Government officials, publishers and library professionals in the US and China gathered on Monday in Seattle to launch a joint exhibit on Chinese braille publications.

They also shared ideas on how the government and community could better serve the visually impaired to increase their inclusion in society and the workforce.

Hosted by the Washington State Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, the event was sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China and organized by the China Braille Press and the China Braille Library.

Guo Weimin, deputy director of the State Council Information Office, attended the opening ceremony with Kim Wyman, secretary of Washington state. China and Washington state have been active in economic and trade exchanges. The Braille-publication exchange will benefit the blind communities in both countries, Guo said.

There are about 17.3 million blind people in China. Braille publication is the cornerstone that supports the blind so that they can receive equal educations, share societal achievements and fully participate in society.

The Chinese government is increasing support for braille publication through legislation and regulations, having implemented the Basic Public Service System and the Opinions on Accelerating the Well-off Processes of the Disabled Persons, according to Guo.

For many thousands of patrons of the WTBBL in person, by mail or online, braille “opens the world of knowledge for people who are blind. It builds literacy and provides a key skill in higher education and employment,” Wyman said at the braille-exhibit launch. “The delegation here today honors us with your presence and your great commitment to bringing an array of services to the visually impaired.”

Braille publication is undergoing profound changes thanks to technology and improving public services. More blind people are enthusiastic about sharing cultural achievements; braille and reading have enhanced their literacy so they are able to receive vocational education, higher education and advanced skills training to find jobs or start their own businesses.

The free exhibit contains a wide range of braille publications in China in the digital age and is open to the public from Sept 22-26; it coincides with the upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Seattle, Everett, Tacoma and Redmond, Washington, this week.

Attendees also can learn about famous blind people in America and China; explore braille creation of cultural materials; and interact with organizations for the blind and groups that serve the blind, said WTBBL Manager Danielle Miller.

The WTBBL display is part of a series of exhibitions that allow attendees to explore through touch, sound and sight. Miller said the exhibit demonstrates “both the importance of braille worldwide and developing partnerships between China and the US regarding services for people who are blind or visually impaired”.

“Over the years, by providing blind-people-oriented, need-based and customized services, braille publication organizations in China and the US have made a great contribution to the growth and success of numerous blind people, and each developed its own unique advantages and service features,” China Braille President Zhang Wei said.

“We will conduct exchanges with peers in the US on topics such as braille publication, audio books and service of braille libraries, and discuss digitalized services for the blind, promotion of reading, volunteer services as well as other relevant subjects with the blind communities and organizations of the blind,” Zhang added.

WTBBL has been recognized nationally as a leader for library services for the blind, said Wyman. “It’s equally clear that from this amazing exhibit and the braille you have donated to the library, that China Braille Press and the Braille Library of China are also great leaders and innovators. What a wonderful partnership,” he added. “Organizations are able to build relationships around shared interests that have nothing to do with geopolitics.”

The exhibit is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, with hours extended until 9 pm on Wednesday. Saturday’s exhibit hours are 10 am to 3 pm.

changjun@chinadailyusa.com