Children and adults who are blind or have low vision in Bougainville will, for the first time, have access to locally produced braille materials, with two new braille embossers handed over to Callan Services by the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership.
Braille is a system of raised dots that people who are blind read with their fingers. Each pattern of dots represents a letter, number or symbol, allowing users to read books, school materials and other documents by touch. The new machines will dramatically expand access to education, information and community participation for people with vision impairment.
Until now, Callan Services relied on a single braille machine, which is no longer functional. Braille materials had to be produced manually, limiting access for students and community members. The new embossers are housed in soundproof cabinets and capable of producing large volumes of braille documents efficiently.
Melissa Tapit, a teacher in Bougainville who teaches visually impaired students, shared her appreciation for the new machines and what they mean for her students, “It is like being a gardener without a tool. You need a tool. But by using braille tiles, the students can learn the alphabet. Today is a dream come true. This will help us with teaching and learning for visually impaired students.”
The initiative builds on Australia’s longstanding partnership with Callan Services, which has included sign language training for village court officials, land mediators, police and people with disability, as well as support to strengthen disability screening services in Bougainville and other provinces.
The addition of braille technology will enhance Callan’s ability to deliver on inclusive justice and education pathways across Bougainville.
Callan Services will also receive braille kits, including paper, styluses and frames, and a free child-friendly software package to continue to enhance their efforts.
This milestone continues Australia's commitment to inclusion across PNG, to ensure all citizens can access the services they need.
ENDS
The braille embossers officially handed over to Callan Services.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100