The University of Kelaniya library celebrated World Braille Day on the 11th of January 2023, with an exhibition organized by the Main Library.
The exhibition was open to the university community and showcased the history and importance of Braille and the latest advances in assistive technology for visually impaired personnel.
World Braille Day is an international observance that honors Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system of reading and writing for the blind and the visually impaired. The Braille system has revolutionized how visually impaired people access information and has played a crucial role in their education, literacy, and independence.
The exhibition included interactive displays, Braille books, other materials, and demonstrations of assistive technologies such as Braille printers, embossers, and systems introduced by the library. Visual-impaired students at the university also made a hands-on session on using Braille. The interactive media librarian presented the Braille collection system, audiobook project, and other facilities available in the library for visually impaired students. Additionally, there was a guest lecture session and a workshop on the importance of Braille and the benefits of assistive technology. The exhibition was organized to raise awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and promote the inclusion of Braille in all forms of communication.
Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, graced the occasion as the chief guest, Professor Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar, Mr. Ashoka Weerawardhane, Chairman of the DAISY Lanka Foundation, Ms. Manique Gunaratne, Manager of the Specialized training and disability resource center, Dr. Shyamani Hettiarachchi, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Disability Studies, Ms. Vasantha Padmini, Writer and members of the academic and non-academic staff members and undergraduates participated in this event.
