Lego fosters inclusivity and blends it with play in its new initiative, redesigning the iconic building blocks to host numbers and letters in braille.

The Danish toy company is committed to helping children learn literacy through play. In the hopes to make reading more fun for the visually impaired, Lego has launched a new range of ‘Lego braille bricks,’ hosting braille letters and numbers on top of the coloured building blocks.

Lego’s initiative is one of many the company has spearheaded in recent times, in the aims to bring play and fun to children in need all around the world. Its ‘braille bricks’ set an example of how a company’s products can be used and reimagined to promote inclusivity and show engagement, echoing what Ikea has done in recent times with its blown-up bath toys on the River Thames.

The move follows Lego’s 2018 responsibility report and fits into the business’ efforts to improve its social responsibility programmes. It tails other initiatives the company already has in place, such as the use of sustainable sources for its products, and the drive to support children affected by conflict. Lego has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and its braille building blocks are yet another brick to add to the foundations of its brand reputation.

“Experiencing reactions from both students and teachers to Lego Braille Bricks has been hugely inspirational,” Lego Group senior art director Morten Bonde says, “and it reminded me that the only limitations I will meet in life are those I create in my mind.”

Braille bricks have already been launched in several schools around the UK, and they are currently being tested in Danish, Norwegian, English and Portuguese, with more European languages coming later this year. The new bricks should be introduced to more schools and blindness charities from 2020.

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