In 2019, the LEGO® Foundation announced a partnership with institutions serving the visually impaired around the world. The initiative offered free kits of special LEGO® bricks with Braille stud patterns. The goal was teaching Braille to children in a fun way. In 2020, the program launched in seven countries. Today, the partnerships span 20 countries. Here in Canada, the LEGO® Foundation partnered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Now, families will be able to bring Braille LEGO® bricks home as well through the Play with Braille kit.
Set Specs:
- NAME: Play with Braille
- SET #: 40656
- THEME: Braille Bricks
- COST: $119.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 287
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: September 1, 2023
- COST/BRICK: $0.418
Looking at the cost/brick, many collectors of standard LEGO® sets probably gasped. Even I did a double take. Based on all the sets I’ve reviewed here at True North Bricks, the average cost/brick for LEGO® bricks in standard sets tends to hover around $0.14 CAD. However, the key word there is standard. Braille bricks are not standard fare and probably require specialized molds that cannot be applied to parts production for standard sets. As such, the high cost/brick is not unexpected. It is a little sad though. These bricks aim to help children with visual impairments learn. I feel like they should be cheaper. After all, the first round of Braille bricks was free. In any case, I am happy to see Play with Braille more widely available. What do you think? Reach out in the comments below or on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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