Louis Braille, born on January 4, 1809, was a French inventor whose revolutionary tactile reading and writing system transformed the lives of blind individuals worldwide. Losing his sight at the age of three due to a childhood accident, Braille developed his eponymous system in 1824, at the age of 15. It enabled the visually impaired to read and write using raised dots, empowering them to engage with literature, education, and everyday life. Braille’s invention remains a beacon of independence and a symbol of resilience. 

Today, over 2.2 billion people suffer from some form of vision impairment, and 43 million are completely blind. With nearly 300 million people experiencing moderate to severe visual impairment, the need for accessible information and communication has never been greater. Braille continues to be a vital tool in bridging this gap, providing the visually impaired with the ability to engage in reading, writing, and education. 

Advertising has become a powerful vehicle for promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about visual impairment. Brands are increasingly integrating Braille into their campaigns, ensuring that accessibility is a central feature. For instance, Savlon’s campaign showcased how Braille can be used on everyday products to make them accessible to all. Additionally, Coca-Cola’s Braille campaign in Argentina promoted inclusivity through tactile labels, while Volvo’s ‘Vision Mate’ ad demonstrated how technology can support the visually impaired in their daily lives. Samsung’s campaign, ‘The Future Looks Brighter for the Visually Impaired,’ highlighted the company’s commitment to creating devices with accessibility in mind. 

As we celebrate Louis Braille’s incredible contribution to the world, let us take a look at some impactful ad campaigns that have embraced Braille, ensuring that the visually impaired are given equal opportunities to engage with the world around them.

Coca-Cola: Braille