The World Blind Union (WBU) and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) invite governments, United Nations agencies, organizations, institutions, professional bodies, educational providers, and individuals around the world to endorse the Global Declaration on Braille Literacy in Education.
Launched jointly by WBU President S.K. Rungta and ICEVI President Susan LaVenture during the 19th Session of the United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CoSP19) in June 2026, the Declaration is a global call to advance braille literacy as a fundamental human right and an essential component of inclusive education.
The Declaration calls on governments, Ministries of Education, legislative bodies, educational institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities, families, professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that learners who are blind or have low vision have equitable access to:
- Quality braille instruction
- Accessible braille learning materials
- Assistive technologies
- Qualified teachers and educational support
It also recognizes the critical role of braille literacy in advancing implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Add Your Voice
We encourage organizations and individuals to endorse the Declaration and join this global movement to strengthen braille literacy and inclusive education.
You can endorse the Declaration by:
- Completing the online endorsement form
- Submitting an endorsement through the ICEVI website
- Sending an endorsement by email to info@icevi.org
When submitting an endorsement by email, please include:
- Name
- Title or position
- Organization affiliation
- Country
- Email address
- Type of endorsement (government, UN agency, organization, institution, individual, etc.)
- Consent to include your name and/or organization in the public list of endorsers
Copies of the Declaration are available in English, French, and Spanish.
Together, we can help ensure that every child, young person, and adult who relies on braille has the opportunity to become literate, participate fully in society, and realize their full potential.
Complete the online endorsement form by following the link:
https://forms.gle/78TkRcSRmtDVMnb56
To learn more, download the Declaration, or submit your endorsement, visit:
https://icevi.org/global-declaration-add-your-voice/