WELLINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand marked the United Nations' first ever World Braille Day on Friday, raising awareness of the importance of Braille to blind and partially-sighted persons worldwide and its role in enhancing their independence.

"Braille is helping around 700 blind New Zealanders gain greater independence, participation and citizenship through access to written information, learning resources in schools and tertiary facilities," Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni said in a statement.

World Braille Day is celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille. His reading and writing system was developed in the early 1800s and continues to play a significant role in enhancing the independence of people who are blind or have low-vision.

Sepuloni said the government is committed to improving accessibility and the lives of disabled New Zealanders.

In early December, the government signed off on a major accessibility work program, which will explore how to achieve full accessibility for disabled people and all New Zealanders, she said.

In 2018, 36 public sector chief executives signed up to the Accessibility Charter which commits agencies to improving the accessibility of public information and services for disabled people, the minister said.

"We are also making progress towards signing the United Nation's Marrakesh Treaty, which will amend the Copyright Act by making it easier for information in accessible formats such as Braille and Large Print to be shared," she added.

Children who are blind and visually impaired learn Braille through the services and schooling provided by the Blind and Low Vision Network New Zealand, which provides specialist teaching for blind and low vision students across New Zealand from its campus in Auckland, according to the minister.