Lego Strives To Make Play Accessible for All: Braille Legos Soon To Be Available In The U.S

Mostly everyone, regardless of their age, is familiar with Legos. Some were obsessed with them as a child, owning every kit and every expansion set; however, some may be unfamiliar with what exactly a Lego is. According to their website, Legos are a series of interlocking plastic blocks that can be assembled to form buildings, characters, vehicles, and other objects.

 

The Lego company was founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1949. Since Lego’s founding, the company has always been at the forefront of the latest trends, whether it’s a hit movie, TV show, or, more recently, the concept of inclusion and universal design.

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You may ask, what is universal design? According to the University of Washington, universal design is the process of creating products accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. Now that we understand the universal design (UD) concept, we can apply it to a new product that the Lego company unveiled in the U.S. on September 1^st of this year. The new innovative product is a Braille Lego Kit. Once it hits the market this Friday, it will bring the world of Legos and basic education to children with visual impairments.

 

The Braille Legos are not a new concept. They are just new to the U.S. market. The idea was first introduced in the U.K. in 2020. The idea behind the UK products was to make them available in educational settings only. The original kits came with 300 pieces with markings corresponding to each Braille alphabet letter. These blocks were originally designed for children between the ages of one and four. However, the researchers quickly saw the product's potential with other groups.

 

After three years of perfecting the product, the Lego Braille blocks will officially go on sale in the US tomorrow. They will retail for approximately $89. This time, the kits will include 226 pieces with the Braille markings on one side and the English equivalent of either a letter or number on the other side so that those who are assisting can easily use the product.

 

In closing, there is no doubt that the steps the Lego company has taken to include a segment of the disability community should be commended. However, although this blog focused on individuals who either have low vision or are blind, I make it my mission to research whether there are other adaptive toys for other segments of the disability community. If anyone reading this can point me in the right direction, I ask that you either leave a comment on this blog with your contact information or email me at jasonhahr@gmail.com. Let’s all use the fourth principle of self-determination, which is responsibility, and remember that we all should give back whenever we can.

 

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed it, along with the other recent posts on this blog. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for a more comprehensive explanation of self-determination.

 

Your friendly neighborhood super advocate

 

Jay

The Power of Disability Advocacy: Making a Difference and Driving Change

I know I have written a lot about disability advocacy I felt it was time for a refresher/ beginner's guide for those who are reading this blog for the first time and do not know much about disability advocacy. I recommend you read this blog first and then sample my other pieces. 

Disability advocacy is a formidable force that has the power to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and drive meaningful change in society. It serves as a catalyst for transforming attitudes, policies, and systems, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable world. In this blog post, we will explore the remarkable power of disability advocacy, highlighting how it makes a difference and drives change at individual, societal, and systemic levels.

Empowering Individuals and Amplifying Voices:

Disability advocacy provides individuals with disabilities a platform to be heard, acknowledged, and valued. It empowers them to advocate for their rights, express their needs and aspirations, and participate fully in society. By amplifying their voices, disability advocacy helps individuals gain confidence, build self-advocacy skills, and assert their rightful place in all aspects of life.

Shattering Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusion:

One of the key roles of disability advocacy is challenging misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding disabilities. Through awareness campaigns, education, and personal stories, disability advocates work tirelessly to dismantle biases, promoting a more accurate and inclusive understanding of disability. By highlighting the diverse abilities and talents of individuals with disabilities, advocacy efforts foster a culture of acceptance, respect, and celebration of differences.

Influencing Policy and Legislation:

Disability advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and legislation that protect the rights and improve the lives of people with disabilities. Advocates work closely with lawmakers, government bodies, and organizations to advocate for the removal of discriminatory practices, the implementation of accessibility standards, and the provision of necessary support services. By driving legislative change, disability advocacy ensures equal opportunities, access to healthcare, education, employment, and independent living for all individuals with disabilities.

Fostering Accessibility and Universal Design:

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of disability advocacy. Advocates work towards creating an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can fully participate. This involves advocating for accessible infrastructure, public spaces, transportation, information and communication technologies, and digital platforms. By promoting universal design principles, disability advocacy not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also creates a more inclusive society that benefits everyone.

Promoting Employment and Economic Independence:

Disability advocates strive to break down employment barriers and promote economic independence for individuals with disabilities. They work with employers to raise awareness about the value of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Through advocacy efforts, job opportunities are created, workplace accommodations are implemented, and discriminatory practices are challenged, fostering an environment of equal employment opportunities and economic empowerment.

The power of disability advocacy cannot be understated. It has the potential to transform lives, challenge societal norms, and drive change at all levels. By empowering individuals, shattering stereotypes, influencing policy, fostering accessibility, and promoting economic independence, disability advocacy paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. It is through collective efforts and the unwavering determination of disability advocates that we can build a world where every person, regardless of ability, is embraced, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive. Let us stand together and continue to harness the power of disability advocacy to make a difference and drive lasting change.

Till next time, Jay.