Chinese braille publication exhibit opens in Seattle

An exhibition opened on Monday in downtown Seattle to highlight braille publications in China and exchanges in the field between China and the United States to better serve people with visual disabilities.

The event, known as Chinese and American Braille Publications Exchange Activity, took place at Washington Talking Book & Braille Library and was inaugurated by Secretary of State Kim Wyman of Washington state and President Zhang Wei of the China Braille Press.

It was sponsored by the Information Office of China's State Council, the executive branch of the Chinese government.

Guo Weimin, vice minister of the Information Office of the State Council, joined staff from the China Braille Press at the opening ceremony.

"We have so many historic, cultural and business ties between our two great nations," Ms Wyman told her guests. "Indeed, we gather here today to celebrate one of those ties I mentioned."

She expressed her belief that "members of the public will appreciate the exhibit."

In his remarks, Zhang, whose publication operation serves 17 million people in China, noted that braille publications provide "the basis for those with visual disabilities to obtain equal education opportunities, share the achievements of civilization and fully participate in social life."

The event covers topics such as braille publication in the digital age, interchange and mutual learning, famous blind people in the United States and China, exchanges in braille publication of cultural material.

Danielle Miller, manager at Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, posted a message on the library' s website, saying "this exciting exhibit demonstrates both the importance of braille worldwide and the developing partnerships between China and the United States regarding services for people who are blind or visually impaired." Endi