At the Tactile Reading Conference in Amsterdam, the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) participated actively, reflecting its role as both a convener and influencer in global efforts to advance braille literacy—particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

ICEVI was represented through key presentations delivered by two of its Regional Presidents from Europe and the Pacific. Although presenting in his capacity as Chair of Childhood Visual Impairment at the University of Edinburgh, Professor John Ravenscroft, PhD, shared findings from one of the largest international studies on braille literacy to date. The study, conducted by a global consortium including the Scottish Sensory Centre, Perkins School for the Blind, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), i2Media, and the American Printing House for the Blind, and funded by The LEGO Foundation, explored the educational potential of LEGO Braille Bricks, aligning with ICEVI Europe’s priorities in evidence-based braille education.

Similarly, Dr. Emily H. White, President of ICEVI Pacific and Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, presented in her university role on “Valuing the expertise of braille teachers to create an evidence-based developmental pathway for braille literacy.” While participating under her academic affiliation, her presentation directly contributed to ICEVI’s mission by emphasizing the importance of engaging braille teachers in developing assessment tools and learning progressions to ensure equitable, high-quality education for students with blindness, low vision, deafblindness, and multiple disabilities.