You don’t have to worry about “do not touch” signs at this new exhibit.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, inventor of the system of reading and writing by touch, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, in collaboration with Canadian National Institute for the Blind, is presenting the exhibition Braille: Knowledge at your Fingertips.
The exhibit provides an opportunity to explore Braille the language, and get to know Braille the person. It allows visitors to compare historical and modern tools such as the last Braille press used by the CNIB and different models of folding mobility canes. Interactive elements of the exhibit include the chance to write your name in Braille and use talking calculators, watches and books designed for the visually impaired.
“This exhibit really gives people a chance to see the types of accommodations that are made so that the visually impaired can participate fully in mainstream society,” said curator Helen Graves Smith.
“We want people to touch the different parts of the exhibit, but we also want them to close their eyes while they do it. It’s hard to know what it’s like to live with vision loss, but here you can develop an increased appreciation.”
The museum is also offering free guided tours for visitors with vision loss, which are designed to introduce them to the museum.
