Lifelong LEGO fan highlights impact of Braille Bricks
LEGO 40656 Play with Braille has been available to buy for the public for less than two months, but the impact is already being felt.
Released on September 1, 40656 Play with Braille is currently available in French and English across 11 different countries, with plans to quickly expand into more languages in early 2024. The specially-designed LEGO Bricks fit together just like traditional LEGO elements, but are moulded so that the studs on top reflect individual letters and numbers in the Braille alphabet. They are fully compatible with the LEGO system, encouraging both sighted people and people with visual impairments to play and build together.
One lifelong LEGO fan has done just that. As she told the BBC, 61-year-old Jackie Brown from Maghera, County Londonderry was born blind and has been building LEGO since the age of seven. Now wanting to play with her own young grandchildren, she explained how LEGO Braille Bricks have enabled her to do so.
“LEGO has evolved in a fantastic way since then but back then I was able to feel my way round my LEGO board and through conversation with others I was able to build my own models,” Jackie said. “I’ve never really grown up properly and now that I have my grandchildren, I can continue with them while teaching them what Braille is. I feel proud that we’re able to do that now.
“It’s like therapy and a form of escapism for me. You can feel free and creative with Braille bricks.”
Previously, LEGO Braille Bricks were only available through certain programs, usually affiliated with social programs or schools. Now, however, anyone can buy 40656 Play with Braille for themselves and create an inclusive space for visually-impaired and sighted people to create together.
“LEGO can be whatever you want it to be and that’s the message I like to share. I obviously can’t see the layout or the colours but I get so much out of touch, the build and conversation with friends and family.”
40656 Play with Braille – English is available to buy now for £79.99 in the UK. Click here for details of all the regions and languages.
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