For immediate release
Friday, 25 February 2022, Braille Lego bricks project.
Blind SA has collaborated with the Lego Foundation of Denmark, to produce the first-ever Braille Lego Bricks in South Africa, these bricks are created specifically for blind and partially sighted children and are fully compatible with existing Lego toys, but are molded with studs that match with Braille letters and numbers, this will aid visually impaired children in learning through play.
As part of this collaboration, Blind SA and other stakeholders went through a nomination process, where a few schools were selected to be part of the piloting of the Lego Braille Brick Project. The selected schools have been contacted and requested to put forward names of 2 to 3 staff members who will then be trained to become trainers in the Lego Brick method. Upon completion of this training, all new trainers will receive a Lego Braille Kit to test in their classrooms. This training will be conducted by WITS University’s Professor Claudine Storbeck in conjunction with the Lego Foundation from Denmark and France.
The Pilot project is kicking off with 30 trainees on Monday, 28 February 2022 at the WITS University Deaf Studies, this is a huge step towards improving the development of blind and partially sighted children in South Africa, through playing.
The Lego Foundation believes that for children to adapt to the ever-changing world, they need to be encouraged to play, this gives them the chance to think, negotiate, adapt to new rules and try again when things do not go according to plan, they believe that children develop essential skills that will last them a lifetime.
Blind SA President, Ntshavheni Netshituni had this to say, “Blind SA is exceedingly excited partnering with the Danish Royal Embassy and the Lego Foundation in introducing the Lego Braille Bricks in South Africa. The lego should be seen as a connector between the blind child and a sighted peer. This ought to be seen as a tool that levels the playing field between the two extremes; the other learner learning by touch, and the other learning by seeing”.
For media queries, please contact, Lebohang Tekela, pr@blindsa.org.za, 069 117 8652
Good Day,
How do I purchase the Braille bricks for my visually impaired son, he attends a cottage school and this would help so much
Dear Chantal, thank you for your enquiry. A member of our Skills Development division will be in touch with you shortly.
Good day, Where can the Braille lego’s be purchased? Do you deliver? Thank you in advance.
Thank you for your query. Our Sales Officer will be in touch with you soon.
Good day I would like to purchase these bricks for my daughter
The braille leggo bricks project has just closed its pilot phase, and is not yet on the market.
I have made a note to let you know when the sets are available for purchase.
Kindest regards.
Jennine Pare
Sales Officer