The first official World Braille Day was celebrated, on Louis Braille's birthday. This day is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.

Louis Braille died in Paris, France at the age of 43 due to a long-term respiratory illness, likely tuberculosis. This date marks the end of his life, but his legacy continued to grow through the adoption and expansion of his Braille system.