World Braille Day

  The Inventor of the Braille touch reading system , Louis Braille was Born in 1809.

  WORLD BRAILLE DAY - PRINTED MATERIALS -

  Louis Braille created the tactile writing system known as Braille in the nineteenth century, and it is now a vital resource for those who are blind or visually impaired. Due to the growing digitization of communication , Braille access and use have been severely limited, creating difficulties in daily life, work, and education . This study offers a novel dual-purpose Braille-to-English and English-to-Braille converter that makes use of cutting-edge machine learning and natural language processing methods in order to overcome these obstacles. The proposed method demonstrates a highly reliable and easy-to-use solution, attaining 91.2% accuracy for English-to-Braille conversion and 89.8% accuracy for Braille-to-English translation. It improves translation accuracy by ensuring accurate character mapping and sequence prediction through the use of deep learning-based supervised models . It surpasses existing methods in terms of accuracy, adaptability, and functionality by providi...

Discover how to type using braille directly on your iPhone with Braille Screen Input , an innovative accessibility feature designed for users who are blind or visually impaired. This workshop will guide you through how to set it up, Understand basic finger gestures , and start typing efficiently using braille on a touchscreen . The session will include a presentation with demonstrations , followed by a Q&A for personalized support and discussion. Workshop entitled '' Understanding Braille Screen Input on iPhone ''. Wednesday, January 28, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT. Online / San Diego.

Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed to make everyday shopping easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable for Adults with vision impairment . In this session, we’ll explore a variety of helpful strategies—from organizing, creating shopping lists and identifying products with confidence . Participants will learn about assistive tools and techniques, including smartphone features, accessible apps, labeling techniques, and strategies for communicating with store staff. Workshop " Smart Shopping Tips ." Thursday, January 22, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM PT Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM PT Online / Laguna Hills

Discover how the Apple Watch can support your daily life with accessibility features like Siri , VoiceOver , and Zoom. Learn to navigate, read messages, and check health information using speech and magnification . This workshop includes live demos showing how blind and visually impaired users can make the most of their Apple Watch for independence and convenience. Workshop entitled"  Getting Started with Apple Watch ." Wednesday, January 14, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM PT Online / Anaheim

Join the Workshop entitled '' Getting Started with NVDA Screen Reader '' to Learn how NVDA, a free screen reader, can help you perform common tasks on your PC computer. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT Online / Laguna Hills

Tackle everyday travel anxiety and learn how to plan for a successful outing in this collaborative workshop space. Workshop entitled '' Planning for Safe Travel ." Thursday, January 8, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM PT Online / Santa Barbara

Discover how to use the free Seeing AI app with Siri and VoiceOver. Learn to open and navigate the app, use new Siri commands like “Read” and “Describe,” and explore features that recognize text, people, and objects . A live VoiceOver demo will show how blind and visually impaired users can explore the world more independently with their iPhone. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM PT Workshop:  How to Use Seeing AI with Siri and VoiceOver? Online / Anaheim

Ken Richardson—former President and COO of Hughes Aircraft and author of Sparking Innovation: Lessons to Spur America to Regain Its Lead in Science and Engineering— returns to continue the conversation on how the United States can rekindle its creative and scientific drive. In this second talk, Richardson will be joined by his two grandsons, both professionals working in artificial intelligence , for a lively and  intergenerational discussion  about  how AI is changing innovation, education, and everyday life . This event is open to everyone—library patrons, educators, students, professionals, and lifelong learners alike. Whether you’re curious about technology’s promise or thoughtful about its limits, you’ll find an engaging and thought-provoking exchange . Workshop " A Conversation Continues: Author Ken Richardson with Andrew and David Richardson on Technology, Innovation, and Relevance ." Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PT. Online / Los Angeles.

This workshop provides a brief introduction and overview of what to expect with the upcoming class: A Matter of Balance. Attendees may ask questions or voice their concerns prior to signing up to the program as it will be capped at 12 participants. ‘ A Matter of Balance’ is an evidence-based program designed to help its participants manage falls and increase activity levels while reducing fears alongside others in a small group format . Those who are concerned about falls, interested in improving balance/flexibility/strength, who have fallen in the past, or those who have restricted activities because of falling concerns would be a good match to take part in this workshop to understand whether it is an appropriate fit. Workshop on the " Concerns About Falling? It's a Matter of Balance ." Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM PT. Online / Anaheim

In this 15-minute mini workshop, learn how to turn your iPhone into a digital magnifier to make reading easier. Workshop entitled " Turn Your iPhone Into A Digital Magnifier ". Tuesday, January 20, 2026 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM PT. Online / Anaheim.

Discover the many ways to enjoy books on your computer with tools like BARD Express, Bookshare, and more. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to access a wide range of audio and large-print titles, explore different digital reading platforms, and find the options that best fit your reading needs. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PT Workshop entitled '' From Audio to Large Print: Discover Ways to Read Digitally .'' Online / Los Angeles

Stay up-to-date with the latest innovations in assistive technology designed for individuals with low or no vision. In this interactive online discussion, the group will share news, insights, and practical applications of new tools and devices. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and explore how emerging technologies can support independence and daily living. Workshop entitled '' What’s New In Assistive Technology ''. Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PT. Online / Laguna Hills.

Our New Year, New Chapter workshop series: Stories of Renewal includes four unique workshops united by themes of reflection and reinvention . Each workshop uses a different approach—from interviews to guided conversation and more—to offer fresh perspectives and inspiration for the year ahead. Join us for a discussion of The Late Bloomers' Club and themes of redemption and renewal with author and pastry chef Louise Miller! Workshop " Author Talk: Louise Miller and the Late Bloomers' Club ." Thursday, January 8, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT Online / Los Angeles

Get ready to travel with confidence! This workshop covers the essential tools, technology, and tips every traveler with low or no vision should know before stepping out of the door. Workshop entitled '' Essential Tools and Tips for Independent Travel .'' Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM PT. Online / Los Angeles

Discover the purpose and power of the white cane. A Hands-on interactive workshop designed for individuals with low or no vision, participants will learn how the white cane can enhance safety, boost confidence, and promote independence in everyday trave l. Workshop on " Introduction to the White Cane ''. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM PT Online / Los Angeles

Join us for an engaging online workshop where we’ll explore the latest tools and technology designed to make daily life easier and more independent . From kitchen aids and labeling tools to accessible apps and smart home gadgets, you’ll discover a variety of helpful devices that support greater comfort and convenience. During this interactive virtual session, participants will have the opportunity to see demonstrations, share experiences, and learn which products and technologies best fit their lifestyle and needs—all from the comfort of home. Workshop entitled " Adaptive Tools and Tech for Independent Living ." Workshop Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT Tuesday, March 17, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT

Individuals will learn how the white cane can benefit them no matter if they are low vision or have no vision, and how it can be a helpful tool to travel as safely and independently as possible. Workshop entitled '' White Cane Benefits ''. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM PT Online / Riverside.

  Over  2.2 billion people  worldwide live with visual impairment or blindness . Over 1 billion are forced to live with preventable or treatable conditions, often because they cannot get the care they need. The United Nations General Assembly designated January 4th as  World Braille Day  to advance the human rights of visually impaired people and emphasize the importance of written language in fostering fundamental freedoms. The  Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , adopted in 2006, recognizes Braille as crucial for education, freedom of expression, access to information and social inclusion . The  2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development  reaffirmed the commitment not to leave anyone behind. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined that information in accessible formats like Braille is essential in assuring public health and digital inclusion .

Our New Year, New Chapter workshop series: Stories of Renewal includes four unique workshops united by themes of reflection and reinvention. Each workshop uses a different approach—from interviews to guided conversation and more—to offer fresh perspectives and inspiration for the year ahead. Explore the fascinating history of how we mark the New Year—from the Times Square ball drop and the evolution of the calendar to unique celebrations around the world. Educational Talk: Origins & Traditions of the New Year . Thursday, January 15, 2026 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT. Online / Los Angeles

Discover how adaptive kitchen tools and small appliances can make cooking safer, easier, and more independent. This remote workshop introduces a wide range of accessible kitchen gadgets, tactile aids, and small appliances that simplify meal preparation and everyday cooking tasks. Through live demonstrations and detailed descriptions, participants will learn how to identify, choose, and use tools that match their needs and confidence level in the kitchen . Workshop entitled '' Accessible Kitchen Tools and Small Appliances ." Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT Tuesday, February 10, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT Tuesday, March 10, 2026 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM PT Online / Riverside