The book "Essay on the Education of the Blind" authored by Valentin Gaya was published in 1786. This is the first work in the world dedicated to the pedagogy of the blind. The author shares his experience in teaching and educating people with visual impairments, reveals the methods and principles of working with such persons. The book opens up new opportunities in the development of ways of teaching people with disabilities and influenced the formation of modern pedagogic methods. Essai sur l'éducation des aveugles is a professional study that paves the way for the development of inclusive education and research in this field.