The LEGO Foundation has been shortlisted for a RNIB [Royal National Institute of Blind People] See Differently Award in recognition of its work to help children with vision impairment learn braille through play.

The company has been shortlisted in the Design for Everyone category. Sponsored by Kellogg’s, this award recognises an individual or organisation that has understood the everyday challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people and has addressed them by showing commitment to accessible and inclusive design.

In 2020, the LEGO Foundation launched LEGO Braille Bricks tool kits in the UK and six other countries around the world. RNIB worked with the LEGO Foundation to develop and test the Braille Bricks, which introduced a new way to help children with vision impairment develop tactile skills and learn the braille system through play.

The kits are made up of approximately 300 LEGO bricks that are specially moulded so the studs on top reflect individual letters and numbers in the braille alphabet. Used in schools and other educational settings, the bricks also feature printed letters, numbers, and symbols so they can be used simultaneously by sighted peers, classmates, and teachers.

To support the use of LEGO Braille Bricks, the LEGO Foundation has produced teaching materials and activities which can be used by teachers with no prior knowledge of braille. The activities grow in complexity as a child develops their skills.

“We are proud that LEGO Braille Bricks has been shortlisted for this award, which is testament to the power of learning through play”

The LEGO Foundation senior play and health specialist Stine Storm

The LEGO Foundation senior play and health specialist Stine Storm said: “We are proud that LEGO Braille Bricks has been shortlisted for this award, which is testament to the power of learning through play. We simply hope that more children will engage in the process of learning braille and via this inclusive concept develop essential life skills to help them thrive and achieve their goals in life.”

RNIB CEO Matt Stringer commented: “The RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate people who are dedicated to making the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people. Our shortlisted national finalists are all brilliant and we wish them the best of luck.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on March 29.

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