depended on donations. In 1951, they launched an annual tombola. The tombola profits enabled the first Braille club in 1990. These clubs promote integration through leisure. Various cultural activities occur once a month. Queen Elisabeth recognized the national importance of the Ligue Braille in 1953. She granted it her high patronage.
A foundation was created in 2006. Its role is to support the Ligue’s activities. The Foundation Ligue Braille is recognized for its public benefit. Its goals mirror those of the Ligue Braille. Additionally, it focuses on prevention and supports ophthalmology research. Each year, the Foundation awards prizes. These prizes support the research work of young ophthalmologists.
The Ligue Braille’s head office is in Brussels. However, it also has a presence in other cities. Over one hundred employees work at the Ligue Braille. Many volunteers also help. Together, they assist more than 15,000 visually impaired people.
The Ligue Braille offers several key services. Social services assist people in understanding their situation. They offer advice and support. The Ligue Braille teaches techniques for daily living. People learn to cook, dress, and use household appliances. They also learn braille and typing. This enables them to communicate and use computers. Mobility is crucial. The Ligue Braille teaches people to use white canes and guide dogs.
The Ligue Braille provides access to culture and recreation. Its library offers thousands of audiobooks and braille books. A toy library lends adapted games to visually impaired people. Creative, cultural, and recreational activities take place nationwide. Braille clubs meet monthly for various activities. Cultural events and excursions also take place.
The Braille shop offers many technical aids. These aids simplify life for visually impaired people. They include talking kitchen scales, adapted phones, and braille typewriters. The Ligue Braille also provides information on assistive technology. They advise on how to use these tools.
The Ligue Braille also raises awareness about visual impairment. They advocate for the rights of visually impaired people. The Ligue Braille promotes their integration into society. From its humble beginnings, the Ligue Braille has grown. It continues to champion the rights and inclusion of visually impaired people in Belgium.