Scriptural publications in Braille by Jehovah’s Witnesses helping the visually impaired sense the light

“This is the publication that I cherish most!  I enjoy reading it very early in the morning when it’s quiet. I don’t need light!” exclaimed Kamande, who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Kamande had previously relied on others to read to him.

Jehovah’s Witnesses offer Braille literature in more than 50 languages, and for more than 100 years, they have been producing Bible-based publications for people who are blind or have limited vision.

As World Braille Day approaches on Jan. 4, many are considering the resources available to people around the world who are blind or have low vision. According to the World Health Organization, this may include some 2.2 billion people. 

In 2022, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was released in Braille in three languages: German, Korean, and Ukrainian. Jehovah’s Witnesses have also produced Braille publications for people throughout Africa. 

“Before receiving my Braille Bible, I could study Bible-based publications by listening to audio recordings or someone directly reading to me,” Kamande explains. His life has drastically changed since he began receiving Bible-based publications in Braille. “I can study by myself. It makes me happy to be able to prepare for our weekly Christian meetings and to share in instructing others.”

All Bibles in Braille are printed at Wallkill, New York, U.S.A., using a Braille embosser. This machine embosses Braille dots onto special paper, which is then collated and bound into volumes that are shipped to the branch offices for distribution. A complete edition of the New World Translation in Braille may comprise over 30 volumes and occupy some two meters (6.6 ft) of shelf space. In addition to the transcribed text, the Bibles and publications include visual aids, such as maps and diagrams, converted into a format that blind people can comprehend. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses also produce a workbook titled “Learn to Read Braille.” The workbook is designed for a sighted person and a blind person to use together. It comes with a kit containing a slate and stylus so that the Braille learner can use the tools to emboss Braille characters. This process can help the Braille learner more easily memorize characters. 

Literature for people who are blind or have low vision is available in several languages in these formats: 

Audio files from the JW Library app and jw.org website. 

Large print. 

Braille. 

Electronic files for notetakers (portable electronic devices with a speech synthesizer and a refreshable Braille display). 

Electronic files for screen readers (computer programs that read audibly whatever is on the monitor).