Braille Timeline

By JoyceMU

  • Reverse Writing on Heavy Paper

    Valentine Hauy developed a system of writing slightly modified letters in reverse on the back of heavy paper, using a metal pin with a rounded tip.

  • First Raised Dot Writing Code Invented

    The first raided dot code for writing was invented by Charles Barbier, an army artillery officer, because he needed a way to read by touch during night maneuvers.

  • Braille Code Devised and Published

    Louise Braille created and published a code based on a series of embossed dots.

  • New York Point Developed

    When schools for the blind in Boston and Philadelphia refused to accept Louise Braille's code, William Wait developed New York Point, which resembles Braille characters turned on their side.

  • American Braille

    Yet another embossed writing code was developed by Joel Smith.

  • Standard English Braille Adopted

    Standard English Braille was finally adopted by the U.S. and Great Britain as the uniform method of reproducing printed material.

  • Unitfied English Braille (UEB) Adopted

    This code was developed to permit the representation of a wide variety of literary and technical material in use in the English speaking world.