Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille

Braille is used now in all subjects at the Royal Institute. However, its use has not yet traveled beyond the school. Pignier advocates the alphabet’s use to government officials, but embossing remains the official method of instruction; government officials feel that blind and sighted people should be using the same alphabet.

Braille demonstrates his system at the Paris Exposition of Industry; visitors read books to him or dictate messages, and Braille records what they say and repeats it perfectly. The King of France as well as the government official who had refused to adopt Braille’s alphabet watch his demonstration, but don’t adopt braille as the reading and writing method of choice for the blind.

Braille is praised for his musical talent, often playing at parties which he attends with Pignier’s friends and associates. Braille also plays the organ at Saint Nicholas-des-Champs church for the weekly Sunday service. Braille enjoys playing but resents being pitied or patronized due to his blindness. Braille’s health begins deteriorating, and he is diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Armand Dafua, a more conservative educator, replaces Pignier. He disapproves of and bans the use of Braille’s alphabet.