Episode 223 - World Braille Day 2026: A Roundtable Discussion

In honour of World Braille Day 2026, we’re excited to share a special co-release with our friends at the AT Banter Podcast. In this roundtable discussion, Shawn joins a panel of passionate braille advocates, including Jen Jesso and Riane LaPaire, to unpack the current state of braille literacy in Canada and why braille remains essential for access, independence, education, and employment.  Together they explore why braille is literacy, some of the gaps and systemic barriers and challenges still in place when it comes to access, and why awareness, advocacy, and enforcement of braille standards are critical. It's an honest, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately hopeful discussion about what needs to change  and how we can all play a role in ensuring the blind and low vision community has equitable access to literacy. It's an honest discussion about what needs to change and how we can all play a role in ensuring blind and partially sighted people have equitable access to literacy. Show Notes NNELS https://nnels.ca/ PRCVI https://www.prcvi.org/ Braille Literacy Canada http://www.blc-lbc.ca/ Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.