Reflecting on Braille Literacy Month: Introduction

by Aaron Preece
Today the Unified English Braille system offers people who are blind (or whose sight exists within the spectrum of blindness) an effective reading and writing system. But the history of braille — which is more than 200 years old — is complex, including a "War of the Dots," international collaboration, and several alterations.

This list covers vocabulary from the introduction.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Introduction, The War of the Dots, Toward a Unified System, The Legacy of Braille
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. braille
    raised writing that can be read by the visually impaired
    Each year, we take this opportunity to reflect on subjects related to braille, either on our blog or, previously, in the January issue of AccessWorld magazine.
  2. quarterly
    of or relating to a period of three months
    Since the spring quarterly issue now comes out in February, this content has moved to the blog, allowing us to continue the tradition of highlighting braille during this special month.
  3. particularly
    to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
    This year, I wanted to focus on the history of braille, particularly how we came to use the system we know today in the United States.
  4. latter
    referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned
    Throughout the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th, there were multiple competing tactile systems vying for dominance in what is often called 'the war of the dots.'
  5. tactile
    of or relating to or proceeding from the sense of touch
    Throughout the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th, there were multiple competing tactile systems vying for dominance in what is often called 'the war of the dots.'
  6. vie
    compete for something
    Throughout the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th, there were multiple competing tactile systems vying for dominance in what is often called 'the war of the dots.'
  7. dominance
    the state when one person or group has power over another
    Throughout the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th, there were multiple competing tactile systems vying for dominance in what is often called 'the war of the dots.'
  8. foundation
    an institution supported by an endowment
    Irwin, who was blind himself, served as the executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) from 1929 to 1949 and was previously the director of research and education for the organization starting in 1923.
  9. firsthand
    received directly from a source
    His firsthand knowledge of the events and the individuals involved makes his account invaluable.
  10. insightful
    exhibiting clear and deep perception
    Revisiting his work reminded me of how insightful and compelling his writing is, offering a rare glimpse into the history of braille literacy.
  11. compelling
    tending to persuade by forcefulness of argument
    Revisiting his work reminded me of how insightful and compelling his writing is, offering a rare glimpse into the history of braille literacy.
  12. literacy
    the ability to read and write
    Revisiting his work reminded me of how insightful and compelling his writing is, offering a rare glimpse into the history of braille literacy.
  13. contribution
    the part played by a person in bringing about a result
    Among Irwin’s many contributions to the blind community are the development of an interpoint braille printing machine, which made books more compact and efficient to produce, and his advocacy for the creation of the talking book.
  14. efficient
    being effective without wasting time, effort, or expense
    Among Irwin’s many contributions to the blind community are the development of an interpoint braille printing machine, which made books more compact and efficient to produce, and his advocacy for the creation of the talking book.
  15. advocacy
    active support of an idea or cause
    Among Irwin’s many contributions to the blind community are the development of an interpoint braille printing machine, which made books more compact and efficient to produce, and his advocacy for the creation of the talking book.
Created on Thu Apr 09 17:29:02 EDT 2026 (updated Tue Apr 14 17:07:12 EDT 2026)

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