Bringing Braille Fun Home: LEGO® Braille Bricks on Sale for the First Time
Today, we're thrilled to share a heartwarming story of inclusivity and innovation that's close to our hearts: the availability of LEGO® Braille Bricks for purchase online at LEGO.com. This exciting development represents a significant milestone in the journey toward more inclusive learning through play.
A Landmark Moment for Inclusive Education
These innovative LEGO Braille Bricks are more than just toys; they're a step towards a more inclusive world. Each brick features both braille and printed letters, numbers, and symbols, making it an engaging tool for learners of all ages. With games designed to captivate and educate, the "LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille" set brings the joy of braille to everyone.
Starting from September 1st, 2023, you can get your hands on these bricks in English and French, with pre-orders kicking off on August 24th. And stay tuned, as additional languages are set to follow next year.
Building a Brighter Future
In Billund, Denmark, where this remarkable journey began, the LEGO Group is making history. The "LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille" set is designed for children aged 6 and up. Its inclusive design ensures that kids, whether they are blind, partially-sighted, or sighted, can embark on a playful exploration of braille within the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones.
A Message of Hope from Martine Abel-Williamson
Martine Abel-Williamson, President of the World Blind Union, shared her thoughts on this groundbreaking initiative: "For blind and partially sighted children, and adults for that matter, it makes all the difference if they can share their journey of learning braille with the people they love the most. For the blind community, braille is not just literacy, it’s our entry to independence and inclusion into this world, and to have LEGO Braille Bricks made available for the wider public is a massive step forward to ensuring more children will want to learn braille in the first place. And because it’s based on a product that so many families already know and love, this is really an invitation for all family members to have fun building tactile skills and getting familiar with braille using the same tool."
From Educational Kits to Family Fun
Until now, LEGO Braille Bricks were distributed exclusively to organizations specializing in the education of children with vision impairment. Since their launch in 2020, feedback from parents, educators, and children has consistently highlighted the positive impact of these bricks. They've transformed the way children with vision impairment learn braille. Inspired by this response, LEGO Braille Bricks - Play with Braille now offers families the chance to enjoy these benefits and develop tactile skills at home.
Building a Brighter Future Brick by Brick
LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille comprises 287 bricks in five vibrant colors: white, yellow, green, red, and blue. These bricks are fully compatible with other LEGO products, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Each brick features studs that correspond to the numbers and letters in the braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter located below the studs.
The set includes two baseplates for building and comes in packaging embossed with braille. To enhance the play experience and support pre-braille skill development, a series of play starters are available on LEGO.com. These starters teach players how to orient, attach, and stack the bricks through beloved games like Rock, Paper, Scissors, ensuring that every family member can join in the fun.
A Partnership with a Vision
The journey of making play more inclusive doesn't end with LEGO Braille Bricks. The LEGO Group has partnered with the free mobile app Be My Eyes, connecting blind and partially sighted individuals with companies for assistance through live video calls. LEGO Customer Service colleagues will provide confidential, live visual assistance through the app, covering various topics, from unboxing to general product support.
A World of Creative Possibilities
LEGO® Audio & Braille Building Instructions, co-developed by entrepreneur Matthew Shifrin, who is blind, will now be a permanent offering. These instructions provide builders with the option of accessing select LEGO building instructions as audio or text for braille readers.
Get Ready to Play and Learn
LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille is priced at $89.99 USD and available for pre-order in English and French versions, with the launch set for September 1st, 2023. Early in 2024, the set will be available in Italian, German, and Spanish versions.
The LEGO Foundation will continue its mission of research and distribution, providing free LEGO Braille Bricks educational kits through partnering with national blindness associations and other organizations.
This is a story of inclusion, hope, and the power of play. It's a reminder that, with creativity and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for everyone.