January 2023: Braille Literacy Month

WHEREAS, Braille is a system of reading that was created by Louis Braille in 1821 and became an official option for people who are blind or visually impaired to use in 1824; and,

WHEREAS, Braille is a code that enables individuals who are blind or visually impaired to read with their fingertips using a system of six raised dots; and,

WHEREAS, Braille is used all over the world in many different languages; and,

WHEREAS, the Braille system is critical to people who are blind or visually impaired, especially in the workplace and the classroom; and,

WHEREAS, Braille assists individuals who are blind or visually impaired learn about grammar, spelling and punctuation allowing them to engage in a lifetime of learning; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan has several services and resources available to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired to both learn and enhance their Braille skills, including the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons’ Training Center and the Braille and Talking Book Library; and, 

WHEREAS, those services and resources aim to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired achieve employment and independence;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 2023 as Braille Literacy Month in Michigan.