Lego Braille Bricks coming next month!

Hannah_Alumni
Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
in Coffee lounge
An article released by the Metro today has revealed Lego's plans for a Lego Set with Braille. 

LEGO lancia i mattoncini Braille per non vedenti foto SmartWorld
[Image above is of the Lego Braille Bricks with the Lego logo and text to say so]

Something many people may not have known. Since 2019, Lego has been providing special free Braille bricks to any educational organisation that requests them. 

Back in 2020, Lego partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The Play with Braille set (Product number; #40656) will be released next month.

It comes with 287 pieces that have specific studs removed on the top. So they can be read like Braille. They also have the letters and symbols printed on them. Meaning sighted children and adults can learn and play too. They may be simple 2 x 4 bricks, but they are fully compatible with the everyday Lego Pieces! There is also a free mobile app called Be My Eyes to help with customer support.
"The idea is to make learning Braille fun and engaging" - said Dave Williams. RNIB's Inclusive Design Ambassador. 
Lego Braille sets will still be provided free to schools and other educational establishments. The commercial product is a result of so many parents asking for it. 

Over to you:

  • What are your thoughts?
  • Is there someone in your life you'd like to buy this for?
  • Would you like this for yourself if you were learning Braille?
Comment below! 

Comments

  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing
    edited September 2023
    Pretty amazing, they look pretty cool too. 

    Accessibility is still a big issue in video games as a comparison. Some companies, like Microsoft/Xbox, are better at it. Even then though, Starfield that is about to release is under Xbox and it's accessibility has been noticeably poor.

    There's one game, A Blind Legend, I have that I've yet to play that has no visual component at all, it's entirely through sound. You play a blind knight searching for their captured wife. I look forward to playing it.

    I love lego, I dislike the price of lego  :'( so if I was to learn braille it would probably be via a cheaper method!

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