Braille lost his vision at age five due to an accidental eye injury with a stitching awl in his father's workshop.

Braille and other blind children studied in a gloomy former jail. The conditions were harsh, with limited hygiene, food, and strict rules, but they persevered in their learning.

He was buried in Coupvray, his hometown. Delegates from 20+ countries, including President Vincent Auriol, attended his funeral. Later, his remains were moved to the Pantheon in Paris, except for his hands, which remained in Coupvray.