Braille Bricks are currently undergoing testing in schools in Portuguese, Danish, English and Norwegian, while Spanish, French and German versions will be tested later this year.

They will ultimately be distributed free of charge to institutions through the partner organisations.

Philippe Chazal, treasurer of the European Blind Union, said in a statement: “With thousands of audiobooks and computer programs now available, fewer kids are learning to read Braille.”

“This is particularly critical when we know that Braille users often are more independent, have a higher level of education and better employment opportunities,” Chazal continued. “We strongly believe Lego Braille Bricks can help boost the level of interest in learning Braille, so we’re thrilled that the Lego Foundation is making it possible to further this concept and bring it to children around the world.”

David Clarke, director of services at the RNIB, said in a statement that the bricks would “improve education for children with vision impairment and encourage inclusion.”

“Thanks to this innovation, children with vision impairment will be able to learn braille and interact with their friends and classmates in a fun way, using play to encourage creativity while learning to read and write,” Clarke added.

Morten Bonde, the senior art director for the Lego Group who is losing his sight to a genetic eye disorder, said in a statement: “Experiencing reactions from both students and teachers to Lego Braille Bricks has been hugely inspirational and reminded me that the only limitations I will meet in life are those I create in my mind.”

“I am moved to see the impact this product has on developing blind and visually impaired children’s academic confidence and curiosity already in its infant days,” Bonde said.