When was the last time you saw something written in Braille, other than on an ATM? And even then, did you stop to think how often visually impaired individuals actually use it?

On World Braille Day, it’s time we ask ourselves some uncomfortable but necessary questions: Do we even consider the lives of people who can’t see? Are we doing enough to make their world accessible, or are we just slapping on token gestures to make ourselves feel good?

Here’s the truth: making Egypt inclusive for the visually impaired requires more than awareness—it demands action. Let’s dive into what that looks like.

What Braille Can Do for the Visually Impaired

Braille is more than just raised dots. It’s independence. It’s the ability to read a menu, navigate a street, or even follow a recipe without relying on someone else.

For many visually impaired individuals in Egypt, Braille is their key to accessing a world that often leaves them out.

The problem?

That key is missing from almost every door.

Practical Ways We Can All Do Better

1. Stop Ignoring Accessibility in Public Spaces

Let’s get specific. Elevators should have Braille buttons and audio announcements. Public transport hubs need tactile maps with Braille and raised markers so people can navigate routes independently. Even something as simple as restrooms in malls having Braille signs would be a start.

Think of the daily frustration of not being able to see directions. Now imagine living it.

2. Make Everyday Life Accessible

• Restaurants: Why don’t more places have Braille menus? Eating out shouldn’t mean relying on someone else to read the options aloud. Even now with the QR codes and digital menus, they aren’t formatted in a way that could be easily accessible by a visually impaired person.
• Stores: Labels for prices and products should include Braille. Why is it still acceptable that grocery shopping or retail therapy excludes an entire community?

Small changes like these can make a massive difference.

3. Technology Can Be the Game Changer

• Developers, this one’s for you: Create apps that are screen-reader-friendly or offer Braille compatibility. Think voice assistance for navigation, shopping, or even filing complaints.
• Businesses can invest in Braille-compatible devices like keyboards, printers, or tablets to include visually impaired employees in the workplace.

4. Make Social Media and Websites Accessible

Let’s call ourselves out for a moment—how accessible is El-Shai’s content? Are our posts screen-reader-friendly? Probably not as much as they should be. And mind you, we do make an effort to be as possible as possible, but we still know we’re not 100% there.

Now imagine those who aren’t even considering this?

It’s time for everyone to step up. Use image descriptions, captions, and accessible formatting to ensure everyone can engage with your content.

Why Should You Care?

Here’s the thing: advocating for accessibility isn’t about getting a gold star. It’s about recognizing the humanity in everyone around us.

Being visually impaired isn’t a rare exception—it’s a reality for millions. And when we make changes to include them, we’re not just helping; we’re leveling the playing field.

How You Can Help

1. Advocate for Accessibility: Whether it’s suggesting Braille menus at your favorite restaurant or pushing your workplace to adopt screen-reader-friendly software, your voice matters.
2. Volunteer: Read books for transcription into Braille, help with errands, or simply offer your time at organizations supporting visually impaired people.
3. Start with baby steps: If it’s just as simple as adding full descriptions in your captions so they can audibly hear what your content is saying, that alone is a step in the right direction.

Let’s Stop Pretending Awareness Is Enough

This World Braille Day, don’t just repost an infographic or like a feel-good video. Take action. Speak up. Make changes where you can.

Because the next time you see Braille on an ATM, maybe it shouldn’t be the last time you see it at all.

Let’s ask ourselves—and our communities—how we can do better. The visually impaired don’t need our pity; they need a world designed to include them. It’s their rights, not a favor.