Lego has created a version of its building bricks printed with letters and numbers from the braille alphabet, so blind and partially sighted children can learn to read as they play.
Presented this week at the Sustainable Brands Conference in Paris, the Braille Bricks feature the same number of studs used for individual letters, numbers and symbols in the Braille alphabet.
The bricks, which are compatible with Lego's wider collection, are also printed with standard numbers, symbols and letters. This means that teachers, friends and family members can play along.
Playful approach to learning Braille
There are 250 bricks in total, covering the full alphabet, numbers between zero and nine, and a selection mathematical symbols.
It is hoped that the interactive nature of the design will give children with visual impairments an opportunity to develop new skills. The bricks have the same number of studs used for individual letters and numbers in the Braille alphabet
"Blind and visually impaired children have dreams and aspirations for their future just as sighted children," said John Goodwin, CEO of the LEGO Foundation. "They have the same desire and need to explore the world and socialise through play, but often face involuntary isolation as a consequence of exclusion from activities.
"With this project, we are bringing a playful and inclusive approach to learning Braille to children. I hope children, parents, caregivers, teachers and practitioners worldwide ...