Gwangsan District in Gwangju Moves to Enact Ordinance to Promote Braille Culture

Ordinance Proposed by Council Member Jeong Jaebong Passes Committee Review
Braille Guide Signs Encouraged in Public Facilities, Commemorative Events Also Possible

The Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju has initiated the enactment of an ordinance to promote Braille culture, aiming to guarantee information accessibility and cultural rights for people with visual impairments.

According to the Gwangsan District Council on June 16, Jaebong Jeong, a Gwangsan District Council Member (Democratic Party of Korea, Songjeong 1 and 2-dong and six other districts), proposed the "Ordinance on the Promotion of Braille Culture in Gwangsan District." The ordinance passed the review of the Economic and Welfare Committee during the 297th regular session.

Jaebong Jeong, Gwangsan District Council Member.

The ordinance stipulates that documents provided in Braille to people with visual impairments shall have the same legal effect as those in standard print, and prohibits discrimination against the use of Braille. It also requires the district mayor to actively work on improving the environment for Braille use and establishing related policies, encourages the installation of Braille guide signs in public facilities, and allows for budget support for projects by private organizations.

Additionally, the ordinance provides grounds for holding commemorative events every year on November 4, designated as "Korean Braille Day." Council Member Jeong stated, "I hope this ordinance will make a practical contribution to guaranteeing the rights of people with visual impairments and to the spread of Braille culture."