When considering literacy, LEGO doesn't typically spring to mind. But for blind and visually impaired kids, there's a direct connection. A few years ago, the toy manufacturer launched special bricks to help children aged 6+ learn braille. Instead of the usual patterns of bumps — or studs, in LEGO terminology — the studs on these bricks are arranged to correspond with letters, numbers and symbols in the braille system.
There was one catch: LEGO Braille Bricks were only available to educational institutes. But as Rasmus Løgstrup, LEGO Group Lead Designer for the concept, said: "We've been inundated with thousands of requests to make them more widely available, so we just knew we had to make it happen!" As of 1 September 2023, braille bricks will be available for purchase for the first time for anyone interested in learning to read with their fingers.
Accompanying the rollout is a new feature: LEGO is partnering with Be My Eyes. This free mobile app connects blind and partially sighted people with sighted volunteers or company representatives who can offer visual assistance on request; LEGO customer service agents will use the service to provide live support. A 287-piece 'Play with Braille' set is priced at USD 89.99 and can be pre-ordered in English and French now before launching on 1 September 2023. Italian, German and Spanish versions will follow early next year.
